Brandy brings fun to Jubullum as first time event organiser

*Let’s eat this (huge) cake. Children at Jubullum. Brandy Torrens-Bell is pictured back left.*

Susanna Freymark

Brandy Torrens-Bell had the opportunity to practise her event management skills at a Beats & Eats event at Jubullum during Reconciliation Week on May 28.

“I want to be doing events by myself,” Brandy said.

The event at Jubullum included a barbecue, mechanical bucking bull, bouncy castle, a popcorn maker and fairy floss machine for the children as well as art and music activities.

*Brandy Torrens-Bell was able to run the event with support.*

“I’ve learned a lot goes on behind the scenes,” Brandy said.

She thanked Suzie Coulston from Kyogle Together, Nan (Auntie Angie), Roxanne from Gungyah Ngallingnee Aboriginal Corporation, and Nan (Auntie Beatrice) from Ngunya Jarjum for supporting her.

*Sheli Nagas listens to Uncle Ernest Hickling do a Welcome to Country.*

Brandy, 25, said people in the community know her and that helped plan and run the event.

Over six weeks, Brandy was mentored by her nans and Suzie to plan and design the event at Jubullum based on what young people and the community said they wanted.

Brandy was a Bonalbo Central School student and went to the Northern Territory to do year 12.

*Children line up for fairy floss at Jubullum.*

Now she’s giving back to her community.

“I want to see more involvement with the youth,” she said.

The event had several community organisations come together, including Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council and Ngullingah Jugun Aboriginal Corporation.

*Uncle Ernest Hickling with a banner he received from his family on his last birthday. Photos: Susanna Freymark*

This event was part of a State Government Youth Opportunities Program.