Year 2C Placement Wulgunggo Ngala
Lionel Dukakis (Program Manager of Wulgunggo Nglau) and the students in front of a sculpture made by the program participants and local Indigenous Elders.
Early on a cold and drizzly September morning 14 undergraduate students left Inverloch with their trusty tutor and coordinator in tow. It was a journey that would see them traverse the beautiful South Gippsland country side in search of the elusive Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place nestled high in the hills above Yarram.
Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place is a program run by the Department of Justice for adult indigenous men undertaking a community-based order. It is a live-in facility that aims to connect and strengthen indigenous men back to their culture. In the Gunai Kurni Language “Wulgunggo Ngalu” means “which way together”, a sentiment strongly held by all who lead this program. Our amazing guide for the day was the passionate Lionel Dukakis who, after warmly welcoming us to country, took us on a very informative tour of the facility explaining as we went the education, skills and lifestyle programs the facility run. The participants also have the opportunity of “giving back” to the local community and to take part in local community activities, like lawn mower racing!
After sitting down to lunch together, the students took part in a forum where they could openly discuss contemporary indigenous issues. Lionel encouraged students to ask the questions that they always wanted to ask, but were maybe a little too embarrassed to broach. An excited discussion followed, and it was hard not to be taken by Lionel’s contagious fervour for indigenous welfare. I think it was unanimous – an informative day was had by all and at the end of the day 14 students left with a new found enthusiasm for indigenous health and welfare, and a greater understanding of indigenous culture.