Dryandra Day Trip Blog

On Monday 7th of September our team headed out to one of WA’s unique woodland areas, Dryandra, located about 170km South-East of Perth and less than two hours from Perth. 22 year 10 Narrogin Senior High School students who have been involved in the 20-week Rising Leaders Program attended this day trip. The program took place throughout term 2 and 3 led by Liam, Ijah, Tony and Sophie, as well as Narrogin SHS Rising Leaders alumni Chante and Aaliyah. The Rising Leaders program aims to utilise sport, art and other interactive outlets as a vehicle to support the development and engagement of students while at school. As part of the program in Narrogin, our students were treated to an ‘On Country’ day trip to Dryandra which was led by Basil Kickett and other members of his family.?

We were fortunate to have Basil take us to various historic sites, providing a wealth of knowledge about the farms they worked on as young kids and life in the country. Wiilman Nyoongar Maman staff member, Ijah Coyle, said “It is important for us to sit down with our elders to listen and learn Kaartdijin (knowledge) of our history, so our traditions are kept safe and continue over time”. As part of the program, students are given an opportunity to learn about their local country and cultural heritage, as well as learn about Aboriginal Culture more broadly. A key part of this is ensuring our non-Indigenous students gain knowledge into those cultures and beliefs in addition to our Indigenous students. As staff we recognise that significant parts of our Australian history have been overlooked and even falsified in a number of areas regarding our Aboriginal People and the origins of our land. While many?of our students have been learning about the history of our neighbouring countries in great depth, we believe it is important to provide them with opportunities to learn about our own country, our shared history and our Aboriginal culture.

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The day started with a Welcome To Country, followed by a visit to Pumphrey’s Bridge where Basil told some of the local stories related to its Nyoongar people. Of particular interest were the stories about the Falling Stones, a spiritual idea from the ‘Dream Time’ where it was believed that stones would fall from the sky through roves and tents without forming a hole – a fascinating concept for our students. There was?also the opportunity to walk around the beautiful natural surroundings and even the chance to pat an echidna.?

?The students were taken to significant sites including old camping reserves of the Nyoongar People, an old Corroboree known as a traditional Nyoongar meeting place, as well as numerous spiritual sites, before stopping for a traditional Aboriginal feed to end an incredible day. For lunch the students were treated to a bowl of Kangaroo stew and fresh damper prepared by the Kickett family. The day concluded with an informative lesson by Basil on some old Indigenous artefacts including the Boomerang, Spear and Shield which was highly engaging for the students.

The Stephen Michael Foundation would like to thank Basil Kickett for taking the time to explain his?extensive knowledge of his culture and past personal experiences to the Rising Leaders students from Narrogin Senior High School.?