Hello dear friends & supporters of Nalderun, 

Welcome to our new-look newsletter, following the seasons of Djaara Country. This time is known as Way-Galk (Golden Wattle) and Datim-datim (Boomerang) on Djaara Country, and also as Waring time in the Kulin seasons. It’s a cold time on Djaara Country, so we hope you are warm and well!

A year has passed since our last newsletter and so many great things have been happening - too many to list here! 

We’ve just come out of another Reconciliation week and Sorry Day commemoration. Each year this week grows stronger, with the community coming together to celebrate Aboriginal Culture and Country; and engage in necessary truth telling and healing.  Highlights included the Reconciliation Walk, and the annual Exhibition including Artworks from the Torch program, and honouring the Guildford Biyal and the new Reconciliation Seat working together with Djaara and BDAC to share Culture with the community. We really felt the magic!

This year we’ve been excited to see the Me-Mandook Galk Bush Tucker Crew release a range of bush products, partner with the deadly First Nations Futures team, renew and strengthen our partnership with Mount Alexander Shire Council, create the Nalderun Songbook with all the schools in the shire and Castlemaine State Festival, and published Uncle Ron’s Platypus teaching. Uncle Ricks Waaman Tours have been going strong, as has Kath’s Indigenous World View Trainings, and our Bush Tucker Tours too.

We are so grateful for everyone who has supported us during this financial year. Who have raised funds, volunteered, shown up, and made change. And we are especially grateful for all the deadly First Nations youth we work with and support - who we are always learning from and endlessly inspired by as we watch them grow proud and strong in who they are.

Here are some other highlights and updates that we’re excited to share with you. 

With love,  
The Nalderun Crew

A dream coming together

Late last year we had a celebration to announce the next phase of Me Mandook Galk Indigenous Education Place and the launch of Uncle Rick’s Community Shed.

Through an $850,000 contribution from Community Bank Maldon & District and matched investment from Indigenous Land and Sea Corp we are one step closer to building the Indigenous Education Place, a home for our programs, supporting education, cultural regeneration, wellbeing and employment opportunities for First Nations young people.

Our long-time dream of developing a Indigenous Education Place is coming together, and shows the power of community, culture and collaboration, and what’s possible when we support community organisations. We look forward to working with our partners Community Bank and Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.

We also wanted to give a special shout out to everyone who contributed to our initial crowd funding campaign to buy the land at Me-Mandook Galk in 2021. Without you none of this would be possible - this is an inspiring example of a community-led and grass roots dream that continues to grow. Watch this space!

See more about the launch and the project here.

WITH THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS:

Community Bank Maldon & District
Indigenous Land and Sea Corp

Uncle Rick’s Community Shed

On this day we also officially launched Uncle Rick's Community Shed out at the Me Mandook Galk Bushtucker Farm late last year. This was part of DFFH Men's Shed Funding we received which has supported us to make the space usable for current and future Nalderun programs. Works have included lining and insulating the shed, installing a fireplace as well as lights and power, and improving driveway access.

Another key part of the Men's Shed project has been Nalderun working together with Bower Studios from the Melbourne University  School of Design. Together with Bower studios we have extended the roof awning and also built a movable composting toilet.

It’s EOFY & there’s still time to donate!

As many of you know, we are an Aboriginal-led grass roots community organisation and are able to do what we do because of the amazing support of the broader community, our partners, volunteers and people like you! 

This month is the last month of EOFY for those of you who want to channel some of your taxable income towards good causes. Nalderun is a registered charity with DGR status, so today, and everyday is an opportunity for support our First Nations Youth.

All Together, Gurri

The rain didn’t stop us coming together for our first All Together day for the Gurri Rangers program launch. The Gurri Rangers program is a culturally responsive, school-based initiative designed to support First Nations primary and secondary students in the Mount Alexander Shire and surrounding areas. The program (delivered by us!) integrates classroom learning with on-Country experiences to strengthen cultural identity, improve educational outcomes, and create pathways to employment.

Aunty Janet Bromley (Yorta Yorta) joined us, along with Dumawul from Djaara. It was great to spend a day out on Country with young First Nations mob from Maryborough Education Centre and Castlemaine Secondary College. Ben Reid also ran a great bush tucker activity.

Check out our online shop

We now have an online shop! You can visit our store and purchase merch, books, crafts, and beautiful healing and nourishing products made for Community at Nalderun’s Me Mandook Galk Bushtucker Place by First Nations Youth. All ingredients are sourced ethically and as locally as possible (the bulk are grown onsite!). We highly recommend the bath salts for a soak during the cold season.

Waaman Tours closed for Winter

Waaman tours are closed for Winter, but Uncle Rick invites you to book in now for September, October and November tours.

Ready for an unforgettable journey through Jaara culture with Uncle Rick Nelson?

Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and the rich stories of Jaara Country. Guided by Uncle Rick. His tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with the land and the living culture.

Thanks to all our supporters, partners and funders who makes the magic happen! 

To find out more about us and our partners please go to our website homepage to download our strategic documents or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.  

If you’d like to volunteer with us or get in touch, please email info@nalderun.net.au 

With thanks to our partners & supporters:

We Acknowledge the Djaara people, the custodians and caretakers of this land. We thank them for the care they have taken of Country; the rivers, mountains, trees and animals. We would like to honour this Country, the Elders of the past and present and most importantly the young proud Aboriginal people as they are our leaders for tomorrow. 

Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation

Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street, 3450, Castlemaine