Caring for Country- An Aboriginal Perspective
16 participants went Bitou Busting with the Bitou Busters at Hawkesnest, then proceeded to a day of Cultural Learning at Yacaaba Headland, Port Stephens.
Is caring for the land the oldest tradition in Australia?
First Australians have actively cared for the land for tens of thousands of years in Australia. It was this amazing living culture that drew our Intrepid Landcare group to spend the day on Country with Worimi Elder Uncle Paul Callaghan and his son Rhys.
After a "Bitou Busting" (also known as weeding Bitou Bush) we stepped through the smoke of a traditional smoking ceremony onto the Yaccabaa sand dunes. Uncle Paul welcomed us to Country in Gathang, the local Worimi language and shared with us his perspective on the importance of caring for the land from a local indigenous perspective. The group walked the headland, learning about local plant uses, traditional practices and local history.
As the sun started to set the group painted up in ochre and created a corroboree circle. Uncle Paul and Rhys stepped us through three traditional dances to pay our respects to a number of local animals, including the Pelican, a friend that we had seen overhead often during the day.
The group was glowing as we stepped off the dunes, feeling hopeful and empowered to continue their journey Caring for Country.
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Summary of day:
16 participants went Bitou Busting with the Bitou Busters at Hawkesnest, then proceeded to a day of Cultural Learning at Yacaaba Headland, Port Stephens.