Adventures in Arnhem Land
William Stumbles (V) shares his reflections on a fascinating immersion into Indigenous culture at Australia’s top end.
During the July holidays, twenty-four boys from Forms III – V and three staff engaged in the Top End Immersion with Red Earth, at two homelands in the Northern Territory. The boys had managed to raise over $3,000 beforehand, going towards supporting the communities and homelands at Menngen and Barrapunta where we stayed, through various bake sales, guessing competitions and other activities.
The boys stayed in Menngen for two nights with Uncle Bill (Bill Yidumduma Harney). Having won land rights in 1999, Bill is the last fully initiated male Wardaman Elder, and an incredible source of Aboriginal culture. He shared stories about Aboriginal art and the Moon-dreaming, fishing techniques, ochre, and burial customs.
Following this, the group journeyed 400km on the Arnhem highway to Barrapunta to stay for three nights. We were welcomed by Alfred Rickson, another Elder of the region. Uncle Alfred shared his knowledge of the land and culture with us, involving activities in spear making, bush walking and bush tucker. Around the campfire Uncle Alfred spoke about Barrapunta and the Dreamtime and we had the opportunity to share our own experiences as well.
A highlight of our time in Barrapunta was helping repaint the kilometre-long airstrip, an essential part of infrastructure for the community that allows emergency services and supplies to reach the area. While we worked, the local rangers arrived via helicopter and showed us some of the equipment they use for hazard reduction burns in the region to help prevent wildfires.
Overall, the trip was an eye-opening experience to learn about Indigenous culture in the Northern Territory. Huge thanks must be given to the staff – Mr NS Parry, Ms L Liu, and Mr JCC Clarke as well as to members of Red Earth, Josh and Tim, and Chief, our bus driver, for their facilitation of the immersion.
Sydney Grammar School
College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: (02) 9332 5800
Edgecliff Preparatory School
Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia
Phone: (02) 9366 0100
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia
Phone: (02) 8302 5200
