Cape York 2024 Student Immersion
We hope you have been enjoying the stories, reflections and photos from our students who travelled to Cape York last year to stay on Indigenous homelands. This week we continue to share recollections from Lily Stafford (Year 11), Chloe Silverton (Year 10), Taylor Mavrakis (Year 10) and Abigail Tattersall (Year 10).
For the previous week’s reflections see here.
Cape York Reflection
Lily Stafford (Year 11)
The Cape York Immersion in 2024 was one that provided me with a new way of living. Every morning, we woke up to a warm sun, followed by enjoying a breakfast with 30 people, where you could talk to someone new every day. The days consisted of slow and peaceful activities of reflection and education. We rarely knew the time and were allowed a break from city life, technology and stress. On this immersion we were involved in many activities that allowed us students to immerse ourselves in Indigenous culture, traditions and knowledge. We were given firsthand experience of how Indigenous people live and work, expanding the limited knowledge one can gain in a classroom.
We began our immersion at the Kalkajaka Homeland. Here we dot painted our hats, learnt about the dream time stories of Kalkajaka, made damper and ate some bush tucker such as green ants. We also went on many excursions with the help our of bush driver Terry. We visited the Cooktown Museum, Reconciliation Rocks, Quarantine Bay. At the bay we went fishing using handlines. Ian, the Traditional Owner, was helping us all to get the right technique and once we caught a fish, he would let us know if it was okay to keep it. This was significant to me as it really showed the sustainability and connection to Country, and if the fish was too small or female, we weren’t allowed to keep it as it could damage the food chain. We also had many fun nights such as a beach BBQ and a talent show which allowed all the girls to connect deeply with each other as well as talk to Ian about his life and learn from him. The second homeland we visited was the Panamuunji Homeland. At this homeland we participated in many activities with Tim and Elaine, the Traditional Owners and Elders of the land. Here we dived into community work, building properly flushing toilets, shifting dirt and making a garden bed which connected to the kitchen wastewater. The community work allowed us to learn new skills, achieve a sense of fulfilment and help Tim and Elaine and their future Red Earth groups. On our last night we had an amazing dinner, where everyone came together, including Ian and his two dogs. This really showed how comfortable and connected everyone had become over the eight days. The new bonds were significant to me as we all went from not really knowing each other to being a big family.
This immersion has given me a deeper understanding of the ways Indigenous Australians. It has put real, in-person examples to all the information we have been taught about Indigenous Australia. Now that I have spent 10 days on Indigenous Country, I feel empowered and inspired to make a difference in our society. To make everyone feel heard and listened to as well as including everyone no matter the race, gender, religion, or background as we are all people. This experience has also given me the qualities to have greater appreciation for the life I live and the amenities I can access. These include hospitals, supermarkets, and schools. From the homelands it can take hours to get to these important places and we take them for granted considering how easily we can access them all.
Overall, this trip was a once in a lifetime experience and I will treasure these memories and experiences forever. This trip allowed me to learn so much about the Traditional Owners’ lives and their daily practices. I am so grateful for this experience.
Chloe Silverton (Year 10)
We were greeted by Auntie Sheryl and Uncle Bernie, the traditional proprietors of Wurrey Homeland in Cape York, who showed us about their wide, gorgeous property, which included a magnificent creek where we could swim every day. We were able to establish a stronger connection with Bernie and Sheryl by hearing their moving tales of their parents and grandparents who were part of the Stolen Generation. Bernie also gave us an overview of bush tucker trees, describing their historical applications and the ways in which their forefathers used them in their daily lives. Sheryl gave us insight into the traditional language that has been passed down through the decades and enhanced our experience by teaching us the Cape York dialect. It was a strong bond with their homeland and cultural legacy.
Uncle Lazza, Uncle Bula, Auntie Denta, and Auntie Julie, our customary owners for the next three days, welcomed us with open arms at Melsonby, our second home in Cape York. We were able to camp under the stars because the area was open and had excellent facilities. A sunset hike to the top of a hill, where we could see every corner of Melsonby as the sun sank in front of us, was one of the most unforgettable moments. During our walks across their territory, Uncle Bula and Uncle Lazza showed us old water holes and bush tucker that their ancestors had once used. Additionally, they displayed ancient rock paintings and discussed how their culture has been influenced by these revered works of art. Auntie Denta would tell us stories about their totems and how their ancestors use them to connect with them over the campfire in the nights. We did a lot in Melsonby, which I really loved, in contrast to Wurrey, where everything moved more slowly. The event strengthened my bond with Australia’s First Nations People, and both homelands were incredible.
