Language & Culture Program

Kii, Deadly TPS community, biladu-njan wat/how are you all? And in the words of my Yawuru language...Ngaji gurrjin/Hello everyone! We welcome the next season in the ‘8 Wurundjeri seasons in Melbourne’ calendar, ‘Winthoonth Wutanbaj Djumbuna - Regeneration & Women’s Business Season’, which occurs throughout September and October, a time when we can observe and enjoy the many plants in flower. We will end the term, learning about this season.

So far, we have been learning about two other Wurundjeri seasons: ‘Berrentak Darr Karr - Cold West Wind & Artefact-Making Season’ which occurs from Mid-May to the end of July, and ‘Tangbilk Ningak - Morning Frost & Bark Harvest Season’ which occurs throughout August. Unlike the European Seasons of Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring, each Wurundjeri season overlaps and merges into the next - there is no actual beginning and end date. 

Many students enjoyed watching the video which I had posted showing how a bark canoe was made, using traditional methods. If you haven’t seen it, here’s the link:

Students have also been encouraged to continue learning their Woiwurrung, related to the seasons, as well as previously learned vocabulary and phrases,  through the online lessons I have posted. It has been very heartening to hear from students about their interest, enthusiasm and efforts - I have particularly enjoyed receiving videos of their attempts with the language! Ngoon-godjin for both written feedback and the videos! You mob are just too DEADLY!