Wandarma Local AECG dinner & youth cultural workshop: Term 1, 2025
The first of four Aboriginal community dinners and youth cultural workshops took place this year in March 2025, marking a historic step forward for the Wandarma Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG). Organised in partnership with Walking Together in the Milton Ulladulla District and funded by FRRR, the evening brought together families, school executives and staff, and community leaders in a space of learning, celebration, and cultural connection.
With 30+ children and 40+ adults in attendance, the night was filled with powerful connection, learning, and shared experiences.
Children took part in a youth cultural workshop led by Michael Robinson of Doolagartefacts, which shared boomerang throwing and cultural dance alongside deeper conversations around cultural knowledge and identity, and truth-telling. To learn more from Michael Robinson, check out his Facebook and Instagram.
Meanwhile, the AECG Community Meeting saw unprecedented attendance and engagement, warmly welcoming new parents, and familiar friends including Elders such as Uncle Vic Channell and Uncle Gerry Moore, Ulladulla LALC members, representatives from TAFE and the Dhurga Language Program, and executives from Ulladulla High School, Ulladulla Public School, Budawang School, Milton Public School, TAFE, CUC, Shoalhaven First Nations Film Festival, Yila, Waminda & Walking Together.
Healing & Community-Building
For over a century, Aboriginal families in Ulladulla were forced to hide their cultural practices and language. Seeing Aboriginal children running through their school with boomerangs, singing in Language, and dancing freely was a profound moment.
Looking Ahead
This first event was a resounding success, and Walking Together hopes to secure funding to grow and sustain these gatherings.
With three more dinners and workshops planned for 2025, we give a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to FRRR for their critical support in making this vision a reality. As Wandarma Local AECG continues to grow so does its ability to amplify Aboriginal voices, ensuring stronger representation and advocacy for future generations.
