Plans to set up a youth group for Indigenous teenagers at a local Aboriginal co-operative are a step closer following a weekend away on the Murray River.
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A group of five young men aged 13 to 16 spent the weekend camping in Barmah. The trip was organised by the Bendigo District Aboriginal Co-operative.
Deputy CEO Baydon Widdicombe said it was a chance to teach young men more about their heritage.
“We had one kid who had never been camping,” he said, pointing out how important the outdoors were in Aboriginal culture.
Mr Widdicombe said the Murray River was integral to a number of creation stories and there were many important Indigenous landmarks in the region.
The camp included visits to a number of these sites, including a local scarred tree – a still-living tree Indigenous people once used to make tools like canoes.
“Scarred trees are often hundreds of years old and there are not many around any more because of land clearance. So it was important to show them to the kids,” Mr Widdicombe said.
“This scarred tree was very rare. On one side a canoe had been carved out, and on the other a shield.”
The trip was also an opportunity to get out in canoes on the Campaspe River.
15-year-old Paul Tonkin said one of his favourite activities was a bike down dirt tracks in the Barmah National Park. He also enjoyed nights around the fire talking with his new mates.
Paul said the first night was a bit awkward, but watching the Cats take on the Swans on TV Friday night helped ease everyone into each other’s company.
“Everyone was cool with each other by the end of the camp,” he said.
Mr Widdicombe said there were hopes the trip would lay the groundwork for a youth group, which would begin operating once BDAC’s new premises in North Bendigo were completed.
Construction of the new centre is scheduled for completion by Christmas.
“They just put the roof on the last of the three buildings that are going up. With plans to start a youth group we felt it was important the kids could get to know each other,” he said.
Mr Widdicombe said a new youth group would allow more young people to deepen their connection with their culture.
He said there were also plans for more trips away.
A female youth camp scheduled for next year would focus on Aboriginal language, music, dance and traditional basket weaving.
When Paul Tonkin was asked whether he was interested in any future boys weekends his answer was simple.
“Definitely,” he said.