Drum Up Big takes drumming to remote communities including Coen, Cooktown, Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Hope Vale, Lockhart River, Bamaga, Weipa, Mossman Gorge and Groote Eylandt. Program sponsors include AFL Cape York and Cape PCYC.

“Tara & the Drum Up Big Team, on behalf of the Lockhart River Aboriginal Community I would like to extend a sincere thank you for visiting our community and sharing your skills and knowledge on traditional djembe drumming.
Your workshop not only brought many smiles and enthusiasm to the people, elders, youth and children of Lockhart River, it also brought inspiration, determination, and energy to everyone who participated and observed.

Your workshop provided the children and youth with a rare opportunity to channel their energy into something productive, positive and rewarding. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage youth who normally have very little social input. Your guidance gave them the chance to focus on something entertaining yet productive & rewarding.
It was an excellent team building exercise and was a chance to challenge individual patience and concentration.

We look forward to working with you in the future to create a sustainable drumming workshop lead by local people. Many many thanks, we look forward to your next visit!”

Tara Zaicz
Assistant Director of Community Development
Community Development Mentor
Lockhart River Shire Council

HITnet Program
In June 2009, Tara Tucker from Drum Up Big and African artist Kobya Panguana, facilitated a drumming and song-writing program in Aurukun as part of the University of Queensland's HITnet - Health Interactive Technology Network - Program. The outcome of the program was the song 'Music Ngunk Ir Minh', meaning 'Music is Good For You' in the local language, Wik.

Photos with compliments of the people of Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Lockhart River, Bamaga, Coen and Mossman Gorge communities.

        

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