Reconciliation through education

NATHAN PERRIN, INDIGENOUS CONNECTIONS ADVISOR

As a school, we recognise the importance of learning about the true historical and contemporary wrongs suffered by First Nations peoples. As we continue to learn and grow from this knowledge, we commit to translating our good intentions into attainable outcomes.

Our Year 8 students from the On Country elective recently experienced a remarkable day of cultural learning at Wurdi Youang (You Yangs). Wurdi Youang, a Wadawurrung name meaning big hill on a plain, is a site of immense significance.

The day began with a hike to Big Rock, where students explored local Aboriginal history and examined artefacts with guided by Wathhaurong’s Cultural Heritage Advisor, Uncle Reg Abrahams.

The learning continued at Wurdi Youang’s world-famous stone arrangement, a site registered on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register. Scientists believe the ancient stone formation could be over 11,000 years old, making it the world’s oldest known astronomical observatory. Students were captivated as they learned how the stones align with the setting sun at the equinoxes and solstices, as well as with the distant Brisbane Ranges.

The students shared the following reflections:

“I found it fascinating learning about all the other tribe’s cultures, values and beliefs.”

“We learnt that Aboriginal people were the first astronomers and how they marked their seasons, calendars and times using the rock circle”

At The Geelong College, we are committed to taking steps towards Reconciliation by building meaningful connections with Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander cultures. In 2024, we launched our first Reconciliation Strategy, setting achievable goals through our Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). These plans encourage everyone to participate at their own pace, helping us create a future of respect, friendship, and shared responsibility for a better world.