Wadeye
Name of School
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College
Name of Ranger Group
Thamarrurr Rangers
What languages do you mainly speak in your community?
There are many languages spoken in the community, but Murrinhpatha is the main language and is taught at school. Murrinhpatha literally means ‘language good’.
How many people live in your community?
The 2021 census states there are 1,924 people residing in Wadeye. Generally, it is accepted there are currently around 3,000 residents living or moving between Wadeye and outlying communities.
When did the Learning on Country Program start in your community?
After hearing about the success of the LoC Program (LoCP) in Maningrida, staff from our Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College (OLSH) attend a Learning on Country Forum in Darwin to learn more, and the Wadeye LoCP was initiated in 2024.
A formalised partnership with the OLSC and the Thamarrurr Development Corporation Rangers was formed. The Da Ngimalmin organisation also plays a role as a supporting Cultural Authority to the LoCP.
What does the Learning on Country Program mean to your community?
It gives us the tools and support to drive a strong two-way program that engages our students, elders and community. It formulises communication and engagement channels to our stakeholders, elders and community by developing strong local governance which enables a place-based focus on education that is strongly supported by our families.
“Wadeye needs Learning on Country. We need to support the kids to get to school and connect back to culture. The kids need more strong role models. We can take them out on country hunting, fishing, learning about art and painting. We need to teach our kids the stories, help them learn our language and their skin groups. We can teach them about the stories of the animals and our culture and our history.” Traditional Owner Raphaelia Bitting and Yellow Shirts Program Coordinator.
What type of LoC activities happen at your community?
Students have met Elders on Country and have been learning about ancient rock formations and paintings and their connections to Dreaming Stories. We have begun to plan many activities with the Rangers that will provide opportunities for the students to develop skills and existing values.
Tell us about the Rangers supporting the LoC Program. What lessons are they teaching the students about your country?
The Rangers are committed to teaching students about country and mentoring them in developing knowledge and skills in Caring for their Country, such as; biosecurity monitoring, weed management, Cultural practices, plant identification/traditional uses, track clearing, bush medicine and traditional foods. The Rangers recognise the importance of having elders present and engaged with the lessons to ensure the right Traditional Owners are involved in sharing knowledge of their country.
They also have a strong maritime program that has an array of jobs to do out at sea and in the rivers.
What future training or work opportunities are available in your community for LoC students?
There is work with Rangers, Youth Centre, Yellow Shirts, Clinic, Creche, School, Interpreters, Police, Trades, Hostel and Aged Care.
What other LoC Partnerships are happening in your community?
The Wadeye LoC program will work in partnership with Da Ngimalmin, Thamarrurr Rangers and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic College. It is also expected that the Wadeye Youth Centre and other local agencies will support the LoCP in selected activities and camps.
What is something you are most proud of about LoC in your community?
Our communities endeavour to grow and imbed the LoC program to see our children grow strong in two worlds. The LoC Program has the capacity to connect Elders with youth and transmit important values, stories, skills and knowledge.
