Grenfell Historic Site, 70km north west of Cobar last week. ▪ Photo contributed
As part of the fun line-up of Cobar Shire
Council’s school holiday entertainment, a
group of 16 kids visited the Mount Grenfell
Historic Site last Thursday.
Mount Grenfell is home to some spectacular
rock art and holds particular significance for
Ngiyampaa People, who are the traditional
owners of the land.
Artwork at the site includes human figures,
animals, medicine, waterways, land, and
Dreaming stories depicted in red, yellow, and
ochre pigment, applied with a finger or brush
with the drawings layered upon each other over
time.
Council’s youth officer Stephen Gillette supervised
the group of 16, ranging in ages from
seven to 17 years, on the 4.5 hour excursion to
the site, 70km north west of Cobar.
“We hired a couple of vans and the kids all
had a great time,” Stephen said.
“Many of the kids had never been there before
and were very impressed.
“I hadn’t visited before either and I thought it
was great too,” he said.
The group explored the site for a few hours
and enjoyed a packed lunch, which was also
provided by the youth council.
Stephen said the kids’ positive response to
this trip has encouraged he and fellow youth
officer, Natalie Prisk, to plan another Mount
Grenfell trip in the next school holidays.
He said while they didn’t have a guide on
this trip to Mount Grenfell, they will however
try and tee one up for next time to ensure they
get the most out of their visit.
Stephen and Natalie are currently brainstorming
ideas for other locations to visit within
the shire (and further afield), one of which
includes a trip to see the Harlem Globetrotters
basketballers on their Australian tour in July.
The visit to Mount Grenfell was funded under
the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities
Programme which aims to improve
local participation that contributes to a more
vibrant, viable community.
The role of Cobar Shire’s youth officers is to
increase the socialisation, connection,
knowledge, skills, resilience, wellbeing and
participation of young people in our community.
