A smoking ceremony signalled the opening of NAIDOC Day celebrations  -  a time where our students from Gloucester, Barrington and Stratford Public Schools, along with children from Gloucester and Barrington Street Preschools, joined to learn about, acknowledge and celebrate our indigenous culture.

Performers from the renowned Koomurri Aboriginal Group travelled up from Sydney to treat the students to traditional music, song and dance before breaking into interactive groups where students could learn more about the history and culture of our Aboriginal Australians.

Students learned how to throw boomerangs, explored traditional artefacts and bush survival, participated in song and dance, and were involved in creating a combined artwork that became the centrepiece of the day, celebrating unity and spirit.

The day was not only focused on learning about Aboriginal heritage, but also about celebrating our community and indigenous achievement.

“My favourite part of the day was learning about all of the things they used. It was really interesting!” year three student, Fallon Hardy said.

The Koomurri performers finished the day with a concert showcasing their talents, including getting the teachers from the various schools to perform, much to the delight of the students.