DJ Trava

Posts Tagged ‘Sydney’

Gnarly old willows grow along the banks, thorny deciduous shrubs, blackberries and rosehips. That was my first impression of a place called Yass not far from Canberra, just outside of Sydney, Australia. There’s an old mission with a paddock right across from the Land Council office.  Yass overlooks a striking hillside with exposed rock above the Yass River. I’m on a walking tour which the Luxury Sydney Hotel where I’m staying recommended.

This place, Yass was an old meeting place for the local Aboriginal people. A place where children would run to hide when the missionary’s would come to take them away. The mission was moved further out as the township grew. The Yass river reflects the state of this part of the country where Captain Cook. Where I’m standing, along the gnarly willows there was a peace fire burning. Being kept alive by the local Aboriginals. Our tour guide sprinkled white ochre powder on the ground next to the peace fire which would make us walkers have safe passage.  I walked down the steep bank along a little kangaroo track and found gum trees in amongst the feral stuff, and a tea tree. The water flowed past over the rocks of the Yass river.

I felt very privileged to travel through Wiradjuri country with the guidance of the tour guide. We all assembled on the other side to be welcomed by an elder of the Nunnawal people. When we left, we also got a traditional farewell. It was a good feeling to experience such an ancient formality. When back in my hotel room and reflecting today’s experience, I realized that all the non-aboriginal people live here in Sydney without ever havingsought the good will and blessing of the traditional owners. The walk I was on, was a very educational trek and I’m glad we walked the right way through the ceremonial pathway from Wiradjuri to Nunnawal country. When I checked out of my room, I deeply thanked the staff for recommending this particular walk.