Last week, Amanda (James’ mum) came into our neighbourhood and spoke about her time as a trainee doctor on Mornington Island, situated in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Amanda spoke about the changing landscape as it transitions from the wet to dry season. She showed the children pictures of the some of the variety of animal life on the island, including salt-water crocodiles and sea eagles. She also spoke about life on an Aboriginal community, particularly some of the traditional food eaten such as mud crabs, snake, turtle, nuts and roots. The children were also treated to some traditional Aboriginal artefacts. She talked about some the practices and traditions such as how digeridoos were made from termites eating out the center of a log and how stories dating back 40, 000 years have been passed down from generation to generation through corroborees and artwork. The children were again reminded of the diverse range of stories, experiences and artefacts that connect people to places. There were many questions from the children as their curiosity was piqued and connections made. Thank you Amanda for sharing some these stories.
