The Darkinyung people are the traditional land owners of the Central Coast, remaining on this land for over twenty thousand years. Darkinjung land spans from the Hawkesbury River at its Southern most point, up North to Lake Macquarie, and from Mount Yengo in the West, to its East along the Pacific Ocean (Empowered Communities, 2016, “Central Coast”).
Recently released statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2011) reveal a total population of approximately 273000 people on the Central Coast. The area has one of the fastest growing Indigenous communities within Australia, with about 2.2% of people identifying as Indigenous.
Darkinjung land contains over seven thousand Aboriginal sites that are historically, spiritually and commemoratively significant to Darkinyung people, (Empowered Communities, 2016, “Central Coast”). Some places of …show more content…
Aboriginal community groups including Bara Barang, Koori Connect, Empowered Communities and the Darkinjung Local Land Council provide events such as Indigenous festivals, community meetings and groups, as well as an emphasis on educational programs. The 5 Lands Walk also promotes preservation of Aboriginal culture, whereby walkers cross 5 beaches on Darkinjung Country. Bara Barang introduced educational school visits including a visit to Bulgandry rock art site, aiming to build positive relationships between the Department of Education and Communities and Indigenous Groups.
Importance of education in reconciliation of not only the Darkinjung community, but in the entire nation can be seen. With an increased understanding and knowledge formed in schools, authentic relationships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous will grow. Simultaneously, with a tailored learning program specific to Indigenous youths, bonds between Aboriginal peoples and their culture can be strengthened and