On Wednesday, 5 August, our students set off on an incredible field trip to investigate the rich history and Sikh influence in Woolgoolga. The overarching theme of the day was understanding exactly what “heritage” means, and what better way to learn than by experiencing it firsthand!
Exploring Early Beginnings
The day kicked off down at Woolgoolga Beach with the sun shining perfectly. Students embarked on a heritage walk and a fact-finding mission to trace the town’s roots. They learned about the area’s First Nations heritage, including the Gumbaynggirr naming of the area, originating from the word Wiigulga (the native black apple tree).
The tour highlighted early white settlement and the town’s once-bustling working harbour. Students were fascinated to learn about the timber jetty, demolished in 1968, that once shipped local timber to major cities all around the world.
Sikh Migration and Museum Tour
Making our way up to “top town,” students looked at the local primary school and observed the Sikh influence woven into the community, including signage in the Punjabi language.
A major highlight of the excursion was the guided tour by community elders, Joginder and Satpal. Satpal shared moving stories about the early labouring life of Sikh migrants and sojourners. Students learned about the historical impacts of the White Australia Policy and how the hardworking Sikh community rose to the top of Woolgoolga’s thriving agricultural industries, particularly in banana and blueberry farming.
Throughout the walk and museum visit, students diligently collected primary and secondary evidence to assist them with their upcoming Heritage Plaque assessment task.
The Guru Nanak Temple and Langar
Students then had the absolute privilege of a guided tour through the Guru Nanak Temple. To show respect, everyone donned special hair coverings before entering. It was wonderful to see the students looking so colourful and embracing the culture!
Inside, they were taught about the Sikh religion and participated in an amazing meditation session led by Satpal, where everyone focused and learned the calming art of meditation.
Following this, students were treated to Langar, the traditional Sikh offering of a free meal to all. Everyone sat together on the floor to represent the equality of all people. Using traditional steel trays, students enjoyed two delicious vegetarian curries, alongside savoury and sweet rice.
A Huge Thank You
This was easily one of the best field trips our team has ever been on. The students had a fantastic time and gathered excellent evidence to showcase Sikh migration and success in our North Coast region. The day ended with a group photograph and a happy bus trip home.
A special mention goes out to students Ayden, Vinnie, and Elke, who kindly volunteered to hand out the curry and rice to all our students and visitors during lunch.
Finally, a massive thank you to all the teachers and Learning Support Officers who made the day possible and supported our students: Sam, Richard, Emma, Jordan, Dany, Olivia, and Steph. It was a truly memorable educational experience for everyone involved!