FOR Darren Harris and Andom Rendell, it's the little moments that matter the most.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The duo, along with Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation and with that, the One River, One Mob men's group, have been imparting their cultural knowledge on an increasing number of school groups in recent years.
They were hard at work again on Wednesday, teaming up with the NRL for the Walanmarra Gundyarri Schools Cultural Day, one of two such events held in October, the other to be held on Thursday in Wodonga.
Featuring former NRL star Dean Widders, more than 600 students from across Albury attended – keeping Mr Harris and Mr Rendell's hands full.
What makes it all worthwhile for them though, is when the children they've taught, even if it's just one, comes and says hello on the street, or remembers the stories they've passed on.
“Even just having one thing – if they remember one thing about the day, it's important, we're making progress,” Mr Rendell said.
“It's only been in the last 15 to 20 years that Aboriginal culture has been brought into the light.
“It's about getting out in the sun, exercising, learning about our culture and sharing our culture with these young students from different schools.
“That creates bridges and further opportunities where we can go back to those schools in the future.”
The wide open spaces of Jelbart Park were the perfect venue for students to learn about all aspects of Aboriginal culture.
From spear and boomerang throwing, to art, to dance, war-cries and traditional artefacts, there was no facet of First Nations history that went unmentioned.
Coupled with a series of rugby league drills, Mr Widders had barely a minute to catch his breath.
The former Roosters, Eels, Rabbitohs star and NRL ambassador also attended last year's cultural day.
“It's a great experience,” he said.
“It's funny, these kids have learned so much more about Aboriginal culture than I did when I was at school.
“That's a real positive, they really embrace it and enjoy it.
“I'm doing a little session on the Indigenous war-cry the players perform before the All-Star game, the kids are really soaking it up, they get the messaging behind it and the importance of it.
“It makes for a more inclusive environment for these kids at school, they're able to accept differences and understand culture.
“It's something everyone should be proud of – Indigenous or not, it's something people should be proud of.”
Over two days, more than 1300 Albury-Wodonga students will have attended.
