Geelong Catholic Schools First Nations Student Camp

Geelong Catholic Schools First Nations Student Camp

Tuesday 28th October – Wednesday 29th October 2025

Last week, Year 7 students, Sebastian Gee, Willow Annand and Isabella Van Der Heyden joined 41 students from St. Joesph’s College, Sacred Heart College, Iona College and Clonard College on a 300km journey to visit Budj Bim, in the South West Victoria, on the South Australian border.

"Budj Bim" refers to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscape in southwest Victoria, Australia, named after the dormant volcano that is central to the site's creation and the Gunditimara people's history.

This landscape is renowned for the ancient and extensive aquaculture systems, created by the Gunditjmara, which used lava flows to trap and farm eels for thousands of years. The area is culturally significant for the Gunditjmara people and is known as "Tungatt Mirring" or "Stone Country”.

First Nations scientists, engineers, craftsmen, farmers and astrologers, the Gunditimara People have been harvesting eels in this area for their community for 6,000 years and students were able to hear the history, culture and customs from the Traditional Owners.

A truly rewarding experience.