Program overview
This course offers teachers and school staff the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Dharug Aboriginal land practices, language, and culture, fostering a more meaningful connection to the local Indigenous heritage. Participants will engage with authentic perspectives and gain insights into the rich traditions and histories of the Dharug people.
Additionally, the course provides a thorough exploration of the NSW Aboriginal Education Policy, helping participants develop a comprehensive understanding of its principles and objectives. Practical guidance is offered on how to effectively incorporate the policy into school culture, curriculum design, teaching practices, and learning programs to promote respectful and inclusive educational environments.
To further enhance cultural engagement, the course includes an optional kayaking experience on the Hawkesbury River. This unique activity offers participants a hands-on opportunity to connect with the natural environment, deepening their understanding of the significance of land and water to the Dharug people.
5 hours NESA accredited professional learning – standards 2.4.2
- Develop a deeper knowledge of the local Aboriginal people, their traditional lifestyles, and their enduring connection to the land.
- Explore the principles of Aboriginal land use, including vegetation management, bush tucker, and the significance of Dyarubbin – the Hawkesbury River.
- Learn strategies to effectively integrate Aboriginal cultural insights into school practices in alignment with the Aboriginal Education Policy.
- Aboriginal Education, Strategic Delivery Advisor - Nirimba
- Aboriginal Cultural presenter/teacher
- Brewongle EEC teachers
Once a session is booked by the visiting school, a MyPL session will be created for your school only
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness at Brewongle EEC - AC00703 (visiting school name)
| 1 |
Aboriginal Culture Local Dharug and Aboriginal culture will be investigated in detail during a cultural talk from an Aboriginal educator. This will explore topics of totems, LORE, land management, artefact use and songlines. These experiences will provide participating teachers with a deep knowledge of local Aboriginal cultural places and practices as well as a better understanding of how to teach cultural content and values to students. The discussion will provide teachers with an opportunity to share barriers to teaching and provide them with the opportunity to develop their confidence in sharing local Aboriginal knowledge and values with their students. |
| 2 |
Turning policy into action Participants will have an opportunity to discuss how they currently integrate Aboriginal and sustainability education into their own teaching and learning. Participants will attend a presentation and engage in professional dialogue with a DoE Learning and Wellbeing Officer (Aboriginal Education Officer) on the application of the Aboriginal Education Policy into teaching and learning practices, in particular objectives 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 of the policy. Participants will then have an opportunity to discuss in groups how they will be able to demonstrate the application of those objectives within their programs. |
| 3 |
Kayaking on Dyarubbin - The Hawkesbury River Participants will explore the uses and cultural significance of Dyarubbin – the Hawkesbury River. This session will include learning how to make and use a bark canoe and incorporate into teaching practice. Fishing techniques will be explored as well as an actual kayak activity to discover a significant cultural site on the river that includes axe grinding grooves. |
| 8:30 |
Welcome to Brewongle. Registration, tea and coffee |
| 9:00 |
Introduction & Welcome to Country This session will provide the learning intentions for the day, including a discussion on ways to make an Acknowledgement of Country that is meaningful and specific to the local setting of teachers and schools. |
| 9:30 | Kayaking on Dyarubbin - The Hawkesbury River |
| 11:00 | MORNING TEA (provided) |
| 11:30 | Aboriginal Culture |
| 1:00 | LUNCH (provided) |
| 1:30 | Turning policy into action |
| 3:00 | Conclusion and farewell |
| * for multiple groups/classes, the same activities are run on an alternating schedule | |
| Location | Brewongle Environmental Education Centre, Sackville North |
| Transport |
Organised by the visiting school. A map to the parking area will be sent with the schools confirmation email. |
| Program costs | $150 per attendee (including tea/coffee, morning tea, lunch and all program activities and resources) |
| Attendee numbers | Maximum numbers are approximately 100 attendees. If you have more attendees, phone us to discuss further |
| Program start and finish times |
Registration begins at 8:30 am - program concludes at 3 pm * discuss prior to your visit if you require alternate times |
| Medical and welfare notifications | Using the myPL registration link (sent with the confirmation email), inform Brewongle staff of any medical conditions or special requirements prior to the visit (including dietary) |
| 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 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 |
Booking enquiries
Get in touch to ask a question, plan a visit or find out more about what we offer