The Woolyungah Indigenous centre is now cleansed both inside and out, allowing the students and staff at WIC to come together as a community in this sacred space.
Students have now been officially welcomed into this space and for the WIC space to be cleansed through a smoking ceremony. In a strong start to the year we were brought into country talking about cultural perspectives and knowledge which provided a deadly kick-start to the year ahead.
Through these cultural practices, it provides new Indigenous students with a welcoming orientation to WIC and a deeper connection to their culture and identity.
Chanse Mclean, Indi Buckskin-James and Shiralee Lawson each spoke briefly yet powerfully about their 2020 visions for our Woolyungah community.
Shiarlee’s vision:
“Welcome new students to WIC and UOW. My vision for 2020 is that we focus on engagement and connection - to country and each other - celebrating Indigenous excellence and success and strengthening our WIC community of students, staff and local mob. You are embarking on a journey where it is important to have support networks set up to walk beside you. Uni is a fast paced environment and it is easy to feel lost in a sea of thousands. WIC is a place to ground your feet, connect and take a breath. We are all here to guide, yarn and help you. Remember - when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. We are a community. We hold each other up. If you happen to stumble, reach out for one of our hands and we will be there. Best of luck and congratulations! “
The event gives all involved the opportunity to be themselves in this safe environment.