Ma & Morley scholars on-country inspiration

Thursday, 20 October 2022

In a journey spanning 3,700 kilometres and 60,000 years, thirteen of our 2020 Ma & Morley Scholars experienced an inspiring cultural immersion through north-west and central west NSW this year.

We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands of the Awabakal, Gomeroi, Ngemba, Barkindji, Wongaibon and Wiradjuri people, who care for the Country in which the scholars travelled. Images by alumnus Conor Ashleigh (Bachelor of Development Studies, 2010).
We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands of the Awabakal, Gomeroi, Ngemba, Barkindji, Wongaibon and Wiradjuri people, who care for the Country in which the scholars travelled. Images by alumnus Conor Ashleigh (Bachelor of Development Studies, 2010).

Looking for a new approach that avoided the ongoing challenges with international travel and still met the Program’s objectives, the Ma & Morley team engaged with the University’s Wollotuka Institute and the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership to create a cultural experience closer to home.

Over 11 days, Scholars learned from Country and Elders about the importance of relationships and connection to people, place, spirituality and purpose. They also enjoyed the opportunity to connect with each other.

The scholars were guided on their journey by Uncle Paul Gordon and alumnus David Newham (Bachelor of Social Science, 2007, Diploma of Aboriginal Studies, 1998), who shared their traditional knowledge and offered a deeper connection to the lands and communities the Scholars visited as they traced the song-line that runs along the Murray Darling, the Barwon River and all the way through to Menindee.

Between storytelling and sacred sunsets, the Scholars connected with Indigenous organisations, local leaders and young people to learn about the unique challenges and priorities of each community; and reflected on how they could help bring these issues to the fore as the next generation of socially conscious Australian leaders.

Returning home, the Scholars are eager to take their newfound knowledge into their communities to encourage others to learn about how we can preserve and continue the world’s oldest living history.

Thank you to the Jack Ma Foundation for their generous and enduring commitment to support students aspiring to lead and find solutions to global challenges. Thank you to the Jack Ma Foundation for their generous and enduring commitment to support students aspiring to lead and find solutions to global challenges.

I think the biggest takeaway is this real sense of Aboriginal culture as a living breathing culture. But to be part of it and to see it. I hope that it will allow me to use my privilege to stand with people.”

2020 Ma & Morley Scholar

To find out more about the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program and how to apply, please visit newcastle.edu.au/scholarships/ma-and-morley-scholarship-program


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