From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Arnhem Land Immersion 2024

RRAMBAŊGI ŊILIMURRU MARŊGITHIRRI (Together we learn)

Over the break I had the very great privilege of once again travelling to Northeast Arnhem Land as part of our Indigenous immersive learning program.  This year we inaugurated a collaboration with three other schools as we deepened the cross-cultural learning. MLC School students and staff joined with staff and students from Redlands School, Melbourne Girls Grammar and Camberwell Girls Grammar on a week long journey to learn about Yolngu culture. We were privileged this year to also be joined by Murrundindi Head man of the Wurundjeri Clan of Melbourne, who was the honored guest of Yolngu elder and Culture College Director Djapirri Mununggirritj. The experience of being welcomed not only onto country but onto the homelands of families is one that has left its mark on us all. We found ourselves embraced by the warmth and kindness of a community who willingly shared with us their culture, the oldest living continuous culture on the planet. It was in many ways a humbling experience as we discovered just how much we don’t know about our country, it’s traditional owners and our shared history.

Our immersion commenced with a welcome to country and a healing workshop with Elders at Gulkula. This was the moment where our girls truly leaned into why they were here and opened themselves up to the experience.  During our time with the community, we visited the Yirrkala Art Centre where we were introduced to Dhuwa and Yirritja the two moiety that maintain balance, harmony, and good health for all of creation. We journeyed to Macassan Beach to learn the history of this community’s connection with the Makassan traders of Sulawesi, a part of our history as a nation that is not taught as part of mainstream curriculum.

The next four days were spent on the Bukudal homeland. Four hours over red dirt roads in 4WDs to emerge at the most pristine of beaches. Sadly, swimming was off the agenda due to the presence of the local wildlife but plenty of fun was to be had kicking the football, sitting around the campfire, playing games with Bella, Justin and Harry, reading books and playing cards and spending time with the family.

We were welcomed by the family in a traditional smoking ceremony before settling into our home for the next few days. Mornings were spent in our classroom learning Yolngu Matha, the language spoken by the people and developing our understanding of Yolngu kinship. Afternoons were an opportunity to take part in painting and jewellery making workshops and spend time with the family. Our sincere thanks to Brayawah, Lurlapungi, Charmaine, Marcia and Owie for all they taught us.

Our Culture College mentors, Alana, Jess, Ethan and KZ were part of what made this experience so special in the way they interacted with the girls and helped them navigate their introduction to Yolngu culture, all the while keeping us safe and managing the logistics of caring for over 30 people in a remote location. They were a joy to work with.

The consensus from the group was this was food was the best camp food ever and for this we must thank the wonderful Bron. Always in the kitchen with a smile on her face and making sure not only was there breakfast, lunch and dinner but ongoing snacks throughout the day. Chocolate pudding done in camp ovens on the open fire was a particular highlight.

Our time at Bukudal ended with a Bungal, were we got to take part in traditional dances around the campfire and learn the about the Morning Star as this is where Bukudal takes its name. As part of the this the students combined to ‘give back’ to the family to show their appreciation of their time on country. This was in the form of a song that they wrote as a group and set to the music of a familiar song. As their teachers we were incredibly proud as we watched the students from the three schools work together to write, rehearse and perform this while we observed from the sidelines.

Before leaving Bukudal were gifted a Yidaki that has been hand painted by members of the family. This will be presented to Ms Moloney as we share our experiences with the rest of the school at assembly.

Our experience concluded with reflection around the campfire at Gulkula. A fitting place to reflect on our week. At the request of Djapirri the song was reprised, this time accompanied by Murrundindi on the Larakitj (didgeridoo), a truly memorable experience for all. As with any group the special moments and deep learnings vary from person to person. For some it was the time to truly disconnect and find a space where it was ok to not be busy, for others it was the chance to connect to culture. I consider it a privilege to continue to be welcomed on country where culture is so still strong.

Our trip was made possible by the incredible team at Culture College Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation, a not-for-profit indigenous corporation and charity. Their vision is to weave Yolŋu and Näpaki (non-Indigenous) together to create balance and instigate change in the story of education. We hope this is just the start of an enduring partnership with them.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

“The essence of contact with Country is missing from education – Culture College allows Yolŋu to learn knowledge while working and walking country, then looking out to Balanda who will be learning from us…Yolŋu the wind in the sails behind Balanda the vessel going back home from this learning experience.”

 – Marcus Mungul Lacey – Culture College Director

Information about the 2025 Arnhem Land Immersion will be available in the coming weeks.

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