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SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
SUNDAY 2 MARCH -
SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2025
SUNDAY 2 MARCH -
SATURDAY 8 MARCH 2025
December 2024
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Ampilatwatja Camp will take place from Sunday 2 March until Saturday 8 March 2025.
This visit to Ampilatwatja is the first time we have run this trip as part of our Senior Homestead Camp Program. It is designed to give students the opportunity to meet Aboriginal people from various cultures including peoples from the Alyawarr Nation and the Sandover region of the Northern Territory.
Your child will have a unique opportunity to build (or continue building) relationships with Aboriginal people in a remote setting and gain insight into the issues facing these communities. Hopefully, this will spark a life-long interest and appreciation of our First Peoples and a desire to work towards a more reconciled and equitable Australia.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the camp so please read through this carefully.
If there are any further queries you may have in relation to this camp, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Carey Saunders
Ampilatwatja Camp Coordinator
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Alyawarr Nation and Sandover Nation people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land, and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
Homestead Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In exceptional circumstances students may apply in writing to the Principal or Deputy Principal for an exemption from Homestead Camp but only where this takes place before the camp ballot closes or any organisation takes place. Permission is usually only granted where it involves a comparable activity and effort by the student (such as a national-level sporting event).
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022.
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/ guardian (at your own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, ie. 3 or more hours from school.
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts if need be. This may include staying indoors due to the heat, or adjusting our timings of arrival and departure to and from Ampilatwatja due to rain and flooding.
Please be aware with the unpredictability of weather patterns within Australia, this camp will be held during fire season times. In the case of a dry season, it is important that students should:
• Bring fire ready clothes (longs made of natural fibres).
Carey Saunders and other Woodleigh staff members yet to be confirmed.
Sunday 2 March until Saturday 8 March 2025.
Any students taking medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 18 February 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
The cost of this Senior Homestead Camp is $2,400. This will need to be paid in two separate instalments. All expenses are covered in the cost of the camp.
The first deposit instalment of $1,200 is due by 31 December 2024. The second instalment of $1,200 is due by 10 February 2025.
A link to pay the first instalment can be found here: QuickWeb for Education Woodleigh School
Students won’t need any spending money, however, students may wish to purchase additional food or snacks during the trip. You may wish to purchase souvenirs, so some money is recommended. Be aware that cash is brought at your own risk. Take care with your wallet and other valuables at all times. You won’t have access to your phone so bring a debit/credit card. (Staff may be able to safeguard cash and valuables for you in some locations on the trip). It is likely that we will have the opportunity to visit the art centre at Ampilatwatja. Usually there are some works available at the art centre in Ampilatwatja at lower price ranges – it is nice to buy a piece from community.
There will be credit card/ banking facilities in Alice Springs. There is also an ATM at the General store in Ampilatwatja and the Ampilatwatja Arts Centre takes credit cards.
https://ampilatwatja.com/
Departure: Students to be dropped at the Qantas domestic terminal, group booking area, which is at the far end of the Qantas domestic terminal, Melbourne Airport at 5.30am on Sunday 2nd March. We must all check in at the same time as we are travelling as a group. The group will depart Melbourne Airport to Sydney on Sunday 2 March on Qantas Flight QF0410 (flight time 7am), then taking Qantas Flight QF0790 (flight time 9.15am) from Sydney to Alice Springs arriving at 11am.
Return: We will return on Saturday 8 March on Qantas Flight QF0797 (flight time 12.30am) from Alice Springs, arriving at Melbourne Airport at 4.35pm. Students will be dismissed into the care of a parent/guardian at the baggage claim area. If students are not being collected by a parent/guardian could this please be noted on the permission slip, along with a note about the arrangements made.
It is also essential that students are aware that all airlines require all passengers to have official photo ID. Your Learners/Driver’s License card is recommended as proof of identity. The name on the ID must be identical to the name on the flight list. (We are not able to vouch for students and students may be unable to board the plane without official photo ID).
What you need to show to staff before we go:
• Your photo ID.
The most dangerous aspect of the trip is obviously travel to and from Ampilatwatja (and to a lesser extent to Irrultja). It is tiring and demanding driving on corrugated outback roads. We have hired three 4WD vehicles. They are not ‘troopies’. Staff members will all be sharing the driving. We will be taking regular mandatory stops and set driver rotations to keep fresh and alert. Two staff members have had experience driving to and from Ampilatwatja on multiple occasions.
