Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, joined Aboriginal Elder Aunty Robyn Reid to give a lesson to year four Central Coast Grammar School students about First Nations’ culture and history on November 1.
Reid said he thoroughly enjoyed visiting his former school with his grandmother and sharing details of his own First Nations ancestry.
“The students were all very inquisitive and brought their listening ears, as they paid close attention to the many stories Aunty Robyn discussed,” he said.
“Aunty Robyn touched on how First Nations Australians lived, communicated, hunted for food, and cared for the environment.
“There was an opportunity to ask questions of myself and Aunty Robyn and students asked wide-ranging questions, including how many Nations there are in Australia, the types of hunting tools that were used, and how First Nations Australians inscribed information on message sticks.
Aunty Robyn Reid, who is a Mingaletta Elder and Wiradjuri Woman, said it was a joy to speak to the young children about the importance of First Nations’ history.
“I always get so excited visiting schools and being able to impart my knowledge and history of First Nations Australians to students,” she said.
“I spoke with the students about the many First Nations across Australia and how every nation had its own unique language, system of trading, hunting, and ways of caring for the environment.
“A few students also shared their First Nations heritage with Gordon and I and it was so beautiful to see.”
Reid said he will continue to work with local schools to support First Nations students.
“I encourage any schools to reach out to my office for guidance and referrals on Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) or assistance that might be available to First Nations Australians,” he said.
Primary source: Media release, Nov 7, 2022, Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid