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Imagine Education Students Visit Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

01 July 15

Recently Imagine Education students studying their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care were given the opportunity to visit the Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre in Burleigh Heads. The Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre is a special place to visit and “offers an amazing and accurate insight into the spirituality and society of the Yugambeh Aboriginal People, one of the oldest living cultures in the world and the custodial owners of the Gold Coast.”

The students were guided by a native Aboriginal on a beautiful walk through the Burleigh Headland, during which they were taught the history of the Gold Coast, heard the dreamtime stories associated with the creation of Jellurgal, and passed countless culturally significant sites such as an ancient midden. They also experienced Aboriginal dancing during a live show at the Centre, watched a film and experienced a traditional fire starting demonstration.

Domestic  student, Bailey Girard, found the excursion fascinating. “The day was a very good experience to have. I learnt so much and loved being part of it.” Some key moments that stood out for her included the guided walk and learning about the culturally sensitive sites. She also enjoyed learning about the customs of the Aboriginal people and watching the traditional dancing.

International student, Anna Arenas, said that the experience was an invaluable one for students studying Early Childhood Education in Australia. “Learning about the Aborignal people, their history, customs and practices is important. If a parent or child comes from an Aboriginal background we need to be aware of how to communicate with them and relate to them culturally. This whole experience is beneficial to our learning.”

To see photographs of the day see our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.906418436091051.1073741996.108047872594782&type=3

For more information about the Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre visit their website: www.jellurgal.com.au