Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013

The UWS medical students joined by three staff members, from the Bathurst Rural Clinical School, were guided by Wiradjuri Elder Mr Bill Allen to important and relevant aboriginal sites in and around Bathurst.

We used both university vehicles for the day and enjoyed morning tea at the UWS Durham Street Education Centre and a picnic lunch under the trees at the Brucedale property – the Bathurst weather was generous and hospitable as were the tour leader and his granddaughter.

The purpose of the day was to generate awareness and understanding of aboriginal culture generally and the history of the local Wiradjuri people specifically. This knowledge will help to provide a start to cultural mindedness prior to the students’ placement at the Orange Aboriginal medical Service.

(1) Mount Panorama / WahlooWahloo is the Wiradjuri name for Mount Panorama and there are currently discussions regarding the dual naming.Bill told us stories of Wahloo, comparing what it is used for now and what it was used for back in the Dreamtime – a place where people came together to celebrate, to sing & dance. He sees the Bathurst V8 race is a continuation of this tradition.

“Very interesting to hear the dreamtime stories relating to Mt Panorama”

“Interesting to hear the story of the two brothers and how one turned into Wahloo – strange how all cultures seem to have similar stories teaching similar lessons”

“I would like to see the Wiradjuri name for Mt Panorama (Wahloo) officially acknowledged I think dual naming would be a great way to show respect to the original land owners”

“It was really nice to learn about the significance of Mt Panorama besides it being a famous racetrack”

Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013

(2) Macquarie River / Wambool

Wambool is the Wiradjuri name for the Macquarie River

“Interesting to learn about the differences between the words ‘indigenous’ & ‘aboriginal’ – one meaning from a place whereas the other denotes original ownership”

Interesting to hear the violence was brought about by the aboriginal people innocently taking food from the settlers who had displaced the native food supply through cropping”

(3) Windradyne’s Grave Site

Brucedale is a property close to Bathurst, where the great Warrior Windradyne is buried. The property is owned by the Suttor family, who have farmed the land for six generations. David Suttor, who is the owner and direct descendant of the first settler, told his stories of the land which was handed down to him and the history between the Suttor families and the local Wiradjuri people. He also related how Windradyne had engaged in battle and how he died.

Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013

Windradyne’s grave is in a dedicated area on the Brucedale property and it is thought that his father is buried nearby at a huge yellow box tree.

“I thought it was really special that the Suttor family had gone to such lengths to preserve Windradyne’s gravesite”

“Lovely to see the good relationship over the generations between the Suttor family and the descendants of Windradyne”

“Good to hear that at least one family respected the aboriginal people”

Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013

“The painting ceremony with ochre was a really humbling experience. We were told the story about why Aboriginal people feel connected to the land – because it is like their mother; from whom they are born, nurtured and returned to when they died. Then we were welcomed officially with the painting ceremony. Bill painted 3 dots on our forehead while saying ‘body, mind and spirit’ and then also gave us 2 dots on the back of our hands. It was a very solemn ritual and you could really feel the incredible energy of the land around us”

This day was essential as a revelation for the students before they embarked on their placement at the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service. It broadened everyone’s horizons and instilled a deeper sense of respect and sensitivity. This added awareness will broaden the cultural mindedness of the UWS medical students and give them a bigger perspective to become better doctors for the health care needs of Aboriginal populations.