The Traditional Owners showed us artifacts and bush tucker used by their ancestors while we explored their property during our stay in Cape York. Uncle Bulla discussed the value of historic rock paintings at Melsonby and how they have reinforced their ties to their ancestry through inherited tales. At Wurrey, Uncle Bernie and Auntie Sheryl showed us around their homeland while describing the customs their ancestors used to make bush tucker. Through totems, the Traditional Owners in both homelands discussed their strong ties to their ancestors, emphasizing the closeness of their culture and family.
To highlight the arrival at Wurrey Homeland, we collaborated with Uncle Bernie to design a sign for the entrance to his property. I got the chance to establish a close relationship with Uncle Bernie while assisting construct the sign by asking him about the meaning of his land. We left our imprint at Melsonby by painting a mural on their water tank that included our handprints, “SCEGGS 2024,” and a rainbow snake encircled by significant Indigenous Australian creatures. To create something unique for the Traditional Owners, our whole yellow crew worked together on both of these projects.
Traveling to Cape York was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, though it was very different from my usual life at home. The area’s remoteness, compared to Sydney, provided a relaxing atmosphere where I could observe how people live on their homelands. Spending 10 days with the same group was challenging at times, but it allowed me to form deeper connections with people I barely knew, especially within my duty group, where we grew close over the course of the trip. Cooking meals was another significant change for me, as I don’t usually make food for myself, but I enjoyed collaborating with my peers to prepare meals for everyone.
We went to Cooktown on one of our trip days, where we divided into two groups to examine the sculptures in the nearby parks and the location where Captain Cook first set foot on shore. Cairns’ azure waters were breathtaking, but we had to be on the lookout for crocodiles that might be in the area. We also had the opportunity to see a stunning waterfall and purchased mementos to commemorate our journey. Swimming in the refreshing water was made even more pleasant by the scorching temperature. All in all, I had a great day exploring and learning more about Cape York with my peers.
My knowledge of Australia’s Indigenous people and their relationship to their land has been greatly influenced by this immersion, which has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hearing the Traditional Owners’ tales and experiences, which emphasized their rich cultural legacy and the close ties they have to their homeland, made me feel incredibly honoured. Their stories offered priceless insight into the difficulties they have encountered and the tenacity they have displayed over the course of their lives. I developed a greater understanding of the value of Australia’s past, not only for the Indigenous populations of Cape York but for all Australians, as I learnt more about their traditions, customs, and the land’s significance.
Taylor Mavrakis (Year 10)
Our journey began at Wurrey, a spacious homeland where we were warmly welcomed by Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl, the Traditional Owners. They shared heartfelt stories about their parents and grandparents, who were part of the Stolen Generations, allowing us to connect on a personal level through meaningful conversations. The highlight of our visit was the big tire swing they had set up for groups like ours, fostering a sense of joy and community. Uncle Bernie taught us how to throw a spear, while Aunty Cheryl provided a language lesson, enriching our understanding of their culture. During a bushwalk, Uncle Bernie shared his knowledge of local trees and their uses, and we even sampled green ants, a traditional food of Indigenous Australians. From the moment we arrived on Wurrey Homeland, I felt a deep connection with both Elders, enveloped in a sense of belonging and warmth.
After our time at Wurrey, we moved to Melsonby land, where Dentra shared her family’s stories, further bridging our connection with the Traditional Owners. All the Traditional Owners are rangers, dedicated to preserving and protecting significant sites, including remarkable rock art. On a bushwalk led by Lazza, we learned about various trees and their uses. Witnessing the breathtaking rock art from both pre- and post-invasion times was truly eye-opening; we engaged with traditional drawings depicting animals, people, and landscapes, allowing us to appreciate the depth of their culture. The contrasting atmospheres of both homelands were evident—Wurrey felt like a calming retreat, while Melsonby buzzed with activities. I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences, grateful for the opportunities to connect with the Traditional Owners and the land.
