It was a day back in the year 17,000 BC give or take a few
centuries, long before the planning of the pyramids or the building
of the Great Wall of China, in this continent we love, called
Australia aboriginal artists from the Ngamadjidji people gathered in
rock shelters in the heart of an ancient wind chiselled escarpment.
They wanted to leave a permanent record of their presence, creating
a pattern of hand stencils on cave walls and drawing images of
themselves hunting ‘roos and celebrating their spirituality through
dance and song.
Mixing ochre and water in his mouth one of the men would place his
hand over a cave wall - he would spray out the mixture then remove
his hand, leaving a vivid outline. In other shelters men would draw
long, powerful lines, which held a deeply religious meaning to teach
essential beliefs to the yet unborn.
Today, walking amongst the same ancient rocks with the spirits of
these first inhabitants it is impossible not to be imbued with the
presence of those first tribesmen. That continuity of spirit is an
inexorable part of aboriginal life today and after a day or two
soaking in the calming atmosphere you will find take away with you a
peace, a life changing evaluation that will leave you wanting to
come back to be in the heart of things.
Arriving in the Grampians there is a welcoming village, Halls Gap
the heart of the Grampians, located in a valley, an opening in the
mountain range, through which the first European settlers hacked and
sliced their way through the centre.
Beyond the township, about three kilometres south, the National
Park Visitor centre provides permanent displays and film of history
and present day conditions. Educational talks for school and study
groups provide ongoing interest in maintaining the wealth of
knowledge already obtained. Brambuk Living Cultural Centre
adjoining, covers aboriginal culture history and development, a
fascinating subject.
