
Loreto Kirribilli Verity Immersion
“Our country belongs to all of us to share and become connected. We all have the right to know, to learn, and to spread across Australia. Our work represents the knowledge that is embedded in our country, that is where our strength and wisdom have come from, and we must understand that cultural education is the main vessel to change… we have to all walk the same path.”
– Mungul Lacey, Culture College Director –
Gululu, the Yolngu term for welcome.
The immersion experience to East Arnhem land in the first week of the school holidays was more than just an adventure to an exotic destination; it was a journey that challenged preconceptions and prejudices, forged friendships, kindness and determination.
The 26 Year 11 students and 6 staff were encouraged to give, grow and lead. We gave with our hands but also with our heart. We grew stronger through physical resilience, but also by developing patience, tolerance and generosity.
The first evening we engaged in a healing ceremony and secret women’s business. The next day we were enlightened by the Yolnu fight for land rights and reconciliation.
Culture College Director – Djapirri Mununggirrit spoke to us around the fire saying “Your heart is like a good soil, and when you gather information and plant in the good soil of your heart, now we can see results. It’s more gathering through your studies, your education, then putting it in your soil no matter who you are.”
This journey was about wading into a world that has been locked away for decades and listening to stories that are seldom heard. As future voters and leaders of this nation, we hope the participants will carry the messages from remote Aboriginal Australia far and wide. It is an unequivocal message that reminds us that life can be brought to places that have been dead for too long, that we can bring hope to the many by bringing a little love to the few who need it most, and that Indigenous and non-Indigenous hands can come together to work towards a common goal.
Please see a reflection from the students below.
Author: Helen Thomas, Director of Mission, Loreto Kirribilli
Student Reflection
Author: Coco and Sophie, Year 11 Verity Immersion 2022