A standout moment from our immersion was the chance to engage with ancient rock art that told stories from thousands of years ago. We saw depictions of various animals, such as turtles and kangaroos, as well as illustrations of the Endeavour ship from the first fleet, showcasing the impact of invasion on Indigenous land. This experience opened my eyes to the emotions the Traditional Owners might feel regarding their history. Lazza and Dentra recounted a story about a man who painted over the rock art with his own clay designs, only to be killed by a brown snake the following day — a significant totem for Melsonby, underscoring their deep connection to the land and its creatures. In Wurrey, Uncle Bernie kindly shared a documentary featuring his father that focused on the Stolen Generations, providing me with invaluable perspectives on Indigenous experiences.
Life in both homelands offered good local services, including access to clean water and spacious areas for various activities. Based on my interactions with the Traditional Owners and the land, I realised that living in such remote locations would be a significant change from my daily life. Both homelands had nearby schools and shops in Hope Vale and Cooktown, yet accessing healthcare and job opportunities would pose challenges due to the distance required for travel. This experience made me appreciate the resources I often take for granted in my own community.
For our project, we aimed to paint a mural on the rainwater tank in Melsonby. Our first step involved planning our sketches and assigning tasks for different sections and colours. This project required teamwork and communication, resulting in a mural we were all proud of, symbolising our connection to the community. In Wurrey, we created a sign for the homeland, drawing out our design and filling the letters “Wurrey” with shells, each of us adding our names. This collaborative effort took time, but Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl were grateful for the sign, which would serve as a lasting memory of our visit.
Traveling to remote Australia was an adventure. The three-hour plane ride was manageable, though long bus rides followed, often made more enjoyable by frequent breaks. While the roads were generally good, some were quite rocky, resulting in bumpy rides as we journeyed deeper into the country. Our duty groups played a crucial role in organising daily activities, making chores like cooking and cleaning more enjoyable in the company of friends. My favourite role was as a daily leader; although setting up and packing down tents in the blazing sun was tiring, the experience was rewarding. Reflections around the campfire allowed us to share our feelings with Aunty Cheryl and Uncle Bernie, emphasizing how welcomed and safe we felt on their land.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Great Barrier Reef, where we snorkelled at two different locations, marvelling at the vibrant fish, coral, and marine life. The stunning views made it a memorable experience; however, I found that my time in the homelands, connecting with the land and the traditional owners, was ultimately the most impactful part of the journey.
This immersion trip was very eye opening for me and truly enabled me to connect more with the Traditional Owners, land and Australia as a country. I feel like I have gained firsthand perspectives on past significant events which have helped to broaden my perspectives and understandings. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to travel onto this trip, make new connections with Indigenous Australians, teachers and my peers and I truly think it has changed my ways of thinking and made long standing impacts upon my life.
Abigail Tattersall (Year 10)
Last year I spent part of my September/October holidays in Cape York learning about the Indigenous culture and language. We first flew into Cairns and then split up after a few hours on the bus. The group I was in went to Ian’s homeland, Kalkajaka. Ian is the Traditional Owner who welcomed us to his Traditional Homeland. We learnt about his family and the bushtucker around him.
Black Rock Mountain is a 5-minute walk from the campsite, and we went in the early morning to watch the sunrise. The land was beautiful with the flora and fauna surrounding us. It was peaceful and calming but also fun and exciting. I loved spending time with Ian and performing at the talent show.
The second Traditional Owners we visited were Tim and Elaine on Panamuunji Homeland. They were both so kind and welcomed us to the land with a smoking ceremony and on the first night Tim told us about the spooky stories he had experienced or heard about. We learnt about the language from Elaine as we sat in a circle – women only.
For the service part of the trip, we helped make flushing toilets for Tim and Elaine and installed a garden bed next to their outdoor kitchen. My favourite part of the trip would have been the connection I built with friends and what I learned from the Traditional Owners. They were all kind and helped anyone if they needed it.
I have and will continue to pass on my knowledge and understanding of the land and how to take care of it properly. I will use the bushtucker knowledge if I need it and teach people about the stories that were passed onto our group by the Tradition Owners. I loved the stories about their childhood and learning about their life living on the land. This experience was wonderful, and I miss the land’s quietness at night. Though the cold showers weren’t the best, I will always cherish the memories and friendships I made on the trip.
