For more than a decade, hundreds of children from across Australia have switched off from the outside world and been given the opportunity to learn about Australia’s history in a “rare” and “special” way. Caitlyn Morgan chats to Mungo Youth Project chair Robert Biggs and event co-ordinator Bree Wakefield about the “unique experience” offered a little more than 100km from Mildura. Pictures: Teagan Jane Photography and Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) 2018 Graduate Leatisha Hawkins.
The history of the Mungo Youth Project
THE Mungo Youth Project began in 2006 after a collective thought there was a significant need for an ongoing educational project, centered around the deep and ongoing history of Mungo National Park and the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage area.
After gaining support of other community members and organisations, the Mungo Youth Project committee was formed and has since delivered six successful events and an additional three events have been rained out.
It was while working as a secondary school principal more than a decade ago that Mungo Youth Project chair Robert Biggs was inspired to find a new way to teach about Australia’s history.
“I had watched the teaching of Australia’s true history disappear from the curriculum.” Robert recalls.
“This concerned me because I thought there was such a rich story here, such a rich cultural heritage that Australians weren’t getting access to and our kids weren’t getting access to. That really was the motivator.
“The intent was to bring something very authentic into the learning of Australia’s history. I wanted the kids to have a chance to engage with traditional owners, the Elders, cultural carriers.
“Australia has a much, much richer cultural heritage than any other place on the planet.
“A lot of the Elders have a voice and are proud of that voice, that voice also said that Mungo should be a place of learning.”
Over the years, a strong collaboration between the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and other organisations has meant the Mungo Youth Project has given the opportunity to hundreds of primary and secondary school aged children to take part in the three-day long project.
Mungo Youth Project – May 2019
EARLIER this year 400 people including 240 children from 35 schools across Australia and more than 50 students from MADEC’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Program arrived at Top Hut Station, located in the World Heritage Listed Willandra Lakes Region for an “adventure they will never forget”.
A paddock, neighbouring Mungo National Park, was transformed into a “tent city” where for the next three days, those 400 people called home, braving cold, wet and stormy nights.
Robert admits he couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the project this year.
“Our ninth attempt was unbelievably successful,” he says.
“We had about 70 presenters, we had kids engaging with all sorts of people, who wanted to come and share what they knew and education was at the core of the project. These included well known indigenous comedian Kevin Kropinyeri and AFLW GWS Giants player Jacinda Barclay, who mentored the students during the event.
“We had weavers from Eastern NSW who were bringing their knowledge of weaving as well as sharing how people survived and thrived, for the first time kids got to experience Lore, which was so exciting and really powerful,” Robert says.
“We had a range of events, spear-making, stone knapping, a pastoralist tour and for the first time ever we had an archaeological dig.
“The kids were working with archaeologist Emma Oliver, Aunty Mary Pappin, Aunty Joan Slade and others to create an artificial archaeological site; there was supervision and authority from the Elders.”
Another popular activity was “lights-out,” which had students experience star gazing in complete darkness.
“Students met Jim Bowler, the man who first encountered Mungo Man, they made art with Sydney-based artists and they took part in yarning circles led by the Elders,” Robert says.
“The Elders shared what yarning circles meant for them, what their lives meant to them and what journey their families have been on.
“The kids were weeping when hearing some of the stories, it was an extraordinary experience.
“These were all powerful new experiences, many showing how things have evolved. This project is a great way for all Australians to access one of the greatest living cultures and their heritage.”
Robert admits he was proud of “every single kid there”.
“We had dust storms, we had beautiful days and then we had the rain and no one complained,” he says.
“The kids really came in and embraced the place, they came in and gave the utmost respect for everyone and everything. They know they are in a place that is like no other.
“We have really developed a program which is hitting the heart of learning.”
Team effort
ORGANISING travel, accommodation and a three-day action-packed schedule for a total of 400 people including 240 children from 35 schools across Australia is no easy task.
But it is one that is all organised through someone that knows “home base” Top Hut like the back of her hand.
Robert admits he is very thankful for the knowledge and expertise that Bree Wakefield brings with her to co-ordinate the event.
Bree grew up on her family property, Top Hut. Her family has been involved with the Mungo Youth Project since its inception, with her father Ian Wakefield still very much involved, leading the pastoralist tours each event with Bree event co-ordinator since 2013.
Bree says she can see the importance of the program.
“I am invested on many levels, as a landholder, a mother and event co-ordinator,” she says. “It’s the only program or event of its kind in Australia.
“It provides cultural and indigenous education on country, face to face with local Elders and is about developing cultural awareness.
“The kids are completely disconnected to the outside world and modern technology and this event allows them to develop their understanding while being in a significant world heritage area, which is something they don’t get to do while at school.”
A lasting impression
Robert and Bree agree it would be hard for those who attended to not leave with new-found knowledge, understanding and appreciation for Australia’s history.
For one group of school students, their feedback to the organisers proved just that.
“A 2000 km round-trip saw 12 Ulladulla High School students from Year 7 to 10 attend the Mungo Youth Project at Lake Mungo,” UHS didg mentor and HSIE teacher Hamish Richardson says.
“For these fellas, who make up the UHS didg crew, Mirimi Bunbal/Yidaki Boomera, it was a life-changing journey into the desert.
“During the intense three-day program run by local traditional Elders, our boys bonded as a team, made new friends, were mentored by local and visiting Elders, rangers, archaeologists, scientists and farmers, as well as students from other schools. In return they shared their own knowledge and music.
“They were challenged. At times they were hungry, at other times cold, or wet. There was a dust storm, cold desert winds, rain… and no internet. Our boys not only took it all in their stride, without one word of complaint; they loved every minute.
“At every turn they gained knowledge, confidence and an ever-deepening respect for the region’s significant cultural heritage.
“Their learning – personal and shared – was apparent and profound; their gratitude for the opportunity, repeatedly conveyed.
“Thank you, Mungo Youth Project, for this outstanding program, and for the chance to be a part of it.”
The project’s future
Organisers are already busy working away to secure funding and sponsorship for the next event planned for 2021.
The support of local and national people and organisations is what Robert admits is the key to keeping the event alive.
“We can’t do it without the great partnerships that have been developed,” he says.
Already on board for the 2021 Mungo Youth Project is MADEC.
“MADEC is very pleased to be able to continue to provide support to the Mungo Youth Project,” Indigenous Youth Leadership Program co-ordinator Peter Allan says.
“They appreciate the importance of providing access to this highly significant area to as many young Australians as possible.
“This will hopefully create a greater understanding of the importance of Aboriginal culture that abounds in the Willandra Lakes region.”
