Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013
The UWS medical students joined by three staff members, from the Bathurst
Rural Clinical School, were guided by Wiradjuri Elder Mr Bill Allen to
important and relevant aboriginal sites in and around Bathurst.
We used both university vehicles for the day and enjoyed morning tea at the
UWS Durham Street Education Centre and a picnic lunch under the trees at
the Brucedale property – the Bathurst weather was generous and hospitable
as were the tour leader and his granddaughter.
The purpose of the day was to generate awareness and understanding of
aboriginal culture generally and the history of the local Wiradjuri people
specifically. This knowledge will help to provide a start to cultural
mindedness prior to the students’ placement at the Orange Aboriginal
medical Service.
(1) Mount Panorama / Wahloo
Wahloo is the Wiradjuri name for Mount Panorama and there are currently
discussions regarding the dual naming.
Bill told us stories of Wahloo, comparing what it is used for now and what it
was used for back in the Dreamtime – a place where people came together
to celebrate, to sing & dance. He sees the Bathurst V8 race is a continuation
of this tradition.
“Very interesting to hear the dreamtime stories relating to Mt Panorama”
“Interesting to hear the story of the two brothers and how one turned into
Wahloo – strange how all cultures seem to have similar stories teaching
similar lessons”
“I would like to see the Wiradjuri name for Mt Panorama (Wahloo) officially
acknowledged I think dual naming would be a great way to show respect to
the original land owners”
“It was really nice to learn about the significance of Mt Panorama besides it
being a famous racetrack”
Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013
(2) Macquarie River / Wambool
Wambool is the Wiradjuri name for the Macquarie River
“Interesting to learn about the differences between the words ‘indigenous’ &
‘aboriginal’ – one meaning from a place whereas the other denotes original
ownership”
Interesting to hear the violence was brought about by the aboriginal people
innocently taking food from the settlers who had displaced the native food
supply through cropping”
(3) Windradyne’s Grave Site
Brucedale is a property close to Bathurst, where the great Warrior
Windradyne is buried. The property is owned by the Suttor family, who have
farmed the land for six generations. David Suttor, who is the owner and
direct descendant of the first settler, told his stories of the land which was
handed down to him and the history between the Suttor families and the local
Wiradjuri people. He also related how Windradyne had engaged in battle and
how he died.
Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013
Windradyne’s grave is in a dedicated area on the Brucedale property and it is
thought that his father is buried nearby at a huge yellow box tree.
“I thought it was really special that the Suttor family had gone to such lengths
to preserve Windradyne’s gravesite”
“Lovely to see the good relationship over the generations between the Suttor
family and the descendants of Windradyne”
“Good to hear that at least one family respected the aboriginal people”
Aboriginal Cultural Tour 14 September 2013
“The painting ceremony with ochre was a really humbling experience. We
were told the story about why Aboriginal people feel connected to the land –
because it is like their mother; from whom they are born, nurtured and
returned to when they died. Then we were welcomed officially with the
painting ceremony. Bill painted 3 dots on our forehead while saying ‘body,
mind and spirit’ and then also gave us 2 dots on the back of our hands. It
was a very solemn ritual and you could really feel the incredible energy of the
land around us”
This day was essential as a revelation for the students before they embarked
on their placement at the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service. It broadened
everyone’s horizons and instilled a deeper sense of respect and sensitivity.
This added awareness will broaden the cultural mindedness of the UWS
medical students and give them a bigger perspective to become better
doctors for the health care needs of Aboriginal populations.