Both-Ways Music and Dance Program – Progress Evaluation Report

Abstract

This report presents a formative evaluation of the Both-Ways Music and Dance (BWM&D) Program established in Yirrkala. The program officially commenced in March 2025 and is evaluated in this report until March 2026. The evaluation framework was designed and developed as part of this process. This evaluation was commissioned by Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC). Any factual errors are the responsibility of the authors.

Acknowledgments The evaluation team extends its sincere appreciation to the Both Ways Music and Dance (BWM&D) Steering Committee for their hospitality and guidance, which made this evaluation possible. We also thank Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) for commissioning this evaluation, and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) for funding the BWM&D Program. Our gratitude is further extended to the staff of Yirrkala Bilingual School for their time, support, and the sharing of valuable resources. Special thanks to the BWM&D Delivery team. In particular, we thank Adrian (Adi) Schmidt Mumm and the team at Aboriginal Resource and Development Service (ARDS)/Yolŋu Radio, Peter Reeves, Peter Britto, Francis Diatschenko, and Molly Franzke for ensuring the evaluation was given the best information possible. We also recognise and commend the important work each of them contributes to the program. Finally, we would like to thank all the interviewees for generously sharing their time and experiences with us. We acknowledge this research took place on the unceded land of the Rirratjingu clan and thank Rirratjingu Elders for welcoming us onto your Country. This report was written on the unceded lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.