Indigenous Immersion Camp

Last week, along with other Year 10 students from St Bede’s, we drove down to Balnarring to partake in an Indigenous immersion camp. This camp was a wonderful experience filled with compelling conversations, creative art activities and rich memories. 

Our three days at Saltbush Balnarring Beach were jampacked with activities to learn, understand and ask questions about the Aboriginal culture. Once we settled in, we drove to Willum Warrain, “Home by the Sea” bush nursery, where we met with Uncle Pete and Uncle John. Uncle John shared some vulnerable stories about his journey of self-discovery and how he came to work at Willum Warrain. Uncle Pete shared his knowledge of different languages in the Kulin and Bunurong nations and how separate Indigenous mobs use different elements of their surroundings to welcome guests in their smoking ceremony.

Point Nepean was the highlight of the trip for most, as our guide, the amazingly talented Adam, used Indigenous artifacts to help demonstrate the history and culture of the Bunurong people. His vast knowledge of the area, its plants, people and tools helped us foster a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of the local indigenous community. His knowledge of the Aboriginal people and their history in Melbourne was extensive, and his expertise taught us many valuable lessons. Adam always had an answer to our questions and was happy to discuss any queries we had.    

Adam also ran our art activities where we stencilled diamonds on canvas and painted over them. The diamond represented the wedge-tailed eagle named Bunjil that the Wurundjeri people believed created the land. We were allowed creative freedom to stencil any design around the diamond and some of the canvases were truly amazing. 

On the last day the group took part in some traditional Indigenous dancing. Three  inspiring Aboriginal women showed and taught us how they incorporate  Australia’s natural plants and animals and objects into their dancing. These girls are strong examples of how the Indigenous culture can be shared through song and dance across the nation.

On our way home, we visited Baluk Arts, an Aboriginal Art gallery in Mt Eliza, the only one of its kind in the southeast of the state. We saw a multitude of beautiful, original art made by Aboriginal artists expressing a range of emotions. Some of Adam’s artworks were in the gallery as well, and he kindly explained his thought process and timeline behind each masterpiece. It was fascinating to hear the stories behind his work, and even crazier to find out how quickly he completed some of them.

All in all, this camp was a wonderful experience and we all came back to Melbourne with so much information and many memorable moments. We would like to  thank Adam for his time and knowledge, and Mrs Moloney for organizing an incredible camp. We deeply appreciated our time at Saltbush and will take away many positive things from this experience.  

Taylah Devenport Year 9