Wiridjiribin Nura is able to help young people gain an understanding of Aboriginal culture. Wirijiribin Nura is an area of cultural safety.
The space contributes to developing the identity of Aboriginal young people, connects students with the land, assists in developing knowledge of native plants and their uses, and provides opportunities to practice culture. The area draws on knowledge imparted by Elders and the broader Aboriginal community and staff. Certain objects such as the paths and specific trees represent cultural significance and values.
The space is dictated by three main values; Respect, Patience and Observation.
The totem of the traditional custodians of this area is the Lyrebird. Wiridjirbin Nura translates to ‘Lyrebird Country’ in the Dharawal language. The lyrebird is known for its ability to mimic and adopt a variety of sounds, including other bird species and man-made items such as car alarms and chainsaws.
The story behind the Dharawal people possessing the lyrebird as their totem is said to incorporate these practices and values into human relationships. Stories are told of many Aboriginal nations converging on Dharawal lands to engage in corroborees and ceremonies. Lyrebird Country, Dharawal land, was welcoming of all.
The space, Wiridijiribin Nura, is maintains the same philosophy, is an area that is welcoming and inclusive of everyone to be able to learn and connect with Aboriginal culture and ideals.
Community Initiative
Wiridjirbin Nura was an initiative stemming from the local Aboriginal community having input into the operations of the centre in relation to Aboriginal youth. The effectiveness of the space is due to allowing Aboriginal people to be in charge of decision making processes in relation to Aboriginal programs. Wiridjiribin Nura is an example of when government institution is flexible and courageous in order to cater to its clients, in this case, Aboriginal youth in custody.
During the young peoples’ time within the centre they have access to Wiridjiribin Nura. Wiridjiribin Nura is a space that provides young people with an understanding of the importance of Aboriginal culture. This occurs by providing youth in custody the opportunity to connect to country and practice Aboriginal values.
The area is incorporated in the school’s timetabling and is seen as an effective tool to engage young people in education and has seen positive results in regards to improving behaviours of young people whilst they have been in custody.
The space has an emphasis on healing well and it occurs due to the heavy influence of Aboriginal culture which in turn contributes to strengthening the identity of Aboriginal youth within the centre. The area provides a combination of oral and experiential cultural learning opportunities for young people ranging from; developing knowledge of native plants, contemporary land management, learning traditional dance, mentoring through Elders and cultural advisors, connecting back to traditional diets and learning through traditional processes.
Plants usage
Australian Aboriginal people have lived in Australia for at least 50,000 years, and in all those long generations the land provided them with everything they needed for a healthy life. They also learned to manage their country in such ways that its resources renewed themselves and were not used up.
