We got to connect to the land

 


A start to many unforgettable adventures

By Cassidy Hamilton-Smith

The day started early with a 4.30am start to travel to Adelaide Airport and meet up with the rest of the group by 5.45am. Meeting everyone was definitely an unforgettable experience and little did I know that during the 10 days in Darwin it would get so much better. When arriving in Darwin we started our experience with a Welcome to Country where Trent, a local Larrakia man, led a traditional Larrakia ceremony where we had to wash our sweat into the sea. After the welcoming, Trent demonstrated to the group how to throw a spear. It was an intense but fun competition between the girls and guys, with no-one ending up hitting the foam kangaroo.

We made our way back up the beach to some shade from the scorching sun, where we were served some damper and jam for lunch. We split into two groups and my group chose to do the face painting. We were taught how to make natural paints from the different coloured rocks called ochre and were taught the patterns and techniques of painting our skin and the meaning behind it. The groups swapped and we made some music with the clapsticks. Tony, another Larrakia man, played the didgeridoo for us. As part of the playing we had a healing session where we would place the tip of the didgeridoo on our chest and feel the vibration of the music which brought forth emotions and started the healing process. After making our own string and bracelets we thanked Tony and Trent and made our way to the Stoke Hill Wharf where we indulged in some fresh fish and chips from one of the local stores.

The experience was unforgettable, and I could not have asked to spend it any other way. We got to connect to the land in a way that most people will never be able to and I will always cherish it. 



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