We are sitting at Lockley’s Pylon, a pinnacle on the Mount Hay range, you can see wilderness in every direction, everything looks alive. The Grose River winds its way through an enormous valley, held by escarpment and forest on either side. So much forest…
The words climate change trigger so much rage in these young folk. There is a sense of being let down, a worry that people don’t care. There is fear. Fear for themselves, but more so I fear for the planet. Rose asks, “What happens in 20 years? Will we think of the generations to come? Can we change?”
According to Dharug knowledge, we are in the season of Dagara, the cold frosty time (see Western Sydney Parklands | About the Six Dharug Seasons). Black Cockatoo can be heard calling the rain. Their presence also reminds us of the ancestors, the ancestors that are the land. I ask Rose and Piper, “We will one day be ancestors, we will be back in the land and we need to give something. So, what will it be? Our gift to the future?”
“Stop climate change.” Says Rose.
“Plant trees, protect the oceans, protest, inform people…make a difference.” They both agree. “We need get people out here. Present with the land, really see what is here.”
“It feels good here”, Rose adds, “look at the mountains, you are surrounded by trees, like a massive hug from nature!”
To read the full article go to https://blog.kindlehill.nsw.edu.au/grandmother-walking-1/conversations-on-climate-fire-and-home-lockleys-pylon/
Sarah has a B. Arts (UN) and a Master of Teaching (UNE). She works both as a teacher and as student support throughout the school.
“One of the most exciting things when working to support students, is when they find something that they are passionate about, that they really connect to. Finding ways to support their engagement and the depth of their learning is incredibly rewarding. As a teacher, it is a pleasure to be working in an environment where creativity, critical thinking and a real sense of love for the world is valued and imbues all you do”.
