First Nations students and staff at Cobram Anglican Grammar School seated at the yarning circle. Back row: Harrison Biggs, Jett Robbins, Harlin Robbins, Jacinta Robbins, Shelby Liddell, Sharonlee Parker, Aunty Iris Troutman, Estelle Duggan, and Uncle Eric Brown. Front row: Nathan Hudson, Lyra Robbins, Ivannah Towler and Kadeyn Duggan.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
A collaborative project four years in the making came to a head on Monday, October 21, at a Cobram school.
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School staff and students gathered alongside representatives from Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation at Cobram Anglican Grammar School to mark the official opening of a yarning circle on the school grounds.
Uncle Eric and nephew Kadeyn Duggan played the didgeridoo to students and staff gathered at the newly-minted yarning circle.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Kooma Kamilaroi Ngarabul woman and Many Mobs founder and CEO Aunty Iris Troutman said the yarning circle is about unity.
Aunty Iris Troutman spoke about the importance of sharing story at the opening of the yarning circle at Cobram Anglican Grammar School.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
“There are stories of yours that you want to tell,” she said.
“It’s the year 2024. It’s about time we came together to appreciate and acknowledge what happened in the past but also move forward in the future.”
Aunty Iris said the yarning circle was a safe place for students and staff.
“It doesn’t matter who you are - whether you’re black, white or brindle. Come along and share this space. This space is here for all,” she said.
Students will be encouraged to respect each other's views in the space, while also enriching and sharing their own existing knowledges.
Year 12 student and proud Yorta Yorta man Jett Robbins said the new space will be fantastic for the health and wellbeing of CAGS students.
“It’s the basis of how our culture is taught, learnt and passed down. It’s a vital aspect of Indigenous life and plays a massive role in promoting spiritual health,” he said.
Cobram Anglican Grammar School Principal Keith Willett said the opening of the yarning circle was a significant moment for the school.
“It’s a powerful representation of our commitment to inclusivity and... to reconciliation,” he said.
Principal Willett speaking at the opening of the yarning circle.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
The yarning circle will provide a space for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students to sit down and discuss issues, share ideas, and to preserve and pass on cultural knowledge.
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