b'Cultural activity Supporting First Nations and learning day families in Hobart The Uniting RAP Working Group travelled toOur Family Services team in Bridgewater Wadawurrung country in Ballarat for a dayin Tasmania undertook a collaborativeof cultural activity and learning in May 2022.process to develop a new program to We were fortunate to have local historian, Drservice the Kutalayna - the BridgewaterFred Cahir from Federation University speakand Brighton area. Discussions were heldto us about the role of Aboriginal people onwith the Salvation Army Communities for the Goldfields of Ballarat between 1850-70Children Manager as the funding body,as miners, traders, police and in many otherand the Kutalayna Collective, the teamroles. We were treated to a delicious locallywho oversees the co-ordination of services sourced and indigenous inspired lunch at thein the area focusing on the wellbeing of First BreezeWay community meals service. Nations families. These discussions identified A highlight of the day was our afternoon spentthe need for an Aboriginal Family Support at Lal Lal falls, where we were welcomed byWorker and a school holiday program for local Wadawarrung elder, Barry Gilson with aFirst Nations children.smoking ceremony and a breathtaking vocalInitial conversations regarding the position performance of The Creation Song, whichdescriptions were had with the Kutalayna rang out across the grasslands surroundingCollective. Terms were requested that the rocky gorge of Lal Lal. We were privilegedmay not usually be included in a position to hear the Wadawurrung creation story fromdescription, such as a commitment to Barry as he guided us on a walk of the area.courage and engage curiosity. When He told us the Wadawurrung people wereapplicants were contacted or they called, created by Bunjil, the spirit creator, at Kareetadditional time was allowed. Many wanted Bareet near Gordon and are known as theto yarn and get to know more about Uniting, water tribe because of the stunning rivers the role, the team and to also chat about and waters running through their lands. Lalthemselves. Consideration was given to Lal is a spiritual place for the Wadawurrungwhere interviews would be held, and the people and is known as Bunjils final restingpanel included a Kutalayna Collective place before his journey into the heavens.representative. The role has now beenWalking on this Country and hearing thefilled and will commence soon.Wadawurrung creation story was a moving and powerful experience for all who had the privilege of attending.'