Connecting to culture, land and learning
Principal Nick Evans (OW1985) and twenty Wesley students from Yiramalay Induction Group 63 were among 300 attendees at the recent Studio Schools of Australia Open Day, held on Bunuba country approximately 80km west of Fitzroy Crossing. The event included a welcome to country by Bunuba elder Kevin Oscar and Bunuba woman, June Oscar.
‘It is always a pleasure to visit Yiramalay and experience the magic of learning on country,’ said Nick. ‘I also had the opportunity to view the new Manjali Studio School, which is set to open in 2025, and the Indigenous Education and Research Centre. It was truly impressive.’
Designed for students in Years 7 to 9, the new school will be a remarkable addition to the educational landscape, offering a learning environment deeply rooted in the land and its culture.
‘It was also wonderful to once again experience the warmth of the Bunuba people's welcome on country, witness the growth of Yiramalay students, and see firsthand the bonds formed between them and the Wesley students fortunate enough to attend an Induction.’
Learning through language, food, art and song
For the Wesley students who participated in Induction 63 at Yiramalay, it was more than just a trip - it was an immersion into a way of life that is deeply rooted in tradition, culture and the natural environment. Reflections from our students speak volumes about the lasting impact the visit had on them.
For Elliot (Year 10), the cultural insights gained from the Traditional Owners were invaluable. He didn’t just learn about the land; he learnt from it, through stories, language, and the wisdom of elders who carry thousands of years of knowledge.
‘Induction 63 was a true one-of-a-kind experience,’ shared Elliot. ‘This place, where traditions and values from thousands of years ago still thrive, offered us a unique and special experience. We absorbed knowledge from Traditional Owners and Elders, Ralphe and Jimmy, who shared with us the Bunuba way of life through language, cooking, art and song. It was an experience unlike any other.’
Discovering connection
The concept of skin groups was fascinating to Ava (Year 10), who gained an understanding of the deep connection between families and communities in Bunuba culture. This knowledge of traditional social structures was not just academic - it is a living, breathing part of the everyday life on country.
‘During the 3-week induction, I got to experience the natural and cultural ways of the land at Yiramalay. One of the things that I particularly enjoyed learning about was the skin groups and the rules/connections around them. But my favourite experience was making friends with the Yiramalay students and visiting beautiful, natural sites like springs and gorges and learning about the rich history of the land from those who call it home. My experience at Yiramalay is something I’ll cherish forever,’ she said.
Lessons from the land and its history
For Jack (Year 10), the experience was unforgettable. ‘Learning about the Bunuba language and the Bunuba season cycle from the traditional owners then seeing the plants and animals we learnt about while on country was incredible,’ he said. ‘We were also privileged to learn about the historic importance of the places we went to and how they were all part of Jandamarra’s story, a Bunuba resistance leader in the 1890s.’
Jack’s reflection highlights the deep sense of place that runs through every lesson at Yiramalay. It wasn’t just the beauty of the natural environment that made an impact; it was the stories of resistance, resilience, and connection to the land that left an indelible mark on him. To be in the same places that hold such historical significance for the Bunuba people was a humbling experience - one that has inspired Jack to want to return to Yiramalay in the future.
‘The time I had up there was incredible and I would give anything to go back!’ said Jack.
Bonds beyond the classroom
The bonds between students from Wesley College and Yiramalay extend far beyond the formalities of school. This sentiment was echoed by Wesley parent, Jo Mein, a QANTAS pilot who had a unique opportunity to witness these connections firsthand.
‘It was an absolute highlight for me to be able to fly my daughter Remy, her classmates, as well as Yiramalay students, staff, and elders home from Broome,’ she shared. ‘Remy keeps talking about what an amazing experience it was for her to attend Yiramalay. She already misses the friends she made there.’
Jo’s reflection underscores how special these relationships are - not just for our students, but for their families as well. The connections made at Yiramalay, shaped by the land and its people and grounded in shared experiences and mutual respect, are profound and enduring.
The spirit of Yiramalay, with its deep connections to country and culture, will continue to inspire and foster understanding across communities, making it a truly special place for anyone lucky enough to experience it.
