Each year, the Kimberley immersion provides 国产探花 boys with a rare opportunity to live out the Marist values of compassion and service while deepening their understanding of Australia鈥檚 rich cultural heritage. The 2024 immersion to the Kimberley was no exception, offering an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, cultural appreciation and friendship.
At 国产探花, our Faith in Action program encourages students to step beyond their immediate communities and engage with the world in meaningful ways. St Marcellin Champagnat envisioned his students becoming 鈥済ood Christians and good citizens鈥�, and immersions like the Kimberley experience bring this vision to life. This year, nine Year 11 students, guided by Mrs Maher, Mr Howe and Ms Hann, travelled to the remote Kimberley region in Western Australia. Starting in Broome, their trip spanned stunning landscapes and beaches alongside inspiring cultural interactions, giving them a first-hand understanding of the challenges and triumphs of life in this unique region of Australia.
First impressions
鈥淥ur journey began with some chaos at the airport,鈥� George Lund (Y11) reflected, 鈥渟o it was clear this trip was going to be an adventure. When we finally landed in Broome, the red dust and heat hit us 鈥� it was a welcome change from Sydney鈥檚 winter chill.鈥�
鈥淲e quickly settled into a classroom at St Mary鈥檚 in Broome, who generously hosted us our first few nights as we prepared to travel up the Gibb River Road,鈥� said George.
Their first evening in Broome brought a breathtaking sunset on the pristine white sand at Cable Beach, a memory that would be etched deeply in the minds of the boys. This initial moment of awe was just the first of many transformative experiences.
Activities on immersion range from visiting the Broome drop-in centre for disadvantaged children, to camping, fishing, hunting and gaining an understanding of traditions and culture through storytelling and visits to sacred sites and 30,000 year old rock art.
The group鈥檚 mentor, Tony, provided invaluable guidance throughout the trip, introducing the boys to the cultural and spiritual connection Indigenous people have with their land. 鈥淭ony鈥檚 wisdom really resonated with us,鈥� George shared. 鈥淗e told us, 鈥業f you鈥檙e not here to live for others, you鈥檙e missing your purpose鈥�. Those words stayed with us throughout the trip.鈥�
The immersion continued with a 650 km drive to Mount Barnett Station, where the boys camped, hiked and swam in stunning gorges like Manning Gorge and Tunnel Creek. Zavier Gursoy (Y11) recounted, 鈥淭here were plenty of waterfalls, swims in gorges and freshwater crocs, and a few fish ready to be caught and cooked for dinner. Exploring sacred sites and hearing traditional stories from local experts made us realise how deeply Indigenous People connect to their lands.鈥�
One of the most memorable experiences was a hunting trip guided by local Indigenous community members. 鈥淚 won鈥檛 say too much out of respect 鈥� we were shown the ropes of hunting, living off the land and caring for country, leaving it in pristine condition. That night, we headed into the community for dinner, and we were welcomed with open arms,鈥� Zavier said.
The group was welcomed warmly by the Mount Barnett community, where local children shared their language and culture with the 国产探花 boys. These interactions left a lasting impression. The evenings on immersion were filled with conversation around the campfire. 鈥淔riendships were tested through games, nightly reflections and a wrap up of the day,鈥� Zavier shared.
The boys expressed heartfelt gratitude to their teachers and mentor Tony for making the trip so impactful. They thanked Mrs Maher, Mr Howe, Ms Hann for their guidance, patience and generosity.
Reflecting on their experience, both George and Zavier encouraged future students to embrace the opportunity. 鈥淚f you ever get the chance to join the Kimberley immersion, take it,鈥� Zavier urged. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l make lifelong friendships, experience a culture like no other, and come back with a new perspective on life.鈥�
The Kimberley immersion has the ability each year to transform our young men into compassionate and informed citizens. It鈥檚 an experience that stays with them long after they return home, shaping their understanding of faith, culture and community.
