On Country and into new opportunities: Buldau Yioohgen in 2022

Walking on Country with Elders. Watching an opera rehearsal from behind the scenes. Stepping onto court at the Australian Open. For young people in Anglicare Victoria’s Buldau Yioohgen Youth Leadership Academy, FY22 brought opportunities to strengthen their connection to Culture and explore what their futures could hold.

The Lyone Foundation contributed $59,500 in FY22 to support the academy. Meaning “Big Dreams”, Buldau Yioohgen brings First Nations young people together for cultural learning, mentoring and experiences that help them explore their education, employment and leadership goals.

Finding connection on Country

In March 2022, 9 young people travelled to Maria Island, Tasmania, for the academy’s Hike to Higher Education. It was the program’s first hike exclusively for First Nations young people.

Participants walked alongside mentors from organisations including SBS, RMIT and the University of Melbourne. Local Elder Uncle Linton Burgess welcomed the group to Country with a Smoking Ceremony, and the experience included a visit to an ochre site.

For some participants, it was an opportunity to begin exploring a cultural connection they had grown up without. Caitlyn described leaving the island inspired to continue learning about her Culture, with renewed motivation to finish her diploma and pursue a bachelor degree.

A further 6 young people joined the Lake Mungo cultural immersion in New South Wales. Guided by Elder Uncle Ron Murray, they learned through stories, bush walks and activities including boomerang making and possum skin etching.

“Being able to attend the lake Mungo camp was incredible, it had such a strong cultural impact on me, I will be forever grateful.”
— Kahlea, participant

Seeing new career possibilities

The Narrm Southern Experience gave 4 young people the chance to explore workplaces and career paths in Melbourne. Staying at the academy’s cultural centre, Darrango yan-dhan, they visited Victoria Police, Darley Stables and Opera Australia, where they watched a rehearsal of La Traviata and stepped onto the stage afterwards.

Cultural activities were woven throughout the experience, including taking part in The Long Walk with Michael Long and attending Dreamtime at the ’G.

One participant reflected that workshops they had initially felt unsure about became some of the highlights of the trip. Spending time with other young people, hearing their language and being on their own Country also made the experience particularly meaningful.

A memorable day at the Australian Open

At the inaugural First Nations Day at the 2022 Australian Open, 35 First Nations children attended with their families. They enjoyed painting, live music and tennis lessons, with an unexpected opportunity to meet Ash Barty.

Two academy participants, Rhys and Lewis, also joined the tournament’s ball kid team. Lewis described how his nerves eased once he stepped onto court:

“It’s really fun when you get out on court, I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be!”

By Anglicare Victoria’s August 2022 update, 14 academy participants had secured ball kid places for the 2023 Australian Open.

Taking the next steps

The end of year program report also recorded 3 young people securing work: one as an Aboriginal Ranger with New South Wales National Parks and two with Anglicare Victoria in reception and media. Another young person was attending Deakin University, and 100% of participants in the ongoing program remained engaged in education.

The Lyone Foundation’s continuing support helped sustain the academy’s work. Through time with Elders, connections with mentors and opportunities to explore unfamiliar places, young people could discover interests, strengthen their sense of identity and decide what they wanted to pursue next.

Big Dreams in 2022: Culture, connection and new possibilities

From walking on Maria Island with Elders to seeing behind the scenes at Opera Australia, young people in Anglicare Victoria’s Buldau Yioohgen Youth Leadership Academy explored places, stories and careers that could help them imagine their futures.

The Lyone Foundation continued its support for Buldau Yioohgen as the program brought First Nations young people together for cultural experiences, education and career exploration across FY22.

Learning together on Country

In March, 9 young people took part in the academy’s Hike to Higher Education on Maria Island, Tasmania. It was the program’s first Maria Island hike exclusively for First Nations young people. Alongside Elders and mentors from a range of professions, participants hiked, shared stories and learned about the island’s cultural significance.

A further 6 young people joined a cultural immersion at Lake Mungo in New South Wales. Guided by Elder Uncle Ron Murray, they learned about cultural practices and places, including ochre, scar trees, boomerang making and possum skin etching.

Seeing where a career could lead

For the 4 young people who took part in the Narrm Southern Experience, Melbourne became a place to explore possible careers. Staying at the academy’s cultural centre, Darrango yan-dhan, they visited Victoria Police, Darley Stables and Opera Australia, while also taking part in cultural activities.

The academy reported that 3 young people secured work: one as an Aboriginal Ranger with New South Wales National Parks and two in roles with Anglicare Victoria. One young person was attending Deakin University. Everyone involved in the ongoing program remained engaged in education, maintaining the program’s previous benchmark.

At the 2022 Australian Open, 35 young people and family members attended the inaugural First Nations Day. Two Buldau Yioohgen participants, Rhys and Lewis, were among the first Aboriginal young people selected as ball kids for the tournament. By the time Anglicare reported in August 2022, 14 academy participants had secured ball kid places for the 2023 Australian Open.

These opportunities brought together cultural learning, community connection and encounters with people working in many different fields. The Lyone Foundation is proud to support Buldau Yioohgen as it helps young people explore the paths open to them.