Gone Bush has co-launched an annual nature-based culture & wellbeing event with Parramatta Chamber of Commerce and City of Parramatta.
The vision for this collaboration is to host intimate gatherings of business and community leaders and enable them to deepen their connection, understanding and appreciation of the region’s cultural and natural heritage while refocusing them on wellbeing and leadership at an individual, business and community level.
The inaugural event on Wednesday 26 February 2020 at the beautiful Parramatta Parklands was opened by Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer from City of Parramatta and Schon Condon, President of Parramatta Chamber of Commerce. Both Bob and Schon spoke of the vital role that connecting to nature from a young age had played, and continues to play within their own lives. They also commented on the richness of Sydney's Aboriginal heritage and a desire to learn more about Dharug culture.
The session commenced with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony and clearing song by Dharug cultural facilitator, Stuart McMinn. It was a powerful way to kick off the inaugural event and provide a deep sense of grounding and connection.
Stuart went on to facilitate a walking workshop in which Aboriginal perspectives were explored to spark conversations and reflection around wellbeing, leadership and community. Immersing in the scenic beauty of Parramatta Parklands allowed leaders the opportunity connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the Western Sydney area and particularly the upper reaches of the Parramatta River along which the Burramattagal people, a clan of the Dharug nation, first lived.
A range of cultural concepts were shared with group throughout the session, a key one being the Aboriginal concept of 'ngurrumpaa' - which Stuart referenced in order to focus leaders on their impact on a deeper and broader level. For those interested, 'ngurrumpaa' is mentioned again in this article and Stuart also references it in this wrap-up video filmed immediately after the session.
The event was heart-felt, intimate and full of connection - cementing it's position as a signature annual event and collaboration between Parramatta Chamber of Commerce and Gone Bush Adventures.
We'd like to give a big thanks to cultural facilitator - Stuart McMinn, Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer - City of Parramatta and Schon Condon, Romina Bousimon and the team at Parramatta Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to be associated with this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impacts ripple out across the Western Sydney community for years to come.
