Nambucca residents may have spotted a flurry of pink down by the river yesterday.
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Students from Frank Partridge Public celebrated NAIDOC week by donning their brand new pink threads and walking with elders along the river’s edge.
Both the shirts and the walk were a symbolic gesture towards the theme of this year’s NAIDOC week: ‘Because of Her We Can’:
The Way of the Gumbaynggirr Woman, by Aunty Nerida, Lucy Smith and Amber Horton.
“The river is significant to the Gumbaynggirr women. They go there to work out their problems, sing, dance and gather food for their growing families, as well as their extended families. While their joyous laughter can be heard echoing across the river, warming everyone’s spirit, they continue traditions through the next generation of Gumbaynggirr women. They are tirelessly struggling to keep the Gumbaynggirr culture and traditional dreams alive for future generations.The back of our 2018 NAIDOC shirt represents the Gumbaynggirr women’s names in a web of love and resilience for the future generations.”
Students trekked from the V-Wall to the Visitor Information Centre, with many excitedly pointing out the fish and birds they spotted along the way.
“I once caught a stingray and a swordfish,” one proud Kinder student exclaimed.
Not to be outdone, another chimed in that she had once caught two stingrays, but warned all around to never touch their tails. Wise words.
Back at school, students gathered with Aunty Violet, Aunty Dot, Aunty JJ, Aunty Cath Bula, Uncle Bud and Uncle Robert for a mini festival and barbecue lunch, cooked by the Nambucca Offshore Fishing Club.
Michael and Edrica Jarrett entertained everyone with some storytelling, while the dulcet singing voices of Richard Jarrett and Uncle Bundy resounded across the playground.
Olivia Bula was on hand to teach students some groovy new dance moves and Richie Donovan was busy teaching Yulunga: traditional Indigenous games.
Students also got the chance to cast a line out on the grass while the Fishing Club shared some pro tips and techniques.
And as if that wasn’t enough excitement, there was also a special raffle held, with items donated by the Nambucca Lands Council.
It was a particularly significant day for one beloved teacher, Dorothy Leahy, who today retires after 44 years in the job (with 30 of those at Frank Partridge VC Public School).
Despite the threat of rain, students, staff and elders had a fantastic day – a wonderful start to NAIDOC.
“We’d like to thank our dedicated staff and P&C. Without them, days like this wouldn’t be possible!” Lee Symington said.