Friday 25 November
The team arrived in Central Australia laden with big bags and high hopes. There was almost a collective sigh as the 40 plus participants disembarked their flight in Alice Springs. The relief was a result of the warm air and clear skies which greeted them, as Alice had been literally under cloud for the previous week. A group lunch at Crowne Plaza brought together the Melbourne and Sydney participants with Red Dust staff and local team support. John Van Groningen and Darren Smith briefed the group on the coming days’ activities.
With all bags and participants packed into the 4WD’s and with experienced drivers at the wheel,the convoy of 14 vehicles headed west along Larapinta Drive.
The group arrived at Areyonga in the early evening and unpacked their gear directly onto the ochre coloured sands of the dry riverbed. The chefs had a sumptuous feast prepared for everyone. Almost the entire Areyonga community brought their families down to the camp site to share a meal with the group.
The campfire experience which followed cannot be adequately conveyed to people who were not present. The Areyonga community shared some of their enduring stories;significant and ancient stories, through the mediums of dance and song. The children, painted up for each special dance by the older women, generously inviting our diverse group to share in their rich culture. Then the young men danced followed by the older women. With each successive dance, the mood became more reflective and the strong sense of the privilege that we were able to share this cultural experience grew stronger.
The night concluded with quiet applause and the Red Dust team settled into their swags, pondering what we had just witnessed. Sunrise at 4:50am brought welcome relief from the mild cold and the incessant braying of donkeys!
Saturday 26 November
A morning walk to the top of a local lookout stretched out the stiff muscles and the group shared a delicious breakfast prepared by our Chef’s, Darin and Kurt.
The group then divided into three electives: traditional Indigenous art, footy clinics and bush tucker and medicine. James Hird led the footy activities, Kyle Vander Kuyp assisted the local Traditional Owners in leading the bush tucker and bush medicine and Raymond Walters Japanangka led the art elective.
The team enjoyed the electives immensely. Honey ants, witchetty grubs and miscellaneous plant life were consumed during the bush tucker elective. The footy clinic was a hit after a slow start, no doubt a result of the late night cultural performances the night before. The art elective produced some vibrant and meaningful stories on canvas.
The team packed up the 4WDs and then went into the community to buy local art and artifacts from the Areyonga art Co-op and thank everyone for sharing so much of their culture. Next, they were off on a 5-hour trek around the Merrinee Loop to Uluru.
The road was rough in spots, smooth in other sections; but always interesting and visually engaging. The team arrived at Ayers Rock Resort at around 5 pm, just in time to have a quick dip in the pool, shower and relax before dinner.
The dinner under the ‘sails and stars’ was beautiful. Alison Hunt was gracious in her welcome and Ray Minniecon responded to Aunty Alison’s welcome with an acknowledgement of respect and value shown to our Indigenous VIP hosts.
Ray also challenged the guests thinking around poverty in Australia when compared to the focus oncountries around the world. He spoke of the importance of equipping and preparing Aboriginal people to become self-sufficient in an economic capacity through training opportunities and education.
Red Dust Board Chairman – Martin Hirons introduced the speakers throughout the evening. Marcia, a local Aboriginal woman shared her moving story overcoming so many challenges and obstacles in her lifeas a young girl. Marcia surely illustrates the hope and bright future of Indigenous women and men where perseverance, tolerance and self-belief become a foundation for leadership.
Simon McKeon,2011 Australian of the Year, brought a brief yet inspirational address. He spoke of the importance of seeing and listening to needs around us by sharing a personal story about how just lending some practical and emotional support to just one person in need and that can truly make a difference to someone’s life. He then related that to what we can do for our Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters around this amazing country. He highlighted the importance of groups and individuals doing something; no matter how narrow a focus or small or insignificant it might seem. He reminded the group that everyone can have a part in addressing needs in our entire community.
The night concluded with Aunty Alison Hunt sharing aspects of her personal story. Aunty was soft spoken and warm, communicating quietly but strongly her desire to see her people retain their culture while seeing them make a contribution to the fabric of Australian society as equals.
Sunday 28 November
With a forecast top temperature of 38 degrees, many of the team decided upon an early exploration of the famous Rock itself. By 6am, Uluru already appeared to be floating on a sea of shimmering heat waves.
Breakfast was the final official meeting of the group before these high achieving corporate heads, media and community leaders, football players and other role models caught their flights home. No doubt most of the team spent their journey reflecting on what a truly unique and jam-packed cultural the experience was and considered what they can do to advance the plight of the First Australians.
A huge amount of thank goes to all participants involved, including the team from Triple M, the film crew from Imparja, the boys and teachers from the Clontarf Academy and all AFL Role Models. Check out the Triple M Hot Breakfast page for their thoughts, photos and videos from the event.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support from: the team at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, Ayers Rock Resort, Kevin Freeman, Mark Weipert, David Callow for his fantastic images and Kurt and Darin O’Sullivan for their amazing food. Last but not least we extend our gratitude to the people of Areyonga for your time, generosity and allowing us to share this experience in your beautiful home.
Please have a look at more photos on the Red Dust Facebook Page
