The gentle sound of clap sticks tapping filled the Liffey Valley last Thursday, as 43 children from Bracknell School joined us at Oura Oura reserve.
Here at Bush Heritage we love engaging with kids to learn about natural and cultural values, and holding an event that gave local kids the chance to learn about Aboriginal culture ticked all the boxes for what Oura Oura reserve is about.
Hank Horton and his team taught the kids clapstick making (and playing), wadi and spear throwing and stencil painting with ochre.
He also engaged with kids to talk about Aboriginal history and connection to the Liffey Valley.
The group also explored more recent history with a tour of Oura Oura, and learnt about the role Oura Oura has played as the birthplace of Bush Heritage.
I think we all have days when we feel real inspiration, and this was one for me. What really made this day special was to see the local kids enjoying the special tranquillity of Oura Oura.
I hope that as future custodians of Oura Oura, this day will help them play their part in healing the troubled recent history of conflict with Aboriginal people.
One child went to bed that night holding his clap sticks tight to his chest. What a gesture for reconciliation!
Spear throwing. 
Painting with ochre. 
Hank Horton addresses the kids. 
Creating art.