And, from flying boomerangs, glittering dragonflies to shimmering grass skirts, there was plenty of Aboriginal culture to celebrate in Merriwa, Blandford and Murrurundi this month.

Students at Merriwa Central School, St Joseph’s Primary School Merriwa, Murrurundi Public and Blandford Public as well as pre-schoolers from Merriwa Create and Grow Preschool and residents from Gummun Place hostel all took home plenty of crafty creations as part of a two day tour of the Upper Hunter by Kamilaroi elder Dolly Jerome and Uncle Blue.

“I love coming here, seeing the children again and having an opportunity to share our culture,” Ms Jerome said.

“It’s important for these skills to be shared and for the children who have now learned some of them to pass their skills on.”

Dolly and Uncle Blue showed students how to make grass skirts, plait raffia, decorate and throw boomerangs as well as how to create their own ochre masterpieces.

In between art she shared stories about her ancestors and the importance of flora and fauna in Aboriginal culture while Uncle Blue explained how instruments and weapons were made and used.  

This is the third year the couple have travelled to the Upper Hunter from Tenterfield to share Aboriginal culture and customs.

Judging by the warm reception the couple received from young and old alike, it’s hoped this will be the start of many more visits to come.  

The visit was made possible through Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet NAIDOC Week funding and the Upper Hunter Shire Council.