CLASSY TRIP NORTH

For 20 Somerset College students, a week-long stay at an Indigenous state school was not only educational, but life-changing

On June 24, 19 of my peers and I set out on a life-changing trip to Wakka Wakka Country where we would work and play alongside students from Murgon State School for a week.

On the bus ride up, it was difficult to comprehend the reality we were about to experience but as soon as we arrived, it was nothing like we had imagined.

Briefly stopping at Coomba Falls on the commute, we were given a background perspective of the inhumanity and struggles that faced our First Nations people, as we reflected on what had happened at Myall Creek in 1838.

Upon our sunset arrival, we were given an impressive welcome to country by Uncle Bouw.

My peers and I could not wait to meet the children the following day and immerse ourselves in rural school life.

From the first moment we met the students on Monday morning, we knew it was going to be a tough challenge to say goodbye five days later.

The days following our first, created ever-lasting memories of singing, ball games, colouring, athletics, crafts, dancing, and most importantly, learning.

The children that we met at this school were so happy and welcoming.

This is the second time Murgon State School has opened its doors to Year 10 students from Somerset.

Instantly, friendships were formed.

Our time at the school was varied between sitting beside students and helping them through class work, assisting in the annual athletics carnival or sharing stories over recess and lunch, to name a few.

When we were not in school; we were extending our empathy and knowledge of indigenous culture.

On arrival at The Ration Shed in Cherbourg, we were greeted by Uncle Eric, where knowledge was shared on how, as part of the Protection Act, indigenous Australians from all regions of Queensland and northern NSW were brought to Cherbourg (formally Barambah) to live under what were very questionable conditions.

We also had the opportunity to gather at Bunya Nurseries and receive a presentation from Levi Murray, from CRAICCHS.

Levi left us all saddened about the effect intergenerational trauma was having on the health of current indigenous people.

Our final night was an unforgettable evening of singing and dancing, with local indigenous legends Rocko, Beven and Tony rocking out some well-known chords at the Hidden Gold Homestead.

Owners Tina and Clint hosted us each night for dinner and their meals were just what we needed after full days, which began before 7am and finished at 10pm.

Our evening debriefs allowed us to share stories.

It was nice hearing what my peers were doing in neighbouring classrooms and a reminder of why we were here.

This trip has been the experience of a lifetime.

I personally feel as through meeting these kids and making new friends and memories with them has allowed me to grow as a person and increase my humility and gratitude for the life I am lucky enough to have been given.

For many who attended, we are now starting to ask ourselves how we may return one day.

On behalf of the students that accompanied me, I would like to thank my school, Somerset College, Andrea Lewis, Clare Walker and Brad Walker for giving us this opportunity of a lifetime.

I also would like to recognise the indigenous people and elders past, present and future.

Thank you for providing us access to this part of your land.