A CAMP that helps young indigenous men living in the Hunter Valley connect with their country and culture has received the backing of Malabar Coal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The recent outing, facilitated by the Wakagetti Indigenous Corporation from September 18 to 20, took place on a property near Wollombi adjacent to the Yengo National Park.
The location's been an important spiritual and cultural place for the Darkinjung and Wonnarua peoples for thousands of years.
Wakagetti Indigenous Corporation director Jeremy Coward said the camp was a powerful experience for the four young men - Tyrone Bellamy, Angus Williams, Fletcher Williams and Brayden Van Vliet - who attended.
"Our objective is to establish relationships with our youth and empower them by strengthening their connection to traditional Aboriginal cultural customs and identity," he explained.
"We do this by sharing knowledge through traditional dance and stories, while building deeper understanding of the importance of country and responsibility."
Malabar chairman Wayne Seabrook said the local miner was proud to support the Wakagetti Indigenous Corporation and the important work it does to help young indigenous youth explore their cultural identity.
"We hope this camp is the beginning of a long relationship with Wakagetti and what they do across NSW," he added.
In addition to sponsoring the three-day camp, Malabar gifted the four young men a backpack, hat, water bottle and sleeping bag.
The attendees also visited the Maxwell Infrastructure site near Muswellbrook to observe the rehabilitation of the now closed open-cut mine.
The company's community sponsorship program currently supports a number of organisations and local schools in the area.
"We're doing our best to listen to residents and provide support where it's needed most," Mr Seabrook said.
"Where we can help, we will, and are open to hearing any ideas and opportunities the community has."