Program overview
Connecting Students to Country, Culture, and community.
This immersive Dharug Culture program offers students a meaningful and engaging opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the Dharug people, the traditional custodians of the Western Sydney region for over 22,000 years. Through this program, students gain a deep appreciation of the strong connection Dharug culture holds to Country, community, and the spirituality of the land.
Designed as a series of stage-based activities, the program can be delivered as a full-day experience or as individual sessions to suit your school’s timetable and learning needs. This flexible approach allows educators to tailor the program to different age groups and learning contexts, ensuring all students can engage meaningfully with the content.
Throughout the program, students will:
- Learn about the importance of Country and place to the Dharug nation, understanding how land, water, and environment shape cultural identity and spiritual connections.
- Explore Dharug language, appreciating its role in storytelling, communication, and cultural continuity.
- Discover traditional tools used by the Dharug people, gaining insight into their daily life, survival skills, and craftsmanship.
- Engage with Dharug art and music, experiencing cultural expression through creative practices and performance.
- This program is designed to foster respect, awareness, and pride in Aboriginal culture while building students’ knowledge of local Indigenous heritage. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and cultural sharing, students develop empathy and a stronger connection to the history and living culture of the Dharug people.
Whether you choose a single session or a comprehensive full-day program, the Dharug Culture program enriches your students’ learning journeys by bringing the enduring stories and traditions of the Dharug nation to life.
Early stage 1 and stage 1 students - Full day program
This full-day program is designed for all participating early stage 1 and stage 1 students to immerse themselves in fun, hands-on cultural activities that celebrate Dharug language and traditions.
Students will:
- Listen to engaging Dharug stories that bring the rich culture and history to life.
- Create and learn a traditional dance, connecting movement with cultural expression.
- Use body paint to transform into fairy wrens, fostering imaginative play rooted in local fauna.
- Explore Dharug treasures, discovering their significance and traditional uses.
- Experience traditional hunting methods through interactive game play that builds understanding of Aboriginal practices and respect for the land.
This dynamic and interactive program provides a joyful and memorable way for young learners to connect with Dharug culture, language, and community in a supportive and creative environment.
Cross curriculum priorities
Science Elaborations - K-2
- Learning how Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples’ concepts of time and weather patterns explain how things happen in the world around them.
- Exploring how Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples’ observations of external features of living things are mimicked and replicated in traditional dance.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - K-2
- Recognising how Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples use changes in the landscape and the sky to answer questions about when to gather certain resources.
- Considering that technologies used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples require an understanding of how materials can be sustainable sourced to make tools and weapons, musical instruments, clothing, cosmetics and artworks.
| 1 |
Seasons Listen to the story Cooee Mittigar and learn about the animals and seasons on Dharug Country. Create an animal seasons dance and perform together in a circle. |
| 2 |
Weapons and tools Learn about Aboriginal Culture by exploring some special treasures, their stories and uses. |
| 3 |
Emu egg hunt Learn about daddy emus and how to hunt emu eggs the traditional way! Students take turns being daddy emus, stick hunters and emu caller players in a fun egg hunt game. |
| 4 |
Blue Wren ochre story Listen to a dreaming story of the Blue Wren. Make and paint grey and blue ochre on your skin like the little Blue Wren. |
|
Sample of a 1 group program For multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule Times and the timetable will vary depending on the schools bell times, student numbers, class numbers etc. |
|
| 8:00 |
Brewongle staff arrive and set up All activities will need an appropriate undercover outdoor teaching area (or oval) |
| 9:00 |
Acknowledgement of Country Learn to say My name is in Dharug language |
| 9:10 | Seasons |
| 10:00 | Weapons and tools |
| 10:50 | RECESS |
| 11:15 | Emu egg hunt |
| 12:05 | Blue Wren ochre story |
| 12:55 | FAREWELL |
| 1:00 | LUNCH |
| Brewongle staff pack up and depart | |
| Location |
Booking preschool All activities will need an appropriate undercover outdoor teaching area (or oval) |
| Transport | Nil required |
| Program costs | Incursion costs |
| Student numbers |
Dependent on outdoor teaching areas available and Brewongle staffing Maximum 30 students per class |
| Supporting teachers and staff | Minimum requirement is one teacher per attending class |
| Program start and finish times |
Brewongle arrival time is usually 8 am - departure time is approximately 1:30 pm * school bell times to be provided when confirming incursion booking |
| Medical and welfare notifications |
Using the Brewongle medical and welfare form (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit This program can be adapted for teachers and students with specific mobility requirements |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Student attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
| Activity social stories | Coming soon! |
Stage 2 and stage 3 students - Full day program
This full-day program offers stage 2 and stage 3 students an immersive experience focused on hands-on learning of traditional Dharug skills and cultural practices.
Students will:
- Participate in oral storytelling sessions that share Indigenous knowledge, history, and wisdom.
- Engage in traditional Indigenous games that promote teamwork, strategy, and cultural understanding.
- Examine a variety of traditional tools and weapons, exploring their design, purpose, and significance within Dharug culture.
- Learn about the vital role of cultural burning in managing and caring for Country.
- Attempt to create fire using the traditional hand-drill method, gaining firsthand experience of this ancient skill and its importance.
This engaging and interactive program provides students with a deeper understanding of Dharug culture and fosters respect for Indigenous knowledge and connections to Country.
Cross curriculum priorities
Science Elaborations - 3-6
- Considering how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use natural materials for different purposes, such as tools, clothing and shelter, based on their properties.
