Rebeccah’s musical journey
With its graffiti art-covered walls, Adelaide’s west end is a colourful place. But to those who live there, it’s a lot more colourful thanks to proud Tolai woman Rebeccah.
Always dressed in a hip-hop themed t-shirt to match her mood Rebeccah has lived a very colourful life - and continues to do so. While often clad in bright clothes to match her brightly painted street, it’s Rebeccah’s broad smile, sincere warmth and infectious personality that make her stand out. Everyone seems to have a kind word to share about her, and she seems to know almost everyone - even the Lord Mayor. Rebeccah runs South Australian hip-hop Instagram account @Thelementadl , performs Acknowledgement of Country at local hip-hop events, is learning to DJ - with a few gigs under her belt - and this year hosted a multilingual hip-hop event called ‘Say What?’ “Hip-hop is incredible – everyone is in a crowd united for one thing. Plus, it’s a way to express myself – especially using lyrical metaphors.” Rebeccah has only recently been able to pursue her passion for hip-hop music. It was on hold for a long time, while she focused on her son and embarked on a long healing process due to a traumatic childhood and life challenges.
“I am where I’m meant to be planted and I don’t actually ever want to leave this community. I had a vision where I wanted to live here, but I had to do the work to get here.” When there’s a community event organised by the Housing Choices South Australia Inclusive Communities team, you are likely to find Rebeccah participating. “I love that the Inclusive Communities team are real people with real lives. And I see their role as just helping me get out to any event they can, keeping me engaged.” Rebeccah was instrumental in helping the ground floor of our Common Ground Mellor Street apartment building, now known as Wauwi Inparrila , become a community space. Rebeccah contributed in many ways, from painting walls to singing at the launch. “I’m in my element at the moment – I get strength from my hip-hop community and my community housing community.”
“I have done a lot of big courageous healing work to get where I am today.”
“I have done a lot of big courageous healing work to get where I am today.”
Outside of hip-hop, Rebeccah has also used her lived experience to help others – she was integral in establishing the Create Foundation in South Australia – a national body representing the voices of children and young people with an out-of-home care experience.
55
Annual Report 2022-23
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator