Our trip to Burtons Reserve was everything we had hoped for, and more! Even though it was a drizzly overcast day Sharyn was ready for us, and we were keen.

To begin with we sang a Welcome to Country song with Sharyn and we looked at some wallaby furs, wondering what they had been used for. We decided in our cold climate they were instrumental in keeping warm, along with the use of ochre painted on bodies, like Mannagarlenna. Sharyn spoke to us about ochre, how it was made, showed us some natural and traditional materials for collaging and some clap sticks and animal skins.

We then split into class groups, first the Prep/1’s engaged in the activities set out by Sharyn on the grass. I was pleasantly surprised by how many of our children really enjoyed playing with the clap sticks, making up their own rhythms, songs and chants. The ochre was also a popular activity that inspired lots of artistic expression, although the grinding process was of great interest to most.

After completing these activities we swapped over and went on a bush tucker walk with Sharyn. We learnt about seeds that were ground to flour for bread, oils for disinfection, honeysuckle for sweet drinks, reeds for raft floatation, pigface for antiseptic and sweet jam and saag for sustenance when in need.

The whole day was so informative and the kids just soaked up all the information and experience. We look forward to engaging in many more experiences with Sharyn this year!