- Investigating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge and understanding of the physical conditions necessary for survival of certain plants and animals in the environment
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - 3-6
- Discussing how modern approaches to fire ecology in Australia are being informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ traditional ecological knowledge and fire management practices.
- Investigating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ knowledge of reversible processes, such as the application of adhesives, and of irreversible processes, such as the use of fuels for torches.
| 1 |
Storytelling Students experience the use of ochre and traditional symbols for storytelling and then share their stories orally with the class. |
| 2 |
Weapons and tools Learn about Aboriginal Culture by exploring some special treasures, their stories and uses. |
| 3 |
Traditional Indigenous games Have fun and discover how to play games that have been used for thousands of years. |
| 4 |
Traditional fire making Can you make fire using traditional techniques? Students learn all about traditional fire use and try to make fire using the hand drill method and natural materials. |
Note: This is one example of an incursion program.
Times and the timetable will vary depending on the schools bell times, student numbers, class numbers etc.
| 8:00 |
Brewongle staff arrive and set up All activities will need an appropriate undercover outdoor teaching area (or oval) |
| 9:00 |
Acknowledgement of Country Learn to say My name is in Dharug language |
| 9:10 | Traditional fire making |
| 10:00 | Weapons and tools |
| 10:50 | RECESS |
| 11:15 | Traditional Indigenous games |
| 12:05 | Storytelling |
| 12:55 | FAREWELL |
| 1:00 | LUNCH |
| Brewongle staff pack up and depart | |
| * for multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule | |
| Location |
Booking preschool All activities will need an appropriate undercover outdoor teaching area (or oval) |
| Transport | Nil required |
| Program costs | Incursion costs |
| Student numbers |
Dependent on outdoor teaching areas available and Brewongle staffing Maximum 30 students per class |
| Supporting teachers and staff | Minimum requirement is one teacher per attending class |
| Program start and finish times |
Brewongle arrival time is usually 8 am - departure time is approximately 1:30 pm * school bell times to be provided when confirming incursion booking |
| Medical and welfare notifications |
Using the Brewongle medical and welfare form (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit This program can be adapted for teachers and students with specific mobility requirements |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Student attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
| Activity social stories | Coming soon! |
Stage-based program - One session per student
Participating students will engage in one stage-based session lasting approximately 50 minutes during the incursion. Each session is carefully designed to be age-appropriate and engaging for the specific stage group.
The program offers flexibility to suit your school’s needs and can be delivered in one of two ways:
- Single stage incursion: Tailored specifically for one stage group, providing focused, in-depth learning.
- Whole school program: Designed to accommodate all stage groups, allowing your entire school community to participate in the cultural experience.
Whole school incursions can be delivered for up to 650 students per day, making it a large-scale and inclusive opportunity to connect all students with rich cultural learning in a coordinated manner.
| 1 |
Early stage 1 - Emu egg game Learn about daddy emus and how to hunt emu eggs the traditional way! Students take turns being daddy emus, stick hunters and emu caller players in a fun egg hunt game. |
| 2 |
Stage 1 - Ochre painting Discover how to make ochre paint and use traditional symbols to paint a story. |
| 3 |
Stage 2 - Traditional Indigenous games Have fun and discover how to play games that have been used for thousands of years. |
| 4 |
Stage 3 - Fire making Can you make fire using traditional techniques? Students learn all about traditional fire use and try to make fire using the hand drill method and natural materials. |
Note: This is one example of an incursion program.
Times and the timetable will vary depending on the schools bell times, student numbers, class numbers etc.
| 8:00 |
Brewongle staff arrive and set up All activities will need an appropriate undercover outdoor teaching area (or oval). Students will be able to complete 1 x 50 minute session each as part of the program. |
|
Each stage will complete a different activity allowing for differentiation of learning. Early stage 1 - Emu egg game Stage 1 - Ochre painting Stage 2 - Traditional Indigenous games Stage 3 - Fire making |
|
| 9:00 |
Acknowledgement of Country Learn to say My name is in Dharug language |
| 9:10 | Early stage 1 - Emu egg game |
| 10:00 | Stage 1 - Ochre painting |
| 10:50 | RECESS |
| 11:15 | Stage 2 - Traditional Indigenous games |
| 12:05 | Stage 3 - Fire making |
| 12:55 | FAREWELL |
| 1:00 | LUNCH |
| Brewongle staff pack up and depart | |
| * for multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule | |
| Location |
Booking primary school All activities will need an appropriate undercover outdoor teaching area (or oval) |
| Transport | Nil required |
| Program costs | Incursion costs |
| Student numbers |
Dependent on outdoor teaching areas available and Brewongle staffing Maximum 30 students per class |
| Supporting teachers and staff | Minimum requirement is one teacher per attending class |
| Program start and finish times |
Brewongle arrival time is usually 8 am - departure time is approximately 1:30 pm * school bell times to be provided when confirming incursion booking |
| Medical and welfare notifications |
Using the Brewongle medical and welfare form (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit This program can be adapted for teachers and students with specific mobility requirements |
| Adverse weather |
Visit our visitor information page to view our weather trigger points for program changes On days where the weather is unsuitable, a Brewongle staff member will contact the organising teacher to discuss alternative arrangements |
| Booking and cancellation policy requirements |
Brewongle booking and cancellation policy Student attendance numbers confirmed 7 days prior to visit Cancellation fees may apply |
| Inclusive learning support | Visit our inclusive education website for further excursion support materials |
| Activity social stories | Coming soon! |
Booking enquiries
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer