Immersions

 

 

Red Earth has been giving young people the opportunity to make meaningful connections with remote Indigenous Australia since 2011.

 

 

 

Red Earth immersion programs run for up to 10 days, and allow students to stay on Country in some of the most beautiful, isolated areas of Australia to experience life in remote Indigenous communities. 

 

Our programs are designed to foster personal connections between school groups and their host families, and put a human face to the Indigenous culture we speak about in the classroom and the media.

During the immersion, students work on community projects chosen and guided by Traditional Owners, and learn about the rich culture of the land directly from the custodians of the land.

Whether students are hiking to sacred sites, throwing a fishing line in the creek, kicking a footy with local kids, or sharing stories around the campfire, the goal is always to facilitate personal connections and allow students to develop a first-hand understanding of the challenges and beauty of modern life in remote Indigenous communities.

This is the front lines of reconciliation, putting a relatable human face to the issues we discuss in the classroom and the media. Students will return to school with a deep understanding of the myriad ways in which Australia’s Indigenous history has affected modern life for Aboriginal people, and the importance of the connection between culture, language, people, and Country.
 
On a personal level, this can mean gratitude for their privilege and the creature comforts in city life, or a drive to pursue studies or a career in a field that will benefit those people they have connected with. On a school-wide level, we hope that you will see the beginnings of a cultural shift towards a student body that is more engaged with reconciliation and Indigenous issues – a shift that will percolate through school culture and drive change in Australia’s future leaders.
 
 

  • We have trusted partnerships with Traditional Owners and Elders

Our relationships with our partner Homelands have been developed over many years of working together, so we can ensure the connection between your school and the Homelands you visit remains strong year after year. This means we can make all the arrangements for your group to be accommodated safely on privately held lands, spending your immersion with Elders and Traditional Owners getting to know their land and way of life. 

  • We organise everything

    School trips can be a pain to organise. That’s why we take care of everything from A-Z so all you need to do is turn up at the airport! From the parent information evening to the final reflection and debrief, we take the stress out of running an immersion at your school. Flights, ground transfers, food, camping equipment and all of the logistics are organised by us to reduce the load on school staff and ensure everyone gets the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • We make safety our first priority

    From our comprehensive risk assessment to the daily safety briefings with the group, your safety on the ground is our number one concern. Our Immersion Leaders are qualified in Remote and Wilderness area first aid, four-wheel-driving and vehicle recovery, bronze medallions, and have extensive training and experience working in remote areas. Add to that the wealth of knowledge brought by our Indigenous partners and you’ve got the makings of a safe, worry-free immersion.

 

 

 

 

“It was an amazing experience full of genuinely kind and thoughtful people and once in a life time experiences. The community is like a second family and I would love to go back and contribute more later in life.”

-Jack, Year 9, International Grammar School

 

 

 

 

Our Stories

Marcellin College Randwick in Cape York learning about bush medicine and bush tucker from a Traditional Owner on Red Earth Indigenous Service Learning Immersion

“I was extremely immersed in Aboriginal culture, learning about new and interesting aspects of the culture. Helping the community was also extremely rewarding and worthwhile as it allowed me to appreciate what I have at home.” Read More

Harry, Year 10, Marcellin College Randwick

More Stories