Phil and Diane Whan founded the Saturday morning gathering at Waratah Park as an safe, nurturing place for both Aboriginal and non-indigenous children and their families. One participant said in the early days, the adults had to de-arm the kids, and the area was a battle zone.

Now it is a joyous child magnet, facilitated by caring adults and parents. On Saturday, there were islands of activities, and platters of fruit for small hands to grab as they ran from a t-ball game, to face painting, to jewellery making and a big space for painters to create masterpieces. Little ones lined up for their chance on the tyre-swing. 

Preston Connors felt Cluster needed to continue as something for the kids.

“Because it’s fabulous. It brings out their personalities. Some of the things that you won’t pick up at home or just at school,” he said.

“But here they’ve got things they can do, different things that they’re good at; their skills.

“Yes, South Side or South Inverell has had its ups and downs, but Cluster has made a difference to a lot of people in the community here, and with wider community.”

Taria Binge has been coming for many years. She said Whans have brought people from Australia, as far as Arnham Land, and overseas to share their stories and languages with the Cluster group. 

She believes the event has engendered a sense of caring and consideration for elders and other children without colour lines.

“When they come here, they know the rules are no swearing and no fighting. We’re not black, we’re not white; we’re all just one mob together. We all look after each other,” Taria said.

“When this goes, I feel for the kids, because there’s nothing on South Side for them.” 

One bright spot might be the interest of Centacare who could access funding to help keep Cluster alive.