Wendy Notley is the songwriter and producer of the Aunty Wendys Mob CD happy to be me. Wendy is a
non-Aboriginal early childhood trained teacher. Her work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
began in 1990 at Murawina Child Care Centre in Eveleigh Street, Redfern in 1990 and is the inspiration for
Aunty Wendy's Mob.
The songs on the happy to be me CD by Aunty Wendy's Mob are for all children to enjoy, and celebrate
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while educating all children in a fun and playful way. The
songs on the happy to be me CD express the joy and pride that lives strong in Aboriginal children and
reflect contemporary interests and life experiences that all children can relate to.
22 Aboriginal language groups are included in the lyrics. Wendy received permission to include the
Aboriginal language names and words that are in the lyrics of her songs.
Great care was taken to follow correct protocols regarding Aboriginal cultures in the development of
these resources.
"Wendy, or Aunty Wendy as she is known, is respected throughout NSW communities for
her understanding of Aboriginal culture and the sensitive approach she uses in all of her
community consultations"
- NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early Childhood Sector Advisory Group.
Wendy presents her songs at preschools and schools throughout Australia.
The happy to be me series also includes a:
Teacher Resource Book - which contains illustrated actions for the songs, photocopiable activity
sheets, lyrics and extension ideas. This book has been developed in consultation with Aboriginal
educators and Aboriginal education groups from NSW to enable teachers to implement an
Aboriginal perspective into their classroom programs.
Big Book - which provides step-by-step dance actions for ten of the songs on the happy to be me CD.
The simple illustrations help children perform the actions to accompany each of the ten songs. The
big book also contains a large colourful map of Aboriginal Australia to support the activities in
the Teacher Resource Book.