Ampilatwatja School first visited Woodleigh in 2008. For the last sixteen years, we have annually hosted Ampilatwatja students and visited their community through our Broadening Horizons Program. This reciprocal relationship is an exciting chance to renew our friendships with the school and the broader town.
Ongoing relationships are very important to the success of this exchange program and Woodleigh students on a number of occasions have returned to Ampilatwatja and/or subsequently hosted visitors at our school. Some former students have visited Ampilatwatja, maintaining their own personal relationships as adults. We welcome our first-time students on this program– and hope you will have a wonderful and enriching time.
Information about the Ampilatwatja community, including history, travel arrangements and facilities: Ampilatwatja (um-BLUDDER-watch) is a major remote Aboriginal community of predominantly Alyawarre (yow-WAH-da) -speaking people. It is the largest of three communities in the area, forming part of the Aherrenge Aboriginal Association and is located 350 km northeast of Alice Springs. There are also three out-stations, near Ampilatwatja, including Irrultja some 50km away, which we will be visiting. The overall population of Ampilatwatja can be up to 500 but fluctuates greatly like many central Territory communities. The country is described as spinifex-sand hill country interspersed with low-rise rock outcrops.
Ampilatwatja is known by various aliases, which reflect its Alyawarre and non-Indigenous history, Aharrenge, Aherre, Ammaro, Ammaroo, Amperlatwatye and Honeymoon Bore.
Freehold title leases were granted by the Federal Government around 1910 to establish cattle stations on Alyawarre land in an attempt to bring white settlers and development to the centre of Australia. The traditional owners of the lands were coerced to move from culturally significant sites and lost access to hunting grounds to make way for grazing cattle.
By the sixties Ammaroo Station (Ampilatwatja) became a gathering place for the Alyawarre people as many had worked there over the preceding decades. In the 1970s, the large cattle station of Utopia was handed back to the traditional owners as part of a land buy back scheme. This area was then governed by the Utopia/ Urapunga Council. In the 1990s, the traditional owners of the Ampilatwatja area of this land sought and established their own distinct council and current land boundaries.
In April 2010, a number of Alyawarre people led by Elders walked off the community, protesting about living conditions within the community, and the Northern Territory intervention. Their protest has been continuing for several years though all have returned to the township from Honeymoon Bore where they were camped.
Access to the community, some 350 km North East of Alice Springs, is via the Stuart Highway (sealed) and the Plenty and Sandover Highways (unsealed). The trip takes about 4 hours; we will all be travelling in three vehicles, 5 seater 4WD utilities.
Ampilatwatja can only be visited by permit and access is restricted. It has been a voluntary alcohol-free community since its formation in the sixties and this is strictly enforced. There are severe penalties in place. It is a prescribed community under the Northern Territory Emergency Intervention Act.
Facilities include a primary/secondary school (with an enrolment of 80 students), a health centre with a dialysis unit (a visiting doctor and 2 nurses), an airstrip and access to the Royal Flying Doctor Medivac service, an art centre (Ampilatwatja art is very distinctive, with a particular emphasis on Alyawarre landscape), a general store and a petrol station (selling diesel and Opal). There is no police station, but Ampilatwatja is visited by Arlparra police regularly. Arlparra is a 40 minute drive from Ampilatwatja. The community is widely regarded as a very safe and peaceful one.
Alice Springs
We will stay in Alice Springs for the first and last night of our trip. Alice Springs is a well-known mecca for tourist exploration in Central Australia but it is also notorious for its alcohol-related violence especially at night. This is particularly evident in recent times. St Phillips School is on the edge of the town and is a gated community. It is a secure environment.
We will avoid the town centre outside of business hours. We do not intend to travel into Alice Springs township at night. We will eat and sleep at St Phillips School.
Pack only what you need. There are strict luggage requirements for the plane - one piece of hand luggage and one carry on bag 23kg. There is also limited space in the vehicles.
When packing, it is important that all items have student names on them, particularly items such as hat, cutlery, bags.
We suggest you pack clothes for the last two days into a separate bag inside your suitcase; then you will have something “non-red” to wear back in civilisation.
