2023 | ISSUE 12 | SJC Newsletter

Nauiyu Daly River Immersion Reflections

We have recently returned from sharing in an unforgettable experience that 12 students had the privilege of being a part of – The Daly River immersion. This trip was not just an opportunity for us to explore the Northern Territory, but it was also a journey of growth, learning, and building of lasting memories.

We would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to our school administration, teachers, and parents for their unwavering support in making this immersion possible. Without their efforts, we would not have had this remarkable experience.

During our eight day journey, we engaged in various educational activities. On the first night we visited Nungalinya College, where we had the opportunity to learn about the importance of culture in kinship, land, ceremonies, and values. This lesson challenged our perspectives and enriched our knowledge regarding life before settlement.

Our next destination was carefully chosen. We set out to the remote First Nations community of Nauiyu, Daly River on the traditional lands of the Malak Malak people. The community has over 450 residents with 10 different language groups. There we discovered a place rich in culture and history.

We spent four days helping out at the school where we connected with the kids and we learnt a lot from them. With most of us never being exposed to their lifestyle it was really eye-opening and rewarding being able to partake in their life for a short time.

We were also fortunate enough to go on an excursion with the students. We spent the day on country on the banks of the Daly in a traditional fishing spot. We made damper, learnt to cook kangaroo tails on coals and got shown up by the locals who were pulling fish out of the water at a rapid rate under the watchful eye of a sunbathing crocodile just down the river.

Immersing ourselves in a new culture was an enlightening aspect of the trip. We had the chance to interact with local community of Nauiyu, taste traditional cuisine in kangaroos, and appreciate the rich heritage of the region.

We were also privileged enough to meet with Miriam Rose twice, a Nauiyu elder and inspiring woman with plenty of stories to tell.

This cross-cultural exchange broadened our perspectives and instilled a sense of empathy and respect for diversity.

Of course, it wasn't all about education and learning. We had our fair share of thrilling adventures and fun activities, such as visiting Litchfield National Park, going to the local markets, and visiting the art gallery and museum. These moments allowed us to unwind, enjoy the beauty of nature, and create memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.

This immersion was not a holiday; it was a transformative experience that has left a lasting impact on each one of us. We return with cherished memories, and newfound knowledge. Once more I would like to thank Ms Zanos, Ms Adams and Mr Smith for taking good care of us up north, and Ms Carthew and Ms Malone for organising the whole trip for us. It was a great experience and I couldn’t recommend it any higher. If an opportunity like this emerges again I insist that all students consider it.

Anthony Serra and Sam Zygmunt 
Year 11 Daly River Immersion Participants