Year 8 Indigenous Australian Cultural Tour – East Kimberley
The East Kimberley cultural tour is hosted by Clontarf, based in Kununurra Western Australia. Each year, Scotch College offers a group of Year 8 boys the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and to interact, share and learn from one another. One of the highlights of the trip is the El Questro Station where the boys hike the gorges; exchange personal stories around the campfires and sleep under the night stars in swags.
Below, Middle School Teacher, Brent van Ingen-Kal describes this life-changing experience:
In 2019, we have been fortunate to spend the On-Country day with Clontarf which included visiting the Waringarri Art Museum, listening to stories from the local Elder, a cruise on Lake Argyle and finally enjoying a spectacular Kimberley sunset at Brando’s lookout. Before leaving for Wyndham, the boys’ were treated to a game of footy at 6am, followed by a hearty breakfast at a long table to say their final goodbyes. Full of mixed emotions (leaving new friends and realising just how privileged we are), we set off to meet our new hosts at Wyndham High School. Here, we slept in the school library in swags and the following day, we were treated to an action-packed day including the Wyndham Rock Art Walk, a visit to the Marlgu Billabong, the Diggers Rest, the 5 Rivers Lookout and the Wyndham Jetty. After the morning assembly, we headed out to Yee Ha Rangers Station where the boys were taught to ride horses by the local students. Over an evening barbeque, the boys shared their stories and headed up to the local lookout for their final evening together.
Upon our return to Perth, our boys said that this trip was life changing and that it was the best tour they have ever done.