SLEEPING BAG and PILLOW with case – Your sleeping bag must be packed into your duffle-bag or backpack. It cannot be transported separately on either the plane or 4WD. The pillow should have a pillowcase and may also be packed in the suitcase or carried on as hand luggage. A travel size pillow available from camping stores is recommended. A sleeping bag liner is also a good idea. Red dirt gets into everything in Central Australia.
MATTRESS – Compressed foam and/or self-inflating (*more comfortable) are recommended or both. Consider the bulkiness – it needs to be packed small to be able to fit within your main duffle-bag.
FOOTWEAR – We may be doing some walking. Comfortable, supportive runners or walking shoes are recommended. It is important that you have closed shoes on at all times in the community.
CLOTHING – The weather will be very warm. Days are generally dry and sunny though as it is the start of the wet season, it could also be very humid. Temperatures are pleasant at night but during the day will average high 30s to mid 40s.
Please Note: No strappy tops or singlets permitted for cultural* and SunSmart reasons. Clothing must be modest at all times. Female students will need to wear long cotton skirts in community or knee length shorts*
TOWEL & TOILETRIES – pack a towel for any showers. Bring minimal toiletries – all toiletries over 100ml must be packed in your suitcase e.g. shampoo/conditioner. To save space it might be an idea to share shampoo etc. BYO soap though. Hairdryers and straighteners are not appropriate. Don’t bring makeup either – for space and cultural reasons. Final argument – it will run in the heat!
SUNSMART – Sunburn will spoil your trip and is also a health risk. Pack sunscreen and use it! A wide brimmed hat is vital as are tops with sleeves (for all students).
FOOD – Bring your own plate/bowl/cup/knife/fork/spoon & tea towel in a bag or drawstring bag. If you have food allergies or intolerances these must be indicated beforehand. We will be purchasing food as a group and cooking together throughout the week. In Ampilatwatja, we will be able to use the school kitchen facilities to prepare our meals.
ESSENTIALS:
• Duffle bag is preferred, NOT suitcase.
• Water bottle, robust/strong, 1 litre minimum.
• Hat – broad brim essential (caps and small-brim sun hats are NOT acceptable.
• Sunscreen (50+).
• Personal medications (details to be advised via Operoo).
• 1x tube of hydration tablets e.g.. Hydralyte. Students may benefit from having one dose of hydration per day after particularly hot days or higher levels of activity.
• Torch or head torch for use at night for navigating to and from toilets in the dark.
• Day pack for day activities; you may need to carry drinks, some food and any personal medical items on day activities.
• Cutlery/crockery – bowl, plate, cup, spoon, fork – hiking styles recommended. Make sure this is named.
• Tea-towel.
• Cloth (dilly) bag to store cutlery and crockery.
SLEEPING GEAR – to be packed fully within duffle bag (NOT strapped onto outside of bag):
• Sleeping bag.
• Sleeping mat.
• Pillow (non-essential) – travel size recommended.
• 1x pair of runners (not necessary to bring a spare pair of shoes).
• Sandals (sturdy) and/ or thongs/crocs.
• 2x pairs of shorts.
• 1x pair of long pants (lightweight, protection from mosquitoes and sun). And/or
• 1-2 long (knee or below) skirts, or knee length shorts (Females).
• 3-4 Shirts – long-sleeve and short sleeve. Collared is preferred, but tee-shirts OK.
• 1x Light-weight jumper possibly needed for the evenings.
• 1x Tracksuit or pyjamas (light/thin) to sleep in.
• Underwear.
• 4-5 Pairs of socks.
TOILETRIES:
• Small zippable bag to hold toiletries.
• Toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste.
• Towel (small/camping style recommended).
• Soap (and shampoo if needed).
• Deodorant if normally used, roll-on or hand-spray, NOT aerosol.
• Any personal special needs (to be advised on Operoo).
OPTIONAL ITEMS:
• Insect repellent – NOT aerosol, roll-on or manual spray types are acceptable.
• Small notebook and pen - to write down (or visually record) your experiences.
• Some money/debit card - see note above.
• LIVE WITHOUT TECHNOLOGY during the week. You will be surprised how easy it is to let go. If you do bring a mobile phone, it will be collected upon arrival at Alice Springs and returned prior to departure from Alice Springs.
DO NOT
• Nuts or nut-based products.
