On Thursday 15 September the schools of Brewarrina were given a treat with the Sydney Taronga Zoo coming to visit.

Animals of the Dreaming Zoo-mobile is a program that travels around to schools and even elderly facilities to showcase its native animals.

This program is made possible by Brewarrina’s own Elder and local legend, Uncle Colin Hardy who is combining two unique aspects of Australia - native animals and the Dreamtime.  



Kerry Staker and Uncle Colin are both Community Education Officers for Sydney Taronga Zoo.

Uncle Colin sings the Dreamtime songs for the kids while Kerry has the animals to match the song to show the kids.

This is an engaging way for kids to be introduced to culture, music, and our unique and wonderful native animals. 

Colin Hardy and Kerry Staker entertaining in Brewarrina. PHOTO: Urayne Warraweena

“It’s been a real pleasure being in Brewarrina this week because, you know Col’s from Bre and I’ve been working with him for ten years hearing about Brewarrina this whole time," ," said Kerry. "Finally, I got my ticket, my passport to come and visit Bre with him.”  

“It’s been a real pleasure to see the places he’s been talking about and getting to meet the family I have been hearing about all this time.

"And everyone’s been so nice. His sisters have been feeding us every day and his nephew had us stay with him. I’ve felt so welcome here in Brewarrina.” 

ABOVE: Kerry introduces a shingle-back lizard to the Preschool children. PHOTO Urayne Warraweena

BELOW: A patient python also came along on the Zoomobile.

Uncle Colin Hardy is not only a local legend but an Australian Idol.

He was the first Indigenous person to win a Golden guitar Country Music Award at the Tamworth country music festival in the 70’s.

In the 1980’s he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

And then in the early 2000’s he received the Order of Australia medal from the Queen for his contribution to culture and music in Australia.

His home community felt proud and privileged to have such a great man come to visit. 

ABOVE: Children of St Patrick's School Brewarrina