David Whitcombe – HSIE Teacher

The High School Jilkminggan Trip
29 October to 3 November, 2017

Student reflections

The Jilkminggan trip was an incredible, eye-opening experience that has provided me with new insights into a world and culture I knew so little about. In a short five-day trip to the Northern Territory I learnt about the Aboriginal culture and history by not just reading about it – but rather experiencing it first hand and meeting those involved. Visiting the Jilkminggan Primary School of approximately 100 students has exposed me to a world outside of my own, yet so much part of the fabric of Australia. These beautiful children made me realise the importance of optimism and living each day as it comes – placing purpose in the present moment. I felt this most walking down to their local river in 40-degree heat. All the children were happily walking along bare foot. Life as they grow older isn’t an easy one with many issues such as unemployment and social difficulties.

This eye-opening trip has impacted my view on the world and allowed me a window into the experience of this incredible culture. I have learnt over the years about the Aboriginal culture but have never truly thought about how their lives and culture have been affected by colonialism. On this trip, I was given the opportunity to meet adults and children who have been deeply affected by the invasion of white society. Driving past their homes of tin huts has made me so grateful for what I have been given. I understand so much more about the difficulty of maintaining one’s culture when the world is changing and the attachment one can have to one’s land. I am so glad I was able to be part of this amazing experience and travel on a personal journey that has engaged me in a diverse part of Aboriginal culture and society.

Gina Seligsohn, Year 11

Jilkminggan was the best experience that I ever have had. When I first encountered the small community of Jilkminggan I instantly thought to myself that it isn’t so bad here because they have a modern school and a giant football field for the kids to play. I also thought that their lives aren’t much different to our lives. However, as the day went on I started to see how different their lives are compared to ours. First of all, everyone in the community sometimes go out hunting for food instead of shopping for food. Now I know that their tradition is still there in them, although there were a few negative differences that separated us from them. Most of the kids don’t turn up to school and most kids drop out of school by the age of 14. When the kids do go to school, some of the young kids go to sleep maybe because family violence affects the kids. Through this experience I now realise that my life isn’t that bad and I should be grateful for what I have.

Jordan Rom, Year 9

Before I went on Jilk, I was relatively aware of some of the issues faced by Aboriginals due to their land ownership being taken away from them. This experience allowed me to hear the harsh truths about our societies’ impact alongside the intriguing, informative and traditional stories told by our ancestors. The trip was quite emotional for me, coming in touch with pure outback nature, and especially forming connections with the students of all ages who attend Jilkminggan. The fact that I got to spend time with a diverse age range enabled me to understand the multifaceted attitudes towards learning, whereby as they grow older, they are unfortunately less likely to have successful academic outcomes. Although we only spent two days with the kids at Jilk, I was able to form incredibly special relationships and share split-second moments that I will treasure and keep in my mind and heart forever. There was not a point during the school day from 8.30 am till 2.20 pm that I didn’t see a smile from one of the students, provoked by the most simplistic gestures.

Not only did I learn an extensive amount from Mike, Graham, Celina, John, Manuel, Mr Whitcombe and Mrs Mc Andrew, in regards to the importance of the survival of their fascinating culture, but the kids taught me to take a step back and revisit many of the things I spend my time worrying about on a regular basis. They taught me gratefulness, contentment, and most importantly the action of focusing and living in the present moment. I feel extremely passionate about this issue after the trip, hoping to maintain this feeling and share as much as I can with my family and friends. I don’t believe that anyone in this world should be stripped of their true identity, and made to feel as though they are unwelcome to the land they originally lived on. This action of dehumanisation makes me extremely upset, as witnessing the conditions experienced by members of society, put many things about materialism into perspective for me. I am looking forward to attending the Aboriginal Survival Day festival held on 26 January with my family and friends. The indescribable opportunity wouldn’t have been the same without the each and every person met along the way who added depth and an open-minded perspective.

Allegra Goldman,Year 11

The trip to Jilkminggan gave me a unique insight into a world I feel I never would’ve had the opportunity to visit if it wasn’t for this rare connection with the community. It was incredible to visit such a remote community and be able to gain their perspective on their own traditional culture, Aboriginal education and the way their community has developed to live in such a hybrid society of European and traditional values. I enjoyed teaching and playing with the kids, and seeing how much joy simple things like swimming in a muddy river or riding on my shoulders gave them. However, for me the most surprising part of the trip was how untouched aspects of Aboriginal culture still remain. Many children in Jilkminggan would go hunting after school and kill for their meat, and even outside this remote community, parts of Australia still remain governed by local Aboriginal law. Throughout this trip I have learned so much about the Indigenous people of our land, their ancient history and customs, as well as their representation in modern society. It is an experience that definitely gave me a very unique insight into many things in our backyard, and it is an experience I’m sure I won’t forget.

Isaac Grove, Year 9

The Jilkminggan trip was perhaps one of the most amazing and enlightening experiences of my life. It opened my eyes to the living conditions of other Australians, pulling me out of my Eastern Sydney bubble. Visiting the village of Jilkminggan truly reinforced the concept of European invasion of Australia, allowing me to visualise what this colonisation did to such a complex and developed people. It was also absolutely incredible to visit the children of the School. They were not only unbelievably cute, but also extremely excited and happy to learn. Swimming with the kids in The Crossing was also a lot of fun – they have so much energy! It is astonishing to me that such strong connections can be created over such a short period of time. By going on the trip, I can see why Emanuel School continues to visit Jilkminggan. I recommend this trip wholeheartedly to anyone interested. This exposure to a completely different culture and view of Australia is an experience that I will never forget.

Jonathan Sebban, Year 9

Jilkminggan 2017 was an incredible occurrence I could’ve never imagined and will never forget. The connections made and experiences granted is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity, which I’m glad I didn’t miss out on. As soon as we started roaming the streets of Darwin as we landed, it started to be clear just how different living in the NT is compared to the east of Australia. This became even more apparent the further we travelled, as we made our way to Mataranka, then Jilkminggan. Visiting the School in Jilkminggan was easily the highlight of the trip. Meeting and creating incredibly strong relationships with the kids there was the part I’ll never forget. From not knowing them, to by the end of the school day having them not leave your side was something I’ll always cherish.

I learnt so much from the kids, including how little our problems really are, just how lucky we really have it, and how tough life can be on them, just to name a few. And we were only at the school for two days. Aboriginal issues within Australia now have a whole new relevant meaning to me, many of which I understood after visiting these children and the Jilkminggan community. Jilkminggan was a worthwhile trip which I would certainly recommend for future participants. There is so much to learn which you could never have imagined before visiting such an incredible place such as the Northern Territory.

Matthew Bozic, Year 9