At McAuley we began the celebration of NAIDOC week by unveiling a large mural. The mural was painted by Trish Matthews in consultation with Aunty Sue (Sue Bulger - local aboriginal elder.)  The mural depicts aboriginal people looking down onto the Tumut Valley and the Tumut River, native animals and native flora. Aunty Sue spoke about the connection the Wiradjuri people have with this land and how they are so grateful for this beautiful place, Tumut. Both Aunty Sue and Trish were presented with a Bogong Moth Brooch, from Principal Mr Moore, for their contribution to McAuley School. 

Also during NAIDOC week, the children were given the opportunity to sample some traditional aboriginal food, including kangaroo meatball in a bush tomato sauce, johnny cakes and damper with native finger lime marmalade or native honey and some lemon myrtle or strawberry gum tea. The food was provided to each individual class and they learnt about how the food was prepared and used by the traditional aboriginal people. The children loved the experience.

Each class also participated in a NAIDOC week class liturgy. The liturgy gave each class the opportunity to acknowledge that the very first footprints on this continent were those belonging to First Nations peoples and they have maintained ongoing spiritual and cultural connections to the land and sea. 

Finally, to finish off our NAIDOC week, Aunty Sue spoke to each class about her experiences growing up in Tumut as a Wiradjuri woman. She shared some stories and spoke about her family’s experiences with the ‘Stolen Generation.’

McAuley would like to thank Trish and Aunty Sue for helping us celebrate NAIDOC week.