The Arnhem Land Journey was a profoundly meaningful experience for our Year 9 students, fostering deeper cultural understanding, respect, and connection with First Nations peoples. Through learning directly from Yolŋu Elders and community members, students gained invaluable insights into culture, language, tradition, and ways of seeing the world. As they return home with new perspectives and lasting memories, they carry with them a greater appreciation for the richness of Australia’s First Nations cultures and the importance of listening, learning, and building genuine connections with others.
At the end of Term 2, our Year 9 students embarked on a journey to Northeast Arnhem Land. Held in partnership with Culture College each year, this enriching experience provides our Year 9 students the opportunity to learn with and from First Nations peoples, deepening their cultural understanding while strengthening connection and respect.
Preparation began with Culture College pre-learning in Term 1, equipping students with the knowledge and understanding required for their Midawarr Journey to Arnhem Land. Our Year 9 students welcomed special guest speaker Murrundindi, Wurundjeri Elder and Ngurungaeta (Head Man), who spoke with them about his experiences in Arnhem Land and how best to embrace the stories, the culture, and what to expect upon arrival. The day concluded with students breaking into groups to meet the Culture College leadership team who will be accompanying them on the journey.
Our Year 9 students and staff spoke reflect on their experiences on the camp and what stood out traveling up north.
“Participating in the Arnhem Land trip was a privilege. It reaffirmed that education is about more than knowledge. It’s about identity, connection and creating opportunities that support students to understand and honour the stories and cultures that have shaped this land for thousands of years.” — Carla Granozio, Chief Operations Officer.
Year 9 student Amani shared, “our Year 9 cohort had an amazing opportunity to travel to North East Arnhem Land and learn about Yolngu culture. Two activities that I particularly enjoyed were dancing (bungal) and the healing session. In the dancing class, Mana (shark) group were taught how to dance in traditional Yolngu style. In the healing session, we were drenched in bush medicine which was massaged by the traditional elders into out head and shoulders. This was such calm and relaxing experience and was exciting to be able to witness the making of bush medicine.:
“As a proud first nations student I really appreciated being able to experience more about my culture and learn about other first nations clans.” — Amani Ah Kit, Year 9
Another student, Bella, also loved her experience, saying “Yolŋu culture is so special and breathtaking, we were so lucky to experience it and be welcomed with open arms. Every word and action has a purpose. Everything is valued and appreciated, which is truly inspirational. I pause more and appreciate things that I used to overlook. For example, a tree not only is it beautiful but tree’s help us survive. I learnt Yolŋu Matha, a beautiful and rich language that uses sign language as well as a spoken language.”
“This experience taught me that observing and listening allows you to learn far more than rushing through experiences.” — Bella Year 9
The Arnhem Land Journey is a transformative experience for our Year 9 students, deepening their understanding of First Nations cultures through meaningful connection and shared learning. Guided by Yolŋu Elders and community members, students gain valuable insights into culture, language, tradition and ways of knowing.
Returning home with new perspectives and lasting memories, they leave with a deeper appreciation for the richness of Australia’s First Nations cultures and the importance of listening, learning and building respectful relationships.
To learn more about the program, visit the Culture College website.
