By Georgia Clay
As I lay beneath the vast, star-filled desert sky in Utju, I realised this wasn’t just a trip... it was a chance to see how real change happens.
Through More’s support alongside Jen Lau. This hands-on initiative empowers First Nations youth with skills in nutrition, physical activity, resilience, and cultural strength.
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and learn from a culture that has thrived for thousands of years. I went in with an open mind, ready to make the most of the experience, and what I discovered was both eye-opening and deeply rewarding.
A Little Bit More About Small Change Big Change and Red Dusts Healthy Living Program
Small Change Big Change (SCBC) is all about turning tiny acts into big impact. It’s a national initiative helping young Australians build resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of self. Through partners like Beacon Foundation, ReachOut Australia, and Red Dust, SCBC delivers programs that strengthen mental health, foster identity, and create real connections in an increasingly digital world.
Red Dust’s Healthy Living Program brings learning to life through role models from sport, art, music, and dance. It’s not just about health—it’s about fun, inclusion, and cultural pride. From classrooms to On-Country experiences, kids explore nutrition, physical activity, resilience, and cultural strength in ways that feel engaging and empowering.
A Week in The Life in Utju
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering for a Red Dust trip, consider this your sign. I want to take you through a week in the life so you can get a glimpse of what we experienced. And trust me; this is just a snapshot of everything we packed into the trip. From supporting teachers and aunties with literacy to pitching in with simple tasks like clean-up, we were constantly on the move, learning, helping, and connecting.
Day 1
Our journey began in Alice Springs, where we met the team and boarded a 4WD, driving three hours through the heart of the Northern Territory to Areyonga School in Utju. The vast desert landscape along the way was breathtaking. There were stretches of red earth, rugged ranges, and endless skies unlike anything I had ever seen. Once we arrived at the school, we finally had the chance to catch up, plan the week’s activities, and get to know each other. It set the tone for the week ahead.
Day 2 (Monday)
On our first official school day at Areyonga School, a place that has proudly championed bilingual education for more than 50 years, we started by meeting the teachers and students. It was here that I was given my skin name Napangardi from local elder and long-time educator Tarna Andrews.
In First Nations culture, a skin name is part of a unique kinship system. It is not like a Western surname. It represents family, relationships, and social responsibilities within the community. Skin names are passed down in sequence, not shared with parents or partners, and they play an important role in how people connect and interact. Receiving mine was a special moment and a real privilege.
The rest of the day was filled with creativity and connection. We supported literacy activities, painted, drew, and made music with the kids. At lunchtime we played softball and football together.
Day 3
On this day we introduced an emotional regulation program where children used colours to show how they felt before and after class, then expressed those feelings through dance, music, and movement. Louis, a psychology graduate volunteering with Red Dust, led the session and taught “colour zones” to help identify emotions and support self-regulation.
Soon, word spread that I could braid hair, and I became the go-to stylist for the week, creating fun hairstyles for girls and boys.
Later, the principal discovered my social media background, so I produced videos for the school’s Facebook page, a key channel for donations and community stories. You can check out the content below:
Day 4 Wed
One evening stands out above all: sitting around a fire with the aunties, sharing kangaroo tail and potatoes under a blanket of stars. They sang, danced, and told stories that have been passed down for generations. Witnessing the world’s oldest living culture in practice was humbling and unforgettable.
Day 5 Thurs
On the last night of the trip, we held a community barbecue. The children proudly performed the dance we had been learning, joined by enthusiastic teachers, and the energy was electric. It was heartwarming to see parents beaming with pride as their kids stepped out of their comfort zones, overcame shyness, and showcased their confidence through movement. The joy and sense of achievement in the air made it a truly unforgettable celebration.
Day 6
The final reveal! We unveiled the music installation to the kids and said our final goodbyes before starting the journey home. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. We had built such meaningful connections and could see the impact we’d made, but leaving was hard. As we drove away, I took a moment to reflect on everything I had learned during the trip—the culture, the community, and the power of connection.
What This Trip Taught Me
I went in without expectations, and that was the best decision I could have made. Being present allowed me to truly absorb the experience.
I saw firsthand the challenges remote communities face and the incredible work Red Dust does to provide support and opportunity. Their programs don’t just teach healthy habits; they build confidence, cultural pride, and pathways for young people to thrive.
This trip gave me an extra layer of education beyond what you learn in school. It deepened my understanding of First Nations history and the importance of reconciliation. It reminded me that real impact starts with connection.
The Power of Community—and a Digital Detox
Spending time on Country also taught me the value of disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with nature and the people around me. In a world where we’re always online, this experience was a powerful reminder of what truly matters: people, culture, and community.
Why More Supports Small Change Big Change
More works closely with Small Change Big Change, which partners with charities like Red Dust to deliver programs that strengthen mental health, cultural identity, and resilience for young Australians.
Through our partnership, customers can add just $1 to their monthly bill—and that small change creates a big impact. Every dollar helps fund programs that improve health, open career pathways, and build stronger futures for young people.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support this incredible work, opt in to add a $1 donation to your monthly Tangerine bill. Donated funds go towards supporting programs that change lives. See Terms and Conditions here.
This trip was transformative. I connected with incredible people, learned about the rich culture of the First Australians, and saw the impact of our customers’ generosity in action. To anyone who gets the chance to join a Red Dust trip—take it. It will change you.
