On Wiradjuri Country
By Thea, Year 5
I arrived on Wiradjuri Country in ngargan (early morning). The yiray (sun) wasn’t up yet, and yet it seemed like the sun was shining gawunang (moonlight), not sunlight. I suspected that the yariya (frost) hadn’t worn off yet. I felt enchanted that the summer passed so soon! I smelt the newborn flowers blooming with joy, seeds spreading colours from pink to green, blossoming across a simply green vine.
Before I saw it, I could hear droplets falling from a galinbundinya (waterfall), slowly filling up a bilabang (billabong). As I looked around I realised I was surrounded by lots and lots of yirambang (big mountains) and many dharrans (creeks). I have been walking for a while however only a few minutes have passed.
I sit down on the chilling silk-like sand and a small, spikey, wandayali (echidna) crawls passed. I looked up and noticed chunks of white furry yurung (clouds) flowing across the sky with the wind. In a quick trance nightfall has come as I stare up at a bargan bargan (crescent moon). Thousands of giralang bundinya (shooting stars) fly past.
The moment I opened, in a split second I could feel all of my four limbs wagambirra (dancing) freely. While I sit cheerfully – full of hope, still as a rock in my heaven-like bed … Starring curiously into the waters ahead.
Moments later I submerged my feet in a stream that is only AS TALL AS my knees. Surprisingly, I thought I would feel dandambirra (cold/freezing), however it was the perfect temperature!
As the sun slowly rose up into the sky I prepared to yanhagagi (to hike) up the highest mountain to bambigi (to swim) in the purest water and discover true gindaymani (fun).
As I walk I feel the glistening, boiling hot sun laser rays shine on me – it almost feels like I’m barragi (to fly)!
This piece, On Wiradjuri Country by Thea, was written as a part of Oz Odyssey. In this workshop series, students are asked to imagine they receive a call to action from a natural element. They are asked to go on an adventure through Wiradjuri, Ngarrindjeri and Kunwinjku Country, where they are given an opportunity to learn about the land, the history and the wonderful First Nations languages. Throughout their journey of self-discovery, students ultimately learn what home is, and what makes it special to them. We hope you enjoy their stories.