Charli Grynberg – Year 9

Noah Vexler – Year 9

High School
Jilkminggan Trip

Last week, we were lucky enough to be on the trip that travelled around the Northern Territory and went to the community of Jilkminggan. 

In our trip we travelled from Sydney to Darwin and then to Mataranka, learning from, and about, Indigenous people of Australia along our journey. We started off our first day in Darwin by braving a Jumping Crocodile Cruise and trying not to get eaten in the process! We learnt about native plants and spear throwing from a family-run cultural experience called Pudakul. Our trip from Darwin to Mataranka saw us hike up to and swim in the beautiful waters of Edith Falls near Katherine.

During our stay in Mataranka, we spent two days with the kids at Jilkminggan School. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and this was the highlight of our trip. We made friends with kids there and we know those friendships will last a lifetime. The girl I (Charli) became friends with is in Year 4, her name is Shunalle. She taught me a lot about bush tucker, and she taught me how to make a tea out of lemongrass that can treat flu symptoms and chest infections. We read books with the kids and played with them at lunchtime. It was a memorable trip and we already want to go back.

Every single activity we did and experience we had was amazing. From learning with the kids in the Jilkminggan School, to floating down the Bitter Springs thermal pools at night, and to listening to our tour guide Mike’s stories. Every moment of this trip allowed us to learn about the culture of the Indigenous Australians and allowed us to experience and appreciate the beautiful and diverse environment of the Northern Territory. It also allowed us to bond with the kids from the school, as well as creating stronger bonds with our classmates and teachers. We will remember this trip forever.

This trip has truly changed the way we feel about Australia. Thank you to our teachers Ms Lawrence and Mr Ezekiel for taking us on this trip. It was unforgettable.