On a winter’s afternoon in June, students from East Derwent Primary School’s Cultural Group set out on a special excursion to Green Point Reserve. Their destination: the meeting place of Kutalayna / Jordan River and Timtumili Minanya /River Derwent. Their purpose: to deepen their understanding of this important cultural and ecological site, and to begin thinking about how they can help care for Country there.

The visit began with a powerful smoking ceremony, an act of respect, cleansing, and healing for both people and place. After­wards, the students explored the Reserve, taking time to observe the landscape and reflect on the many plants and animals that call it home. As a creative expression of this learning, each student crafted a cardboard mask of a local species, one they felt inspired to represent when thinking about caring for Country at the Reserve. Stu­dents gathered together for an “Assembly of Species” and spoke for the trees, swans, insects, and the introduced species that live in the area.

This excursion marked the first in a four-part event series at Green Point Reserve, designed to strengthen connections between the Kutalayna community and Country. Each event will weave together land care, cultural and ecological knowledge-sharing, and creative activities, all with a strong focus on climate adaptation.

The program is proudly supported by a State Government grant and delivered through a partnership between Brighton Council, Connected Beginnings Lutruwita (Kutalayna Collective), the Derwent Catchment Project, and East Derwent Primary School. Together, these groups hope to celebrate the capacity children and young people have to respond to the impacts of climate change, nurture community connection, and care for Country in meaningful and lasting ways.