Australia Awards South and West Asia

On 7–14 July 2024, Australia marks NAIDOC Week to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ahead of NAIDOC Week, Australia Awards scholars from Sri Lanka have participated in Indigenous engagement activities across Australia. These opportunities provided the scholars with an appreciation of Indigenous Australians’ culture, history and achievements.

One of the highlights of these events was a three-day, two-night immersive First Nations experience held in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. Fourteen scholars from South Asia and Mongolia, including several who are indigenous or from traditionally marginalised groups, travelled from across Australia to participate. Scholars undertook tours to learn about the relationship that the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners of the greater Ikara and Flinders Ranges area, have with the environment. Scholars also learnt about Indigenous perspectives through a yarning circle around a campfire at Ikara, leading to a discussion of this year’s NAIDOC theme: ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.

Reflecting on the experience, Sri Lankan scholar Thamarika Harshani Atukoralage said, “During my days in Ikara, I experienced firsthand the life of the Adnyamathanha people. The bonfire at Wilpena Resort also transported me back to the bonfires of Sri Lanka’s First Nations, creating a bridge between these two ancient cultures. This experience became the highlight of my journey in Australia, creating a cherished memory that I will carry with me when I return to Sri Lanka.”

Thamarika (left) with fellow Sri Lankan scholar Tuan Rushdi at the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia.

Over in Canberra, at Wildbark, scholars took part in a Country walk led by Richie Allan, a Ngunnawal Kamilaroi custodian who was born in Ngunnawal Country. Richie introduced the scholars to the concept of Caring for Country, which refers to Indigenous people’s connection to the management of land, water, plants and animals. “The tour was truly enlightening, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Ngunnawal people,” Sri Lankan scholar Mohamad Safras said. “Richie’s passionate storytelling brought to life the deep connection between his ancestors and the land, their intricate traditions, and the profound spiritual significance woven into every aspect of their way of life. It was a humbling reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse Indigenous cultures that have shaped the nation.”

In Sydney, scholars embarked on a cultural cruise run by Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation and learnt about the history and traditional culture of Sydney Harbour. Stories of the Gadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people were shared on board the cruise before the scholars disembarked on Clark Island. There, the scholars learnt about life pre-colonisation, the coastal lifestyle, and traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques.

Sri Lankan scholar Pasquel Mohottige Tilani Sugandika Kumari Liyanage said, “The Sydney Harbour cruise was a profoundly enriching experience that opened my eyes to the rich and intricate Indigenous culture of Australia. I was amazed to discover that the traditional use of plant herbals by the local Indigenous people mirrored the Eastern medicinal practices I am familiar with. I am glad that I expanded my network with new friendships, especially since it was my last onshore Australia Awards event. We shared our academic and personal experiences in Australia with newcomers and connected through social media as well.”

Thilini (far right) with scholars from Maldives on the Sydney Harbour cruise run by Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation.

In Adelaide, scholars were welcomed at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre with the greeting ‘Niina marni’, which means ‘Hello, how are you?’ in Kaurna language. Taylah, the Indigenous tour guide, led the group around significant Kaurna sites in the south of Adelaide, including Moana Sands Conservation Park and an 800-year-old scarred tree in the Warriparinga wetlands. The scholars learnt about the history of the locations and their cultural significance. Throughout the day, they walked together on Country, fostering a sense of connection and unpacking shared understanding of cultural values.

Following the tour, Sri Lankan scholar Anbarasi Senthilnesan reflected on the incredible way First Nations Australians cherish and preserve nature. “They lead a self-sufficient and sustainable life. I observed some cultural similarities between Indigenous culture and my own culture, i.e. tree worshipping, smoking ceremony, etc. A deep understanding of their culture, values and emotions is of utmost importance for reconciliation. In particular, when development projects are carried out, care should be taken not to disrupt or disturb their cultural heritages.”

Scholar Anbarasi (right) hugging the 800 -year-old canoe tree with fellow Sri Lankan scholar Tharanga Perera (left) at the Warriparinga wetlands in Adelaide.

In Brisbane, scholars undertook the Nyanda cultural tour, led by Madonna Thomson, a member of the Jagera people. Madonna shared her knowledge of bush food, including edible and medicinal native spices. Throughout the visit, Madonna helped the scholars increase their knowledge of Indigenous perspectives in land management. The tour ended with a discussion about loss and preservation of culture, and a demonstration of boomerang throwing.

In Melbourne, scholars travelled to the Willum Warrain Aboriginal bush nursery in Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula. Peter Aldenhoven, a Quandamooka man and the founding member and CEO of Willum Warrain Aboriginal Association which owns and operates the nursery, began the tour with a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and face-painting using ochre.  Peter then imparted his knowledge about the Koorie bush tucker trail, traditional huts, material culture and the local flora of the Mornington Peninsula.

Main picture: Sri Lankan scholars Pulasthi Serasingha Pathirana (left) and Thushari Gedarakumbura (right) at the Willum Warrain Aboriginal bush nursery in Melbourne.