By Taylah Eastwell
Students from across the Cardinia Network of Schools came together on Wednesday July 17 to celebrate indigenous culture, history and achievements as part of NAIDOC Week.
The event was organised by the Cardinia Network of Schools in conjunction with the Cardinia Shire and the Marrung steering committee. The Marrung initiative was established by the Victorian Department of Education and the Victorian Koori community in 2016 to ensure Koori culture is celebrated and to encourage indigenous students to reach their potential.
In what could be a first for any network of schools, 150 Koori students and their school captains from over 20 local primary schools were invited to John Henry Primary School to network whilst taking part in activities reflecting their culture.
The students and family members worked with an Indigenous artist, Aunty Marg, to create a large scale mural which was later split into sections and taken back to be displayed at each of the primary school. Indigenous educator Ron Murray also attended to teach students about Indigenous music and artefacts. He also provided students with traditional experiences by teaching them to play the didgeridoo.
John Henry Primary School’s assistant principal Aaron Bickery said the event was a good chance for kids to come together and commended the schools for their great job in organising the celebrations.
“There’s lots of little schools like Garfield and Bunyip that only have two or three Indigenous students. This is a great way for them to build networks so that they can be successful and experience their traditions and culture,” Mr Bickery said.
He hopes the celebration becomes an annual event.
“Hopefully next year we can look at a bigger venue and get the secondary schools involved as well.”
