CASPA recently held our first Cultural Program for young people in the Northern Territory at Mandorah, located on the Cox Peninsula - or the "Cox Pen," as locals affectionately call it. Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Darwin, this breathtaking and remote location provided the perfect setting for a day of cultural connection, learning, and exploration.
For young Aboriginal people, especially those who have experienced disconnection or displacement, reconnecting with their culture is a vital part of understanding their identity and place in the world. This program was designed to offer that opportunity, bringing together Elders, community mentors, and positive role models to share cultural knowledge, skills, and traditions.
Larrakia Elder Lorraine Williams, a resident of the Mandorah area, led the day’s cultural activities, teaching weaving, hunting, and gathering mangrove shellfish. She was joined by two inspiring young men from the nearby Belyuen Community, Aiden and Jayden, who supported the group in learning to hunt, fish, and crab in the mangroves. Both work at Belyuen Community School and are passionate hunters and role models for the younger generation.
The day was facilitated by Josh Keating, a Wagait Beach resident and experienced mentor with a background in working with young people who have experienced trauma. His expertise added an additional layer of support and guidance to the program.
The experience began with a ferry ride from Cullen Bay to Mandorah, which was a highlight for many of the young participants. From there, the group traveled down a dirt track to a secluded mangrove beach known as ‘One Tree.’ After a beautiful Call to Country by Lorraine, the men ventured into the mangroves to try their hand at crabbing, while the women gathered under ‘One Tree’ to learn traditional weaving techniques.
The day ended with a shared feast of freshly cooked crabs, long bums, or mangrove shellfish, and periwinkles that the young people had hunted and collected themselves, accompanied by bush sausages. The meal was a celebration of their efforts and the cultural knowledge they had gained.
As the day wrapped up, the group piled into vehicles to head back to the Mandorah Jetty for the return ferry ride to Darwin. The smiles and excitement from the young people made it clear just how much the experience meant to them.
Feedback from the participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying they can’t wait for the next cultural day. CASPA is excited to have created this opportunity, and we look forward to expanding the program to include more community members and activities, supporting even deeper connections to Culture in the future.