Smoking ceremony with Tim Girri Girra

At Jack and Jill, we were privileged to welcome Tim from Girri Girra, who led us through a truly enriching and meaningful cultural experience. His visit was not just an opportunity to learn—it was a moment of deep connection, reflection, and appreciation for First Nations traditions.

Tim’s storytelling came alive through the rhythmic beats of boomerangs used as clapping sticks. As he sang, the children eagerly joined in, clapping along and immersing themselves in the music. The energy was captivating, and Tim’s soulful voice left a lasting impact on everyone present.

Before beginning the smoking ceremony, Tim carefully explained the meaning behind each element used—the coolaman, paperbark, sticks, and leaves—allowing us all to gain a deeper appreciation for this important cultural tradition.

As the gentle smoke swirled around, the children curiously explored its movement, engaging with the ceremony in a way that was both respectful and meaningful. It was a powerful moment of connection to land, culture, and community.

As the ceremony concluded, the children noticed burnt sticks inside the coolaman. Tim explained how these could be repurposed as charcoal for artwork, inspiring us to weave this experience into future creative projects across our service.

The coolaman itself became a beautiful centrepiece in our outdoor classroom, sparking curiosity, storytelling, and discussion among the Possum children. It became more than just an object—it was a symbol of the day’s experience, inviting reflection and further learning.

This experience deepened our connection to First Nations culture and traditions, reinforcing the importance of learning through meaningful, hands-on experiences. We are incredibly grateful to Tim and Girri Girra for sharing this moment with us, and we look forward to continuing our journey of cultural understanding and respect.