Dirrang Dyi Bial gu - Kelso, Bathurst (2006-2007)

The Kelso Reconnection Project, or ‘Dirrang Dyi Bial gu', was run as a course in Conservation and Land Management for a group of 12 aboriginal students.

The young people involved were taken on a series of field trips and completed the practical components of the course while rehabilitating an eroded piece of land on a local property. The property, ‘Brucedale', is well known for its association with legendary Wiradjuri Aboriginal warrior Windradyne who is buried there.

Local indigenous elders played a significant role in the development of the program and the mentoring of participants.

The program was run in partnership with representatives of the local Aboriginal community, Kelso Community Centre, Conservation Volunteers Australia and Tuggerah Lakes Community College, and was supported by the Central West Youth Transition Service (Department of Education and Training).