Year 9 News

The Year 9 Experience 2018

by Anthony Cavanga, Year 9 Coordinator

Early on Tuesday 5 June the intrepid Year 9s amassed at Melbourne airport to escape the coldest start to winter in 30 years and embark on a journey of discovery – of self, of our group and of indigenous cultures.

After touching down in the warm climes of Darwin, we met Denis, our esteemed coach driver and guide for the duration of our trip. Following lunch and a swim at the Darwin Waterfront, we headed to Nightcliff Pool and enjoyed fish and chips as the sun set over the Timor Sea.

We headed towards Litchfield Park and enjoyed two days of short bushwalks and visiting waterholes before turning south past Katherine for three days at the Barunga Festival.

2018 marks the 30th year since the Barunga Statement, a declaration of Aboriginal rights, was presented to then Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, aiming to set in motion a treaty between indigenous and non-indigenous Australia; and whilst we witnessed the speeches from both perspectives, the most powerful moments came through more simple interactions; moments such as kicking a footy and splashing around in the river with young indigenous children and befriending Darren, a young boy from the Barunga community who helped all of us to feel some connection and comfort whilst being far outside our comfort zones. We enjoyed the many indigenous musicians, artists and sportspeople whose amazing skills were on show and celebrated throughout the festival.

We set about packing up our campsite in record time and then were off to meander Katherine Gorge before heading towards Kakadu, touring Yellow Waters at dawn and an indigenous cultural cruise with our guide, Marku, a local from East Arnhem Land who generously shared his knowledge and stories of growing up and learning about the area.

One of the highlights was standing on Ubirr Rock in Kakadu to watch the landscape as the sun went down over the ancient and awe-inspiring scene. The following day we returned to Darwin, excited for having ‘survived’ and somewhat saddened by the approaching conclusion of such a challenging, fun and inspiring adventure.