Yiramalay was without a doubt, an incredible opportunity, and an eye-opening experience. Over the course of three-weeks, we learned an enormous amount about the traditional owners of Australia and their history, culture, beliefs, and traditions, as well as the struggles and challenges they face.

We had the privilege to experience some of the local culture, a few highlights include taking part in the Welcome to Country ceremony, swimming in numerous beautiful waterholes, lakes, and rivers, painting and carving boab nuts, painting with renowned artist Mervyn Street, visiting the nearby town Fitzroy Crossing, learning a bit of the local language, and most importantly, forming connections with the people, both students and elders, who are a part of the Yiramalay community. This program is one of a kind and gives a new meaning to experiential learning. It was an honour and a privilege to be accepted into Induction 45 and this unique experience is one that I’m sure none of us will ever forget.

Laura Nayman, Induction 45

Day 6, 30 April Induction 45 blog

Today we were visited by two elders from Muludja community on the other side of Fitzroy Crossing. These two old ladies explained the significance of their seasonal calendar and how it is read and used. Marilyn, Susan and Lidialla treated us with their life stories and how they grew up on cattle stations and at mission schools. Then they took us on a walk around the campus and visited the different types of trees and bushes that are useful.

After the seasonal changes session, the elders helped us understand their skin group system which is used in Indigenous society to guide them with who are the right and wrong members of your tribe to marry. They also explained their arranged marriage system, called “promises”. There are 16 different skin groups of both males and females with only specific ones being available to marry each group. We then ended the day by visiting the Yiramalay Spring for a swim.

Daniel Chiba-Lynch and Lewis Duggan, Induction 45

Day 11, 5 May Induction 45 blog

Today we spent a lot of time creating and observing art. In the morning we had a delicious breakfast (I personally really enjoyed the croissants). After breakfast we gathered over at the big tent and were lucky enough to be joined by a renowned artist currently going by the name MS, as a tragedy occurred to a young man in his community who had the same first name as MS, which has meant we are unable to say his name out loud for a respectful mourning period.

MS gave us a painting master class which was very enjoyable. He painted a scenic view of the local landscape accompanied by bush turkeys, which students replicated on their own canvases, some better than others. Afterwards we all walked to the Yiramalay Spring for a swim before we went into town to visit the Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency Aboriginal Corporation. It was amazing to see all the different paintings showcased. Dinner was good and afterwards we played basketball.

Georgie Lam and Bella Sallee, Induction 45

Day 18 May 12 Induction 45 blog

Today was the second last day that the Induction students would be at Yiramalay. This meant that we spent the morning finishing off work in our journals and completing our final reflections which were based on the challenges we had faced and what we had learnt over the past three weeks. After lunch, most people went to the Yiramalay spring for a swim which was a nice way to relax and in the afternoon, there was an opportunity to go horse riding for the last time on our Induction. After dinner, Maddie and I, along with a few other girls played with the toddler, Elsie, until it was time for her to go to bed.

Maddie Goff and Marina Elia, Induction 45

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