Last Thursday (25/7), some of the Yo Bendigo team ventured out to Kooyoora Park for a cultural tour with some First Nations students from Eaglehawk Secondary College.

We were warmly welcomed by Aunty Vicky and Paul with a beautiful Smoking Ceremony, and then treated to some captivating stories by Aunty, Paul and Uncle Mark. Uncle Mark definitely spiced things up by bringing some spiced duck jerky for us to try- one student said it was the highlight of their day!

Despite the rain, we went on a trek through Kooyoora Park, listening, learning and enjoying the sights of beautiful Djaara country. We even found ourselves a waterhole with fresh water and drank from it, so the rain worked in our favour in the end!

Almost all of the students said they learnt more about First Nations cultures and now feel more connected to themselves and their culture after the excursion. Thank you to Dumawul for facilitating the day and allowing us to learn and connect on Djaara country.

Written by Chelsea Hill