Culgoa River - Thursday

As a group I think that we could all agree on the fact that the Goodooga program gave us the opportunity to encounter new, exciting, challenging, enjoyable and enriching experiences. One experience that particularly impacted me was that of the excursion to the Culgoa River with the Goodooga Central School. Coming away from the experience I was truly humbled to have been able to share such a special experience with them. After arriving, we were ushered over to have some lunch. We were introduced to Johnny cakes- a damper like cake/bread that was cooked on the fire- and when spread with golden syrup- it was HEAVEN! It was just fascinating being able to view a traditional style of cooking when compared to the vast range of electrical appliances we use to cook with at home. Alongside the freshly made Johnny cakes were sausages and meat. We each ate a bun with a sausage and sauce, which was delicious. After that we each went off into separate groups and explored the river area with the students. Some people went to talk to the older girls; others went witchetty grub hunting, while others went fishing with Rob. Each activity allowed us to not only learn something about Aboriginal culture, but more profoundly- allowed us to build friendships and connections with the students by being able to talk with them and learn something from each other. My fishing trip was a great experience in particular for me. While I can safely say that I have no luck when it comes to fishing- it was really fun being able to practice and learn. Rob was telling us about how they catch yellow belly fish, however there are a large number of carp in the river system, which is disrupting the ecosystem. Cleverly, every time they caught a carp they took it away and dumped it so that it did not go back into the water and do further damage. In this case they were incorporating enjoyment and fun as well as sustainability into the one activity. I learnt a lot about how the introduction of exotic species can have a detrimental impact on the native marine life. What I particularly liked about the day was the way everyone was so relaxed- people were just going off and doing their own thing- and having great fun. What I have come to learn from this day is to put things into perspective.  So often we might be stressed or worried or simply over thinking something. However if we think of this Culgoa River Trip- we realise that the purpose of life is not to worry over minute issues but rather to celebrate creation, and share our stories and our time with one another so that we may enjoy life.

Amelia L.