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Straddie connects students with their culture

23 November 2009
By Lisa Connors

Elders Aunty Margaret Iselin and Uncle Pat with Stradbroke camp sponsor Robert Burns from DP World and former Dunwich State School principal Kevin Zielke.

Elders Aunty Margaret Iselin and Uncle Pat with Stradbroke camp sponsor Robert Burns from DP World and former Dunwich State School principal Kevin Zielke.

Stradbroke Island elders encouraged Bayside Indigenous students to keep their culture alive in a recent three-day camp on the island.

Years 6 and 7 students from Dunwich, Hilliard, Macleay Island, Ormiston, Redland Bay, Russell Island, Thornlands, Wondall Heights, Wynnum West and Wynnum North state schools participated in traditional activities at Quandamooka Jarjums Camp at Adder Rock in October.

Students took part in dancing, singing, storytelling, fishing, games, swimming, making grass skirts and weaving.

Wynnum West State School principal Julie Amos said the camp helped students to maintain their culture and their knowledge of wildlife and the earth.

'It gives them a sense of identity and importance that they are messengers for the future to keep their own heritage alive,' Ms Amos said.

Students embrace traditional dancing at the Stradbroke Island camp.

Students embrace traditional dancing at the Stradbroke Island camp.

Camp organiser and former Dunwich State School principal Kevin Zielke said the camp was an opportunity for the students to strengthen their cultural ties and pride in being Aboriginal.

'For the first time all year these Indigenous students are not in a minority situation and can learn about their culture,' Mr Zielke said.

'Principals also have an important part as it's the only day focused on Indigenous students and they can spend time with them and have a good dialogue on culture and continue the discussion back at school.'

School principals attended a meet and greet day and Aunty Margaret Iselin from the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council hosted the Welcome to Country.