Aboriginal entertainer Casey Donovan will head a host of attractions during North Coast TAFE’s Deadly Days Festivals on Birpai land at Wauchope Showground on 4 September and on Bundjalung land at Ballina TAFE Campus on 6 September.

Casey, the youngest ever winner of Australian Idol and winner of an ARIA Award and three Deadly Awards, will share the spotlight with three returning acts: the legendary Troy Cassar-Daley, cheeky and clever comedian and MC Sean Choolburra and the eye-opening, mind-expanding Indigenous Hip-Hop Projects (supported through the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council).

Joining them will be the multi-talented performance group Justice Crew (winner of Australia’s Got Talent in 2010), the unique Indigenous singing duo Microwave Jenny, high energy comedian Kevin Kropinyeri and ageless actress Lillian Crombie, who will be MC for the evening activities.

“The Deadly Days Festival celebrates culture, education and careers,” says the Director, TAFE Services for Community Development and Aboriginal Engagement, Heather McGregor.

“It provides the perfect environment for Aboriginal families and communities, schools, local employers and service providers to explore the great life opportunities available to young Aboriginal people on the North Coast,” says Ms McGregor.

Ms McGregor says that the Deadly Day activities during the day are open to schools and young people who have registered.

“Of course, families and Elders of young Aboriginal participants can also get involved in day activities and  the Deadly Night program is open to the wider community, Aboriginal and non Aboriginal… no registration is required, just come along anytime after 5 pm,” added Ms McGregor.

The Deadly Days and Deadly Nights Festival is hosted by North Coast TAFE and funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) through the Community Festivals for Education Engagement Program.

The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council with Indigenous Hip Hop Projects is implementing the ‘It’s Your Choice, Have a Voice’  campaign to empower and educate Aboriginal adolescents to make informed choices about sexual and reproductive health and understand the negative impacts of alcohol and other drugs misuse on their health.