ATSI (Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander) Program at O'Connor 

Warraymalaya Camp 

A Report From One of Our Year 8 Students

On the 27th to the 30th of April, 12 ATSI students from Year 8, Mr Russell and our AEA’s Kate & Matt made a trip down to Coffs Harbour the Warraymalaya Camp. This annual camp is held by our Diocese for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across the Diocese to develop cultural identity, self esteem and leadership. Also attending camp were ATSI students from Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree and Inverell. 

After settling in and having dinner we had a wonderful Welcome to the Country from local elder Uncle Mark and his son Matt. The theme for Warraymalaya 2021 was “Heal Country”, and after that we went and sat around the campfire and listened to dreaming stories from Uncle Mark and Mat. We were taught Aboriginal words for family and animals, in Uncle Mark and Mat’s language, Gumbaynggirr. 

When we woke the next morning we boarded the bus and went on a cultural tour with Uncle Mark and Matt. We did many activities including bush walking at Bongil Bongil National Park and learning about bush tucker which could be used for medicine and visiting the fish traps at Arrawarra Beach. We learnt so much about traditional culture and language. UncleMark and Matt’s depth of knowledge was incredible and they were so kind in sharing with us.

On the second day of camp we woke extra early and we set off for the beach for surfing lessons. When we arrived it was freezing, but after putting on our wetsuits and getting warmed by the rising sun it turned out to be a fantastic morning. Surfing was challenging at first, it took a couple of goes to eventually stand up, but everyone had a great time. 

After lunch we were really lucky to have a visit from, Mitch Tambo. Mitch starred on Australia’s Got Talent and has gone on to have a successful career in the music industry. His performance was amazing. He played the didgeridoo and sang many songs for us, but he also shared very honestly about his story and road to success. Mitch was a past student from Tamworth who had been to Warraymalaya when he was at school and this made it even more real and special. 

Late that afternoon we split into small groups to do a Commando Course. Most of course was through sticky stinky mud and we needed to work together as a team to get through it. Again it was challenging but great fun and we learnt a lot about working together as a team.

Warraymalaya 2021 was an amazing experience for us all. We had an fantastic time doing all of the activities, meeting new people and learning about culture and language. 

Written by Brienna Naden Year 8.