• CAMERA – Don’t bring one. Staff will be taking a camera and sharing appropriate photos after the trip – it is NOT appropriate to take many photographs at Ampilatwatja.
• Electronic devices.
• Make-up, hairdryers, beauty products, etc.
COMMUNICATION AND MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week. Students may bring their phones for use on the plane if they wish. We will be storing phones once we arrive in Alice Springs and will not be returning them to students until we depart from Alice Springs. This is in line with the school’s mobile phone policy. In Alice Springs and Ampilatwatja, mobile phone coverage is available, but this is not the case on route to Ampilatwatja. There is mobile phone coverage and landline communication with the school and other community locations. However, this has been known to break down on occasion and internet failure is frequent. We will have a satellite phone with us. In the event of vehicle breakdown, (which is unlikely as the vehicles we are hiring are near new) the 4WD drive firm will rescue us (this is their policy commitment, which we are hoping never to test out). The Sandover Highway also has regular traffic on it that we know from experience will come to our aid. There is also
the possibility of being stranded due to flooding (remote but cannot be entirely ruled out) at this time of year. We will obviously monitor weather conditions and make decisions accordingly - we could return to Alice Springs earlier than planned, or flights could possibly be rescheduled with 24 hours’ notice if needs be.
Daytime temperatures at this time of the year should be in the high thirties to mid-forties; at night it will be balmy. There is chance of rainfall in December though this can be hard to predict. SunSmart behaviour and regular hydration are imperative. Drinking plenty of water will be essential to enjoying our visit as these temperatures can easily make us prone to dehydration. When walking or exercising, we will need to consume additional water at regular intervals and carry at least two litres of water for every hour the activity lasts. We will be carrying bottled water with us at all times.
PLEASE NOTE we will be at the end of the rainy season. We will be monitoring the weather very carefully and there is a possibility that we may have to change our plans accordingly. This may mean that we need to relocate to Alice Springs.
Medical treatment is available at the Ampilatwatja Health Clinic as mentioned with F.D.S. medivac transport to Alice Springs Hospital available in the event of an emergency.
There is some risk of contracting Hepatitis A and B when visiting remote Aboriginal communities. The NT Health Department immunises teachers who request Hepatitis A and B vaccines. You may wish to consult with your family GP for advice prior to camp.
Good personal hygiene, including discreet and regular use of hand sanitizer, can reduce the chance of stomach bugs and diarrhoea. We will also only be drinking bottled water.
It is particularly important to promptly treat small cuts and abrasions with betadine and band aids. It is also important not to scratch and exacerbate insect bites. There is a strong chance of skin infection due to lack of immunity. Students need to seek teacher advice immediately - we will have well-stocked first-aid kits with us at all times.
Snakebite is another potential hazard visiting Ampilatwatja. Students need to be on the lookout for snakes at all times when walking through the bush. Usually, they are very visible but rain can sometimes make the bush greener than normal. It is also advisable to use a torch if walking at night. Likewise, watch out for scorpions that are also nocturnal, though usually not aggressive unless provoked. (Note: we have never had a problem with snakes or scorpions).
Camp dogs need to be approached with caution. They can appear cute, however students will be advised that they are not to be treated as pets – they are not fully domesticated and can bite. Don’t walk on your own at night to avoid attack. You also need to ensure that you are accompanied by locals and teachers when walking in the community. Learn to say the word, “SHA”. It is a not-so-polite term for telling dogs to go away in Alyawarre. They don’t speak English!
It is a good idea to look after your health especially in the days and week prior to departure so you can enjoy the trip and remain well whilst away. Try to be well rested before you leave and take precautions to avoid exposure to Covid where possible. This trip will be challenging in many respects, so you need to set off in peak condition.
Upon return to Melbourne, seek medical attention immediately for any skin infections that flair up. You can get seriously ill very quickly, without treatment. Also, check your hair for lice and you may wish to take worm tablets as a matter of course upon your return.
There are elements of risk involved in this camp, which includes visiting a remote Aboriginal community. While safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Environmental risks associated with outback conditions, including extreme heat, sun exposure, and dehydration.
• Risks of insect bites, encounters with wildlife, or allergic reactions.
• Limited access to immediate medical support due to the remote location.
• Risks related to cultural misunderstandings or inadvertent disrespect for local customs and protocols.
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical condition.
