29 October 2019

St Paul’s School, Coburg, had a special visit last week from Uncle Bill – a Wurundjeri educator from Moreland City Council and member of the Woi wurrung language group.

Uncle Bill performed a Welcome to Country for the school at the start of the day, and later led workshops for the Years 3 and 4 students on the cultural heritage and practices of the Wurundjeri Woi wurrung people.

‘I thought it was a really fun day and great that we learned more about Aboriginal culture. The whole class had a great time’, said one student.

Another student added: ‘Uncle Bill was really fun and I loved learning about different things like when thunder and lightning comes it is time to make possum coats.’

Uncle Bill taught the children about the history of his people and the land that we are blessed to live on in Melbourne. He also explained the many different Aboriginal language groups, the traditional roles for men and women, and what some of the local animals represent in the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung culture.

A highlight of the day was the dance the children participated in because it explored the symbolism of animals.

‘I liked learning about the eagle being a protector. I was able to act that out in the dance, which was great’, said a student.

Another added, ‘I especially loved the dance – I was a bat’.

Uncle Bill has been working in cultural education for over 20 years. He is deeply committed to Wurundjeri Woi wurrung traditions and cultural practice, and a passionate advocate for the rights of contemporary Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people.