Cape York 2024 Student Immersion
We continue to share the personal reflections and photos from the students who were on last year’s Immersion to Traditional Homelands in Cape York. This week we hope you enjoy the reflection from Sophia Grehan (Year 10) and Sophie Graham (Year 11).
For the previous week’s reflections see here.
Carol Bloomfield
Red Earth Cape York Immersion Reflection by Sophia Grehan (Year 10)
When first hearing about the Cape York Immersion I was overwhelmed with happiness because this was a one in a lifetime experience. I remember saying to my friend ‘this sounds so fun and I would learn so much from this’. The words fun and learn pretty much sums up the whole thing because that’s what you get if you step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself with whatever opportunity comes up as it might be the only time that you will learn about a topic that doesn’t get covered enough in school.
At first, I was a bit nervous about what to expect including meeting new people, travelling to a remote area, and stepping into a completely different way of my everyday life. But I quickly realised that those challenges were what made the experience so rewarding. It pushed me to see things from a new perspective and taught me the value of saying yes to opportunities that might not come around again
From the moment we arrived at Wurrey, meaning “Old Man Fog,” I felt a mix of emotions. The land itself was breathtaking, with limited man-made structures, and an overwhelming sense of peace. Walking on Country with Bernie Hart (Uncle Bernie) and Cheryl Cannon (Auntie Cheryl) allowed us to experience their deep connection to the Land. Uncle Bernie and Auntie Cheryl shared the story of Old Man Fog, a tale that I realised could never be fully understood through a textbook. The story carried a sense of history, culture, and respect for the land that left a lasting impression on me. At Wurrey, we took part in activities that emphasized creativity and connection. One highlight was creating a sign using paint, glue, and shells, a project that reflected the natural beauty and meaning of the homeland. Uncle Bernie and Auntie Cheryl guided us through the process, making sure our work honoured the spirit of the Land. Through this experience, I learned the importance of storytelling, tradition, and sustainable living. Every detail of Wurrey reminded me of the deep respect the Traditional Owners have for their land and their way of life.
As we arrived at Melsonby, we were greeted warmly by Bulla (or Uncle Bulla), Larry Banning (Uncle Laz), Julie McIvor (Auntie Julie), and Denta, as well as a playful group of puppies being trained to protect the land by keeping dingoes out. Melsonby was alive with vibrant colours and energy, offering a landscape that felt both wild and carefully cared for. During our stay, Uncle Bulla, Uncle Laz, Auntie Julie, and Denta shared their extensive knowledge about caring for the Land during the wet and dry seasons. They taught us about seasonal changes, such as which fish are available at certain times and the best fishing methods. We also learned about finding water, conserving it, and how the seasons guide every aspect of life on the land. This understanding deepened my appreciation for the delicate balance required to sustain both people and the environment. At Melsonby, we painted a mural as our group project. The mural captured the stories, colours, and energy of the Land, reflecting what we had learned and experienced. This creative process allowed us to connect not only with the community but also with the Land itself, leaving behind something meaningful.
Through the stories, significant sites, and hands-on activities, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of living in remote communities. Limited access to services such as schools and healthcare highlighted the resilience of the Traditional Owners and their ability to thrive in harmony with their environment.
This immersion taught me the importance of saying yes to opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. It showed me the power of storytelling, creativity, and connection to land and culture. Most importantly, it left me with a renewed appreciation for Indigenous Australia and the responsibility we all share in preserving its history, knowledge, and beauty.
This experience will stay with me forever, reminding me that true learning happens when we open ourselves up to new perspectives and embrace the unknown.
Red Earth Cape York Immersion Reflection by Sophie Graham (Year 11)
The Cape York Immersion challenged my perspective on daily life and forced me to grow as a person. Waking up each morning in the beautiful nature and spirituality of the homelands made me encounter each day with peace, widened perspective and presence. Each day, being able to spend my hours reflecting, journalling encouraged me to find my inner peace and find connection within myself.
During the Immersion each homeland, activity and conversation offered me a new, unique insight into Indigenous culture. At our first homeland, Kalkajaka Homeland, I met Ian. Ian bonded with each student in such a unique wholesome way. Ian would spend the entire day laughing, sharing and connecting with students. He connected us to his homeland through dreamtime stories of Kalkajaka, making damper, trying bush tucker and through excursions to Cooktown Museum, Reconciliation Rocks, and Quarantine Bay. Ian has truly left a significant impact on each student, altering the way we view our life, traditions and cultures.
After saying our heartfelt goodbyes to Ian, we relocated to the Punamanji Homeland. We were introduced to Tim and Elaine, the Elders, and their family. We began working on our community projects at the Punamanji Homeland. I spent days reflecting on Indigenous culture and building a planter for the Traditional Owners. Then we spent nights around the campfire where Tim shared his Dreamtime stories and general life lessons. Elaine taught us about Indigenous medicine, she was so intelligent and insightful. I felt a large sense of achievement at this homeland, after learning and building so much.
I felt such a strong connection, not only with the Traditional Owners and homelands, but also with the girls around me. We became such a close knit, trusting, loving group of friends. On our last night we had a fire with Ian, Tim, Elaine and Ian’s dogs! Watching all the girls talk with each other and the Traditional Owners as if they had known each other for years was truly beautiful.
This immersion gave me not only a great understanding of Indigenous culture, but also a great understanding of the power of connection. I watched us girls build connections with each other, with the homelands, with the owners, with the teachers, with Indigenous culture and within their own soul. I will carry this understanding of connection with me forever, it has truly changed my perspective on life.