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Require students to bring appropriate clothing and equipment, including sun protection, insect repellent, and hydration packs (a list will be provided).
• Engage with community leaders to ensure respectful interactions, appropriate behaviour, and adherence to cultural protocols.
• Conduct daily risk assessments, including monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting activities if necessary for safety.
• Provide safety briefings on respectful community engagement, expected behaviours, and emergency protocols.
• Ensure access to shaded areas, hydration, and regular breaks to manage exposure to the sun and heat.
• Check student medical records prior to the camp and ask parents to update health information on Operoo. Parents will be contacted if there are any questions or concerns.
Students are expected to behave according to regular school rules and to display maturity and responsibility whilst travelling as a group to Alice Springs, Ampilatwatja and Irrultja. Staying with the group is obviously important especially whilst in unfamiliar settings and landscapes. Students will be well versed in the importance of remaining together, taking care of each other and never going off on their own into the bush, especially at night. There may be a few occasions when students will not be directly supervised by teachers (it is a possibility in Alice Springs whilst shopping or, when in community, walking with Alyawarre people). On these occasions, being in threes is mandatory. Students will also be required to wear closed shoes at all times as well as sunscreen/ hat, protective clothing and carry water for drinking. Engagement with Alyawarre people is another area where appropriate behaviour is paramount.
Always remember that we are their guests, visitors to their land. It is a privilege that few non-Indigenous Australians will have an opportunity to experience. You cannot visit Ampilatwatja without a permit or, in our case, an invitation from the community.
Conducting ourselves as a group in a manner that is culturally appropriate requires considerable thought and ongoing sensitivity. (This is part of the reason for the mandatory indigenous cultural meetings undertaken at lunchtimes at school prior to the trip).
• Be conscious of making too much noise around traditional people - listen rather than talk and allow “space” for interactions to occur.
• Don’t maintain sustained eye contact (especially with adults) it is regarded as invading “one’s soul”.
• Don’t engage in public conversations that are non-inclusive of Alwayarre people. e.g. talking about possessions, life back in Melbourne, overseas trips your family has been on...
• Ampilatwatja is culturally binary with Men and Women’s business and customs enacted separately. Dress for female students and staff should be culturally appropriate * see clothing list.
• It is extremely important to listen respectfully to elders at all times.
• As a Senior Student at Woodleigh School participating in the Homestead Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• Particular adherence to the advice of staff is required. This is especially important in relation to safety and accommodation security.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• The safety of all participants is paramount.
• Never leave the accommodation/venue without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings. Students will be rostered into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up.
Some students may wish to go to sleep earlier, we are living in a close group with peers and staff. Respecting each other’s privacy and being quiet is of the upmost importance.
Sunday
Please be at the end of the Qantas Domestic terminal at least ONE HOUR before hand at approximately 5.30am.
Allow plenty of time to get to the airport –unexpected delays can occur for a variety of reasons.
Departure from Melbourne Airport at 7am
Flight QF0410 (we will be flying via Sydney)
Arrive Alice Springs at 11.00am (NT time).
Monday Drive to Ampilatwatja
• Parent drop off at Melbourne airport 5.30am. (Parents may wish to liaise re drop offs and pickups – email me if you need help with this csaunders@woodleigh.vic.edu.au)
• Stay at Alice Springs.
• Shop for trip to Ampilatwatja.
• Meal at St Philip’s.
• Travel along the Stuart and Sandover Highways, 4-hour trip, arrive at 2.30pm.
• Spend afternoon at Ampilatwatja School
• Sleep at school (Monday to Thursday)
Tuesday Spend day at Ampilatwatja School
Wednesday
Visit Irultja school (a tiny homeland school about 50kms away)
Thursday Visit Ampilatwatja Health Clinic and Art Centre
Friday Visit Amilatwatja School and Alice Springs
Saturday
Get to Airport 8.30am
Flight QF 0797 Alice Springs to Adelaide Departure 12.30pm.
Arrives Melbourne Airport 4.35pm (Melbourne time).
Program: indicative only – we have to be flexible when in community
• Spend morning at Ampilatwatja School; have lunch with school and depart 10.30am for Alice Springs. Arrive 3pm.
• Dinner take away in Alice Springs last night
• Stay in Alice Springs.
• Alice Springs airport.
• Parent pickup Melbourne airport 4.35pm