Thirteen days of learning experiences in the bush have opened students’ eyes to the realities and richness of life in remote Australia.
Earlier this month, a group of 11 senior students traded their classrooms for the red sands of Central Australia, immersing themselves in a transformative 13-day service-learning experience that combined cultural connection, community service and awe-inspiring encounters with the natural world.
The Year 11 and 12 students journeyed more than 4,500 kilometres to the remote Alyawarre community of Ampilatwatja, 325km northeast of Alice Springs, where they spent six days living and working alongside First Nations families. Guided by Elders and community members, students gained insights into First Nations lore, language, food, bush medicine and culture, forming meaningful relationships through shared experiences such as cooking, football, music, dance and conversation.
As part of their service, the students supported the local school by helping teachers deliver lessons, running after-school sports clinics and coaching the girls’ football team. They also learned about health challenges faced by remote communities with a visit to the local clinic and donated essential items, including hearing systems for hearing-impaired students, footballs and a communal barbecue—funded through Tatachilla’s ongoing Challenge 4 Charity campaign.
Beyond Ampilatwatja, the students explored some of Australia’s most iconic outback landmarks and cultural sites, including:
- Uluru and Kata Tjuta, where they learned about the Dreaming and Indigenous perspectives of Country
- Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge, where they discovered the unique landscapes of the Red Centre
- Purple House in Alice Springs, where they learned about the critical healthcare services being provided to Central Australians in a culturally safe manner
- Coober Pedy in northern South Australia, where they had the opportunity to experience life underground.
The students also spent nights camping in swags under the outback stars and participated in the annual reenactment of Banjo Morton’s historic 1949 “Walk Off”, which included a six-kilometre trek and a traditional meal of kangaroo tail.
Tatachilla teacher and Flourish Leader Jimmy Grant said the trip was about more than just travel:
“Experiences like this open our students’ eyes to the realities and richness of life in remote Australia. They return with a deeper sense of gratitude, cultural understanding and the confidence to be contributing guests in new communities.”
The trip reflects the college’s commitment to service learning—empowering students to serve others, broaden their worldview, and develop the empathy, critical thinking and advocacy skills needed to facilitate social change.
Tatachilla Lutheran College extends its heartfelt thanks to the Ampilatwatja community, First Nations Elders, and trip leaders Jimmy Grant, Pastor Jon Goessling, Caitlin Krndija and Courtney Orrin, whose support and guidance made this extraordinary experience possible.
Students who participated in the trip were:
- Year 11: Eva Aldridge, Paige Hays, Jade Ellis, Kaysha Dellow, Marley Ware and Frank Maung
- Year 12: Claire Oddie, Meg Thomas, Sarah Weikert, Hayden Cabban and Evie Simmons-Sinclair
Read more information about Tatachilla’s approach to service learning.
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