By Brendan Rees
From sharing dreamtime stories to teaching how to throw a boomerang, the elder of the Wurundjeri tribe, Murrundindi has become a welcome mentor to students at Tooradin Primary School.
As the last traditional elder of the Wurundjeri people who were the first inhabitants of Melbourne, students were eager to learn about indigenous history and culture during Murrundindi’s visit on Tuesday 24 July.
Teacher Rachel Davis said students explored traditional customs and were exposed to elements of Wurundjeri and Bunurong lifestyle.
“He is truly a cherished mentor to so many of the students, with many of them recounting their memories of his last visit and extending their learning,” she said.
“It was also terrific to learn some of the indigenous language and symbols that were used traditionally and this will lead on to a lot of learning about our Koorie people and their connectedness and respect for the earth, a lesson of sustainability that we are all needing to relearn.”
Students also had the opportunity to take part in a cooking lesson, participate in an original Koorie football game ‘Marngrook’ and trying their hand with the art of boomerang throwing.
Ms Davis said everyone benefited from Murrundindi’s gentle and respectful approach as an honourable elder in the community.
“Murrundindi also explained through his life experiences the strength each child can develop through embracing their mistakes, accepting their challenges as a necessary part of learning and celebrating the elation of achieving something you have had to work hard at.”
