Guided By Elders – Deadly Culture Day
Guided By Elders – Deadly Culture Day
Culture is carried, strengthened, and passed forward through connection. Elders guiding young people, stories moving between generations, and communities gathering to celebrate identity all help culture grow.
During National Reconciliation Week, this spirit of cultural sharing shaped The Song Room’s Guided By Elders – Deadly Culture Day, where around 80 Aboriginal students from four Mt Druitt public schools came together at the Kimberwalli Centre for Excellence for a powerful day of learning and pride.
Led by respected local Elders and cultural educators, the event created a culturally safe space for students to deepen their knowledge, practise traditional skills, and connect with one another through dance, didgeridoo, storytelling, weaving, and shared reflection. What unfolded was more than a celebration. It was an affirmation of the strength of culture, the importance of intergenerational learning, and the resilience of communities who continue to keep cultural practices alive for future generations.
Guided By Elders – Deadly Culture Day showed how culture grows stronger when it is shared, honoured, and lived together. It brought students, schools, families, and community organisations into one collective moment of pride, reminding us that cultural knowledge is not only taught, it is held, nurtured, and passed on with care.
A Journey Guided by Knowledge Holders
The event was the ultimate culmination of a series of previous cultural learning sessions delivered within each school setting though The Song Room. Uncle Colly Watego (Bundjalung, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander and Cultural Liaison Officer at The Song Room) was instrumental in shaping the cultural vision for the day, guiding the planning and coordination of each element with care, clarity and deep cultural knowledge. His leadership brought the event together in a way that honoured community, strengthened connection and ensured every moment reflected culture with integrity.
Led by respected local Elders and cultural educators, the students didn’t just learn about their culture—they lived it. The day kicked off with a heartfelt Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Steve Trist (Dharug, Muruwari and Yuin), who later got everyone moving with traditional First Nations games that focused on teamwork, participation, and cultural connection.
Students then split into focused learning groups to develop their cultural knowledge and practical skills:
- The Boys’ Group: Mentored by Uncle Joe Haroa (Wiradjuri), the boys delved deep into didgeridoo playing techniques, storytelling, and traditional Aboriginal art. They proudly painted their own stories onto didgeridoos and practiced the Kangaroo, Emu, and Stomp dances.
- The Girls’ Group: Guided by Aunty Katie Squires (Dharug, Gomeroi, with connections to Gubbi Gubbi and Wiradjuri), the girls engaged in rich cultural discussions, hand-wove grass skirts, and mastered traditional dances including the Welcome Dance, Butterfly Dance, and Emu Dance.
The Power of Gathering
The absolute highlight of the day was the final cultural ceremony. Students from all four schools united on the floor, combining their didgeridoo playing, traditional dance, and shared artistic expressions into one collective performance. The room was electric with pride, unity, and a beautiful sense of connection across different mobs.
Following the performance, all gathered for a yarning circle and reflections. Students spoke with growing confidence about the meaning behind their artwork and what they learned from the Elders.
Stronger Together
Many students will continue to encounter one another throughout the local community and future schooling pathways. The day helped establish relationships across schools, build mutual respect, and a sense of collective responsibility and pride.
Members of the local community, including representatives from the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) attended, sharing in the celebrations. Their presence reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between schools, community organisations, Elders, and families in supporting Aboriginal students and strengthening cultural identity.
The program was proudly facilitated by The Song Room through funding support from Mission Australia via the Communities for Children initiative, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services. The event was hosted at the Kimberwalli Centre for Excellence, whose support and facilities provided an outstanding environment for cultural learning and celebration.
Special thanks to Uncle Joe Haroa, Aunty Katie Squires, Uncle Steve Trist, Uncle Colly Watego, participating schools, community members, AECG representatives, Mission Australia, and the Department of Communities and Justice for their commitment to supporting Aboriginal students through meaningful cultural experiences and community connection.
For further information or to discuss getting a Song Room Program at your school contact: enquiries@songroom.org.au or go to Contact Us.
