Year 7 Excursion to Sovereign Hill: Exploring Aboriginal History on the Goldfields.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, our Year 7 students embarked on an educational excursion to Sovereign Hill, a museum in Ballarat that brings the history of the Australian gold rush to life. This visit was not only a step back in time to the bustling era of gold mining but also an opportunity to delve into the rich cultural history of the Aboriginal people, particularly the Wadawurrung, who lived in the region before, during and after the gold rush.

During the excursion, the students participated in a 50-minute lesson conducted by the Sovereign Hill Education Centre, focusing on the Aboriginal people in the goldfields. This informative session provided invaluable insights into the lives of the Wadawurrung people, the traditional custodians of the Ballarat area.

The lesson began with an exploration of how the Wadawurrung people lived before the arrival of European settlers. Students learned about their sustainable way of life, intricate knowledge of the land, and the importance of natural resources for food, shelter, and cultural practices. This foundation set the stage for understanding the dramatic changes that occurred with the discovery of gold in the region.

As the lesson progressed, the students examined the impact of European settlement on the Wadawurrung people. They discussed how the influx of settlers during the gold rush led to significant disruptions in the traditional ways of living. The settlers' activities, including mining, land clearing and farming, severely affected the natural environment, depleting the resources that the Aboriginal people relied on for survival. The lesson highlighted the struggle for the Wadawurrung to maintain their cultural identity and sustain their communities amidst these challenges.

Through engaging discussions and an interactive tour, the students gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the Wadawurrung people. They also developed a broader understanding of the historical context and the lasting effects of the gold rush on Aboriginal communities.

Overall, the Year 7 excursion to Sovereign Hill was an enriching experience that extended beyond the typical history lesson. It fostered a sense of empathy and respect for the Aboriginal people's history and culture, while also providing a comprehensive view of the gold rush era from multiple perspectives.