Carer Cultural Day - January 2023

08 February 2023

The first Carer Cultural Day for 2023 was held at The Briars in Mount Martha on Monday 16th January 2023.

The Foster Care Association of Victoria hosted the day during the school holidays, which saw 21 Carers and 33 children attend on a warm and sunny January day!

Sean Moyle, cultural guide and youth worker at Living Culture, opened the day with an Acknowledgement to Country, followed by guiding the carers and children on a walk through the grounds of The Briars. Along the walk, Sean shared his knowledge of the land including bush foods, and plants used for medicinal purposes. This was greatly received by attendees.

After a healthy native inspired lunch, supplied by Bunji Catering, we had Lionel Lauch a Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man, share his extensive knowledge of indigenous cultures and traditions and presented a yidaki healing meditation. The children took part in the meditation and loved the healing practice.

To end the day, the children participated in cultural art and craft activities which included sand art, and colouring in native animals. Both younger and older children joined in or took away some of the activities to keep them busy on their journey home.

Here are a few comments from our carers that attended:

“We loved the walk and learning about all the different plants we could consume and the benefits of them. The meditation session was amazing also and are thinking of doing a private session with him. We also got to meet new carers and their children, was such a wonderful day. Food was delicious as well and plenty. Well done Carer KaFE for organising.”

”Connecting with other carers - Culturally we are very connected and I spent my time connecting with people I knew - and my child had opportunity to increase her cultural knowledge and strengthen cultural connections with children in similar care situations”

"Information from bush walk. Kids being part of their culture with others of the same culture. This was probably the most important thing.”

Look out for opportunities to join in our Cultural Days and upcoming Learning and Development on the Carer KaFÉ Training Sessions Page.

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We look forward to bringing you more Cultural events throughout 2023!