Cultural Day - January 2024 Rippleside Park, Geelong

15 February 2024

FCAV in partnership with Carer Kafe, Meli and Mackillop Foster Care teams ran a Cultural day at Rippleside Park in Geelong.

Melinda Gaye Walker a Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council also partnered with us to provide a Welcome to Country and spoke of the local area, showed a number of Aboriginal artifacts including a possum skin or Walert, Kangaroo Skin or Goim, a Coolamon (wooden vessel) and a Burl (wooden bowl).

Melinda also taught the children a dance to traditional music. They all had a lot of fun taking on the role of an emu, kangaroo or wallaby and in the process learning more about their culture. She then spoke to many carers, providing her knowledge and wisdom to all and assisted throughout the day which was a bonus.

We had Foster, Kinship and Permanent carers and children attend the day including staff from FCAV – Deb and Alicia, Meli – Allison,  Carer Kafe- Linda and Mackillop foster care team including Sandra, Julia, Page, Miranda, Meisha, and Siobhan to name a few. 

The children were able to explore a number of art and craft activities whereby the children and young people made their own bush necklaces using gum leaves, flowers and nuts as well as making their own sand art with native animals and bush bracelets using beads. Some of the kids talked about putting their sand art in a frame and putting it up proudly in their homes.

Overall, with the backdrop of the ocean and at times a cool breeze presenting us we were able to share and enjoy the day with so many carers and children in their care.

Several carers were able to make connections with each other and hopefully, over time gain support from each other which is always a bonus.