On the morning of Tuesday 11 August, something very special happened – Murrundindi visited the Kinder and PrePrep children to perform our very first Smoking Ceremony at the ELC.

We gathered in a group as Murrundindi explained the significance of burning wet manna gums for the ceremony; they represent our "passport" to the Wurrnundjeri land. Murrundindi encouraged us to carefully pick a leaf for each member of our family, to take home and to hang the remainder of the branches above the door of the ELC to bring in "good energy.”

As the smoke filled the ELC yard, Murrundindi played his yidaki while wearing his very long and very special coat that he has owned for many years.

Kelly: His coat comes from possum fur.

Lily: It’s a celebration. It’s a thing of culture I think.

Mia: He bought his didgeridoo!

Imogen: We can put the smoke over us.

Heidi: I'm going to take a leaf for my mum, dad and me.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, once the ashes had cooled, we made a plan to bury them in a special spot within the ELC yard so that future generations are aware that this special event took place here at the ELC.

Ngun godjin, Murrundindi!

Ms Emily Franceschi
Teacher - ELC