The significance of the first meeting between Darkinjung and Ngarralingayil Barker will always be remembered. It was the first time that both Indigenous campuses gathered together. Ngarralingayil Barker travelled to Yarramalong for a day of Cultural Games and introductions.

The children were engaged in rotation groups and experienced traditional games. The children played Rob the Nest as the first activity. It was a great way to break the ice. They played with real eggs, so the children were extra gentle! They also played traditional Indigenous games such as Yiri, Kolap, Wana and Mer Kai. All the students made damper the traditional way over a fire. The children mixed their own flour, water and added a pinch of salt and put it on their stick ready to be cooked. We finished the day with a BBQ lunch cooked by our amazing bus drivers Brett, Ian and Keirin.

Jade, Kindergarten – I had so much fun when the Ngarralingayil kids came to visit. I played with Zara. Zara was in my group and she kept laughing when we were trying to cook our damper because mine kept falling off the stick. She helped me put it back on six times.

Storm, Year 4 – It was an amazing day. It took us a long time on the bus, but it was worth it. I loved meeting all the children at Darkinjung Barker, especially the K-2 children. The traditional games were a lot of fun, my favourite was Rob the Nest. I can’t believe Mr Shack let us use real eggs! He told us that they were hard-boiled, they were not! I can’t wait to meet up with Darkinjung Barker again soon.

Kyron, Year 6 – We have been learning about digging sticks, Coolamons, Woomeras and shields that were used in Tribal fights. We held an Emu caller. It is the shape of a digeridoo, but smaller. It was used long ago to call for Emus instead of hunting them. A Woomera is used to throw a spear, it contains SINU which is found in kangaroos and it is dried out and used to tie weapons together. The Bundi is designed to knock an animal out. Some of the weapons are top heavy and are used to knock fruit from trees as well as animals. The battle-axe is designed to be thrown low to hit the animal’s legs to stop them from running.

As two proud Indigenous schools, the children and staff share knowledge, connections and our love of learning. We are so proud of our schools and always show respect to past, present and future custodians of the lands where our schools are located.