The Jarlmadangah 2023 trip was an experience we will never forget. The immersion into an Indigenous community was eye-opening. We learned so much about ourselves, our group and about Aboriginal culture.

We started our twelve-day trip in Broome. We enjoyed watching a beautiful sunset at Cable Beach. The next day, we visited the Sisters of St John of God Museum where we learned about the history of education in the Western Australia Aboriginal communities through the help of the Irish nuns and German brothers. Although we heard about the tragic stories of the past, we learned how the nuns improved the lives of those living in leprosy camps and orphanages. We discovered that the museum plays an important part in assisting people of the Stolen Generations to locate their families through the photos collected by the museum.

We then travelled by 4WD to Lombadina where we were able to experience life in an Aboriginal community. Lombadina was a different experience to Jarlmadangah because we were just visitors. In Jarlmadangah we were part of the community. Our experience at Lombadina was beneficial because it gave us an insight into what different communities are like. While we were there we also explored Beagle Bay with its beautiful church with the pearl shell decorations. After our stay at Lombadina, we started the drive to Derby. When we arrived we visited the prison boab, which has great importance to the communities of the area. After spending a night there, we were all excited as we were finally heading to Jarlmadangah. On the way, we were fortunate enough to explore Tunnel Creek where we saw a beautiful cave which was part of an ocean reef system.

Once we finally arrived in Jarlmadangah we were greeted by the Principal, Miss Wiki. We experienced a warm welcome from the community which included hugs for all of us from Miss Wiki. We stayed in Jarlmadangah for five days and enjoyed teaching the children the lessons we had prepared, and creating individual connections with each of them. We were fortunate to be taken out to country many times and spent more time with the children and community members who shared their stories and wisdom of the land, and broadened our understanding of their culture. Many tears were shed when we left Jarlmadangah and drove back to Broome. We ended our trip with camel rides at sunset on Cable Beach.

This incredible experience would not have been possible without the hard work of our teachers Mr Webb and Ms Tanner. We would like to thank them for looking after us and for organising the trip. We have all come away with a deeper understanding of the Nyikina Mangala Community in Jarlmadangah. They shared so much about their culture and connection to the land with us. We are all extremely grateful to have had this invaluable experience. It has changed our lives and broadened our understanding of Aboriginal culture in Australia.