On 16th December 2025, Oyster Tribe Aboriginal Corporation, in partnership with Oyster Care Foundation, hosted the second evening of our cultural series. With an incredible turnout of 20 youths, young adults, and children, the atmosphere was filled with a deep sense of respect and eagerness to learn.
The Power of the Dreamtime with Uncle Rob
The highlight of the evening was a storytelling session led by our Elder, Uncle Rob Solane. A Ngiyampaa man who grew up in Menindee, Uncle Rob was fortunate to be born into a family with a wealth of cultural knowledge—knowledge that was passed down to his generation and which he now passionately shares with others.
Having lived in Dubbo for 25 years and worked in education for most of his life, Uncle Rob brought a master storyteller’s touch to our group. He shared the legendary story of the “Hairy Man,” and the room went silent as the children’s eyes grew bigger and bigger with every word.
Beyond the legends, Uncle Rob shared deeply personal stories that have been passed down through generations. He spoke to the youth about the importance of respect—a cornerstone of Aboriginal culture—and the urgent need to record and share these stories to ensure their culture is revitalised and carried on for generations to come. It was a powerful reminder that these stories are not just history, but a living part of who they are.
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Interactive Language Learning
As evening set in, we took a break to enjoy a delicious dinner of yummy burgers, which were a massive hit with all the participants!
With everyone energised, we moved into the second half of the program: a Wiradjuri language session facilitated by Anthony Riley. Using his expertise as a qualified teacher, Anthony brought the language to life with Wiradjuri Bingo. It was a joy to see the kids so engaged, making the session interactive, funny, and full of life.
Voices of the Future
During the feedback session at the end of the night, the impact of Uncle Rob’s words was clear. Many of the youth shared that they hadn’t heard these specific Dreamtime stories before. They expressed how important it was for them to keep hearing these stories so they could one day pass them on to their own future generations.
Community Spirit
A huge thank you once again to our wonderful volunteers, Ebony and Max, for their dedicated time and support. To wrap up the successful evening, the participants were safely dropped off at their homes.
By connecting our youth with our Elders, we are ensuring that the flame of our culture continues to burn bright.
If you’re interested in supporting cultural learning, taking part in future programs, or staying connected with our community initiatives, we invite you to get in touch.
