During April, ten Victorian and South Australian participants visited our Indigenous partners in Barkindji country in Dareton, NSW.
Our Indigenous partner, Dareton Youth and Community Centre, receives support from many churches and individuals around Australia. This opportunity to visit gave the group a further understanding of the local Indigenous community, the Traditional Custodians, and the land the youth centre is on.
Carly Cassidy, our National Church Relationships Manager, and Nick Wight, Indigenous Ministries Australia, lead the group through a formational and educational experience. The journey began with an orientation on Latji Latji country in Mildura, Victoria. Then crossing the river into NSW.
Visiting Dareton was shaped by conversation and time spent travelling the land. “We engaged in cultural awareness training with Aunty Dellice and Uncle Will, participated in storytelling and art sessions with Aunty Sian, and enjoyed a yarning circle, listening to Uncle Brian sing around the campfire.”
Explorations included visiting the youth centre and other sites of importance. “We took off our shoes and stood on Country at the Perry Sandhills, and our visit concluded with a delicious kangaroo stew dinner!” Carly added.
Tiffany shared, “My intellectual understanding [of Aboriginal culture] has become a heart understanding”.
Alison shared, “We listened to some fantastic stories and learned heaps”.
An Indigenous Discovery Visit offers an incredible opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with our partners, with others, with creation, and with one’s own story.
There are two additional opportunities to visit our Indigenous partners scheduled for August and September. See the following on how you can participate: If you would like to experience Indigenous culture, please contact Nick@gmp.org.au or apply for one of our upcoming trips.