During the first week of the term 2 holidays, selected students from ASC embarked on a flight from Perth to Broome, which marked the beginning of the ASC 2024 Teach Learn Grow tour. After spending a day in Broome, we split up into separate groups, and were dispered across three schools in remote communities; Fitzroy Valley District High School, Bayulu remote community school and Muludja remote community school. Myself and 5 other students spent the week at Muludja remote community school, alongside 2 teachers. We had an incredible week, full of unforgettable experiences.

During the week, we were able to join the students at Muludja remote community school in their NAIDOC week celebrations, which involved camping out at school for two nights. We went on a variety of excursions, spending an afternoon at the river fishing and making damper, and a day at Fossil downs station. We also joined the community for “killer”, where we had a community dinner. The week was filled with so many fun activities, and we were lucky enough to be involved in face painting activities, and helping to set up the disco which occurred on Thursday night. Lots of the day was spent playing basketball with the students, or playing fun handstand games. It was great to be able to meet and spend time with all of the students, and form meaningful relationships with them. It was a very close knit community, and my favourite part of the trip was creating bonds both with the students and with the ASC kids in our group.

Reflecting on this trip, I think one of the highlights was being able to learn about culture and experience what it is like to live in a remote community. Muludja is pretty much only accessible by four wheel drive, due to flooding risks and lack of proper roads leading to the community. The only way to access the community is through a dirt road. I was also shocked to learn that there are no shops in Muludja! The closest place to get groceries is Fitzroy Crossing, which is at least a 20 minute drive away. We were able to go on a tour of the Mimbi caves, and our amazing tour guide shared with us lots of stories and explained important aspects of Gooinyandi culture. We were so lucky to have Mr Trevor with us, who makes items such as boomerangs to educate other students. He was also able to give us lots on insight into Gooinyandi culture and language

This tour was a fantastic experience, and I am so grateful to have been able to be part of it. I am grateful for all of the teachers who organised and participated in this trip, and made it so amazing. I would strongly encourage anyone who was considering being involved in this trip to attend at the next opportunity!!!