In December 2017, a group of Northholm students (Years 8-12) and three teachers took part in a Central Australia Community Service Project. This seven day immersion program is designed by Remote Tours and aimed at students looking to make a difference in the local Indigenous community of Lilla.
Students were introduced to the stunning landscape of central Australia and were able to visit significant geological and cultural sites such as Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs and the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Students were fascinated by the sheer size, beautiful rock formations and changing colours of these areas, and also learned the important significance these places held for the Aboriginal people.
During this trip, students had an opportunity to develop their understanding and appreciation of our unique Indigenous people and their relationship to the land through participation in a community service project in Lilla, which is located in the Watarrka National Park. In the native tongue of the Luritja country, Lilla means ‘sweet water’. Over several days, Northholm students helped out the local primary school by fixing the outside grounds as well as the interior of the school. It was hot and heavy work, however students persevered through it and gained the opportunity of a lifetime as they had the chance to form relationships with the community, and learn about traditional customs from Keith who was one of the elders of the group. Additionally, students increased their understanding of team work and leadership, improved their cultural awareness and gained a greater understanding of nature and the local community.
Northholm is proud of these students for being part of this Community Service Project and know they found it rewarding. The School extends a big thank you to teachers, Philip Waldron, Greg Kinch and Jen Woods for attending and helping out on this expedition, as it could not have been done without their assistance. We look forward to taking many more students on trips to Lilla in the future. If anyone would like to donate to the community please visit The Lilla Foundation at www.lillafoundation.org.au.
