Indigenous school incursions

I began presenting Aboriginal workshops in 1987, sharing hands-on Indigenous art, culture and learning experiences with students.

From the very beginning, the goal was simple: make learning engaging, fascinating and memorable — and inspire schools and students to get involved.

The workshops needed to work for everyone, from children on their very first day of Prep right through to their final year of High School. They also needed to engage international students, corporate groups and people of all ages and backgrounds.

Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours making, using and collecting materials for these workshops. And when you have big shells of ochre, boomerangs, thousands of emu feathers, kangaroo furs, beeswax and scores of traditional fire-making sticks to work with… what’s not to love?

These workshops have evolved over more than 40 years, continually developing new ways to connect Aboriginal culture and art with learning across the curriculum.

And the best part? It’s all hands-on.

Students don’t just listen and watch — they get involved, explore, create and experience.

Usually delivered in one-hour sessions, each workshop includes multiple activities, combining education, culture and plenty of fun.

Forty years on, the aim remains the same: make learning memorable, meaningful — and fun..