FAQs

What is GenerationOne?
GenerationOne is a movement to bring ALL Australians together to end the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in one generation - our generation. For more information, go to www.generationone.org.au/about

What is Hands Across Australia?
Hands Across Australia is GenerationOne’s theme song, written by Melinda Schneider and Les Gock and originally recorded by an ensemble of Australian artists: Christine Anu, Brothablack, Kate Dearaugo, Ernie Dingo, Casey Donovan, Shane Edwards, Mark Gable, Adam Hills, Jimmy Little, Tania Major, Eric McCusker, Mindi, Rhys Muldoon, Paulini, Melinda Schneider, Jon Stevens, Jack Thompson, Axel Whitehead, Doug Williams, Tiaan Williams, Ross Wilson, Ursula Yovich, and the Australian Girls Choir. Click here to see the original film clip.

What is the GenerationOne Hands Across Australia School Competition?
The Competition is a chance for all school students in Australia to engage with the aims of GenerationOne by learning Hands Across Australia and submitting a film clip of your performance.

What are the prize categories?
This year, there are three categories that schools can enter to be in the running for cash and prizes.

Outstanding Performance
For schools that perform Hands Across Australia in its original format, using the backing track or their own musical accompaniment, and include an original rap section. The winner of this category will receive $15,000 for their school.
Creative Interpretation
For schools that have taken Hands Across Australia as their inspiration and written their own song (in any style) about Indigenous disparity. The winner of this category will receive $15,000 for their school.
People’s Choice
All entries will also be automatically entered into the People’s Choice category.

What resources do we need?
All schools in Australia have been sent a resource pack with a DVD with everything you need to create your entry. This year we also have some classroom resources available to introduce the issue of Indigenous disparity to your students. All the resources are also available here

What are the tracks for?
There are two tracks – the practice track with the Australian Girls Choir, and the backing track. You can use the practice track to learn Hands Across Australia and you might choose to use the backing track for your performance. Both tracks are downloadable from our website.

What is the rap?
If your school is performing Hands Across Australia in its original format, in the middle section of the song, there is a 9 bar break. Each school has to write and perform their own rap to insert into this break. The rap should address the issue of Indigenous disparity in Australia and can be a unique statement about your school’s stand on this issue.

Do we need to have Indigenous children in our school to be eligible?
No, ALL Australians are encouraged to play a role in ending Indigenous disadvantage in this country.

How many students do we need to participate?
As many or as few as you would like. You may choose to film a handful of students performing in a classroom, or maybe you would like to film your whole school having a sing-along on the oval.

Can more than one group from my school enter?
Yes, but there is a maximum of three entries permitted per school. Each entry must be submitted by a teacher.

What if we don't have a school choir/musical instruments/music teacher?
That’s no problem! Our website has all the resources you’ll need to support you every step of the way – you don’t even need to be able to read music, and you don’t need any musical instruments. You just need a supportive teacher to lead your group through the process. While judges are looking for a musical performance, this only forms one part of what they will look for.

What about copyright - can we photocopy the sheet music and burn the track?

Yes, you are allowed to copy the music and track of Hands Across Australia.

Do we have to have a partnership to enter?
No, but it is strongly encouraged. A ‘partnership’ doesn’t need to be anything formal – it may be working across departments at your school, or reaching out to the local community, or another school to put together your entry. It is a way for you to really consider the opening lyrics “If you help me, and I help you, think of all the things that we can do”. If you have used a partnership for your entry, you need to provide 150 words about this partnership.

What information is required about what our school is currently doing to combat Indigenous disparity?
We are interested to know what action your school community is currently taking to address the issue of Indigenous disparity. For example: Do you have a Reconciliation Action Plan? Do you incorporate study of Indigenous culture into your curriculum? Do you offer scholarships to remote Indigenous students? Do you celebrate Reconciliation or NAIDOC week?

Can we do our own arrangement of Hands Across Australia?
Yes. This year we have included the category 'Creative Interpretation' encouraging you to use the song 'Hands Across Australia' as your inspiration and write your own song that reflects what your school thinks about Indigenous disparity. Just make sure your film clip goes for no longer than 3 minutes.

Does the film need to look really 'professional'?
No! You can film your students performing with a single shoot using a digital camera. Or, if you’re able, you can be more adventurous and edit something more complex. While the judges are looking for an entertaining presentation, this only forms one part of the judging process. Your film can be no longer than 3 minutes, and however you produce it, just make sure your creativity and passion shine through!

What will the judges be looking for?

Outstanding Performace

Calibre of musical performance
Entertaining presentation – the inclusion of creativity, colour and movement will be regarded well.
Creative and thought provoking ‘rap’ – communicating the school’s stance on Indigenous disparity using meaningful or informative lyrics that will inspire action for change.
Your statement of 150 words or less detailing what your school is currently doing to raise awareness and address Indigenous disadvantage.
Your statement of 150 words or less about how you have worked in a partnership to create your entry.

Creative Interpretation

Excellence in creative inter.pretation of Hands Across Australia, including your lyrics and how well they express your school’s stance on the issue of Indigenous disparity.
Entertaining presentation – the inclusion of creativity, colour and movement will be regarded well.
Your statement of 150 words or less detailing what your school is currently doing to raise awareness and address Indigenous disadvantage.
Your statement of 150 words or less about how you have worked in a partnership to create your entry.

Can we use these resources to perform the song for something other than the Hands Across Australia School Competition (school assembly, speech night, community event)?
Yes! By all means, please learn and perform Hands Across Australia in any setting you like, and use the song as a way to start a conversation in your classroom and your community about Indigenous disparity in Australia.

When are the winners announced?
Entries close at 5pm (AEST) on Friday September 23, 2011

Who are the judges?
The winners of the Outstanding Performance and Creative Interpretation will each win $15,000 for their school.

Can you help me with my IT issues?
Submitting your entry is easily done by either uploading your clip, or burning it on a disc and posting it to us. If you are having any IT issues with your entry, we will do everything we can to help you. Please contact us on 1800 216 776 or email generationone@aspagroup.com.au