In the early hours of October 13, thirteen students and three staff members boarded a coach bound for New South Wales, embarking on a transformative immersion experience. Our destination: the breathtaking lands of Culpri Milli, an Aboriginal homeland nestled along the banks of the mighty Murray River.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed into a space rich with culture, history, and natural beauty. Traditional Landowner, Sophia, greeted us with a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony, setting the tone for a journey of deep respect and reflection.

As we explored the homeland, we were invited to participate in an interpretative walk, where we learned about the healing and sustaining properties of the local environment. Guided by Indigenous knowledge, we discovered how the land provides not only nourishment but also spiritual and cultural connection.

This first homeland experience was truly eye-opening. It reminded us of the profound stories embedded in the landscape and the importance of listening, learning, and walking gently on Country.

After farewelling the serene homeland along the Murray River, our journey led us deeper into the heart of Country to the ancient and awe-inspiring lands of Lake Mungo. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Tanya, the Traditional Landowner, whose presence and words grounded us in the spiritual significance of the land we were about to walk upon, giving us a new outlook on the spirit of the place around us.

Lake Mungo is a place unlike any other. Its vast sandbanks and rolling terrain stretch out like a timeless canvas, whispering stories of ancestors, resilience, and sacred connection. As we walked across the shifting sands, we were struck by the majesty of the landscape; a place where we could see the memory of history alive in our presence. In this moment students remarked that they were able to understand spirituality because they were experiencing it with their own eyes and hearts for the first time.

This part of our immersion was deeply spiritual for both students and staff. Tanya guided us through the stories of her people, helping us understand the profound relationship between land, culture, and identity. We learned that Lake Mungo is not just a physical space, but a living testament to thousands of years of Aboriginal history and wisdom; a lesson that we will all hold close to our hearts to guide our connection with Country and history.

The experience reminded us of our shared responsibility to respect and protect Aboriginal lands. It called us to listen more deeply, walk more gently, and honour the enduring custodianship of First Nations peoples.