Cape York Conversations

We hope you are enjoying reading the range of reflections about Cape York experiences from the students this week and previous weeks.

Reflections

After returning from Cape York, I have truly been able to appreciate the life changing experience we were able to take part in. We were welcomed into communities with open arms, and they gave us insight into their incredible ways of life. The Elders within each community held so much knowledge about their culture and I feel so lucky I was able to learn about thousand-year-old traditions as well as visit places I would never known existed. At each homeland, Thitharr-warra and Bana, the Traditional Owners welcomed our group and accepted us as part of their families for the duration of our stays.

The Elders of Thithar-warra, Willie and Robbie, taught us so much and shared generations of stories for us to keep alive.They took us to the rainbow sands where they used to go to when they were children, continuing the activities they participated in, sharing a lifetime of memories that we will cherish. On the walk back we collected some jirrimindi (coconuts in their native tongue), Robbie and willie cut them open, and we shared some delicious coconut water and coconut.

At the next homeland of Bana, the Traditional Owners, Horris, Pete and Molly, gave us insight into completely different experiences showing the individuality of Bana’s customs. My highlights while staying on Bana homeland was the yarning circle each night and the beautiful song sung to our group as we left. Each night, our group sat around the campfire with the Traditional Owners, Jonah, Horris, Daniel, Molly and Unca, giving us the privilege to ask questions about their unique culture and their experiences throughout their lifetimes. On our last day on country, we were granted with the experience of being wished goodbye through song in the Bana language by the Traditional Owners. With not a dry eye in sight, everyone felt a special connection to not only the people but to the land itself, and it was the perfect end to a once in a life time experience.

Milla Brown
Year 11

The Cape York immersion was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I had no idea what to expect as I went into it, and honestly, I was a little stressed about the reclusiveness the experience was looking to be.

From the moment we arrived onto the homelands (a day late after two cancelled flights) and met the Traditional Owners, we were continuously learning so much about the Traditional Owners ways of living. From being taught how to make sultana and banana damper, to looking at one of the most incredible Aboriginal rock art caves in all of Australia, I was constantly amazed by the rich culture of Indigenous peoples and the completely different lifestyle they live.

We live controlled by time, constantly on our phones with no connection to the country we live on. Country is everything to the Traditional Owners, and we were so lucky that all the Traditional Owners of Melsonby and Panamuunji shared this deep connection to the land with us throughout the nine days.

I have never been a fan of journalling, so when we were first given our Red Earth journals, I was quite hesitant to start writing, but my journal became an opportunity to reflect on my experiences and record them, and now holds all my memories of the trip. I have deep descriptions of each day, pages of translations to Guuguyimithirr language Elaine taught us at Panamuunji, and many different reflections.

There are many memories that I’m sure I’ll never forget, but one specific memory that stuck with me was from our final night in Panamuunji, when we sat around the campfire in a small circle with Tim. Tim told us deeper stories about his culture and connection to country, his past and life events, and his thoughts on Acknowledgements of Country. He said acknowledging the Traditional Owners of Country is an important part of reconciliation and the least we can do. We also discussed Sydney, travel, and so much more. Out of the whole experience this was probably one of my favourite moments. It made me realise just how important it is to develop deep connections with Traditional Owners to understand their stories.

I am so grateful for Ms Thompson, all the teachers, Emma and Nice our Red Earth leaders and my parents in allowing and encouraging me to go on this immersion. It was truly unforgettable and to any girls contemplating doing an immersion in upcoming years, do it. It will change your life.

Lucy Thomsen
Year 10

In the holidays a group of SCEGGS girls were presented with the opportunity to attend an immersion to Cape York. After being selected to attend the trip, I was both excited and curious about travelling to a foreign place and immersing myself in unfamiliar and new experiences. We were fortunate enough to travel to two different homelands, each providing an abundance of knowledge and stories that continue to resonate with me.

We were fortunate enough to explore the beauty and history of Indigenous land, walking up mountains and swimming in rivers that possessed great cultural significance. This was told through the fascinating stories of the Traditional Owners of the land and they expressed how important it is that these stories are shared, as it magnifies the spirit of indigenous culture that must be kept alive.

We had the opportunity to try new foods (green ants were my favourite) and to learn parts of different Indigenous dialects and familial structures. This cultural immersion was life changing and I hope that many more people receive the opportunity to experience this trip and to pass on the rich history of Indigenous culture.

Camilla Brookes
Year 11