AnglicareSA’s award-winning cultural immersion camp in the Northern Flinders Ranges for First Nations children in care expanded in 2025, with 16 young people and their 14 carers heading across two separate camps in April.

Facilitated by AnglicareSA’s Foster Care Services and the team at Iga Warta, the camp on the land of the Adnyamathanha People – People of the Rocks – is part of a strong commitment to First Nations children to ensure that no child leaves AnglicareSA care without culture.

Set amongst the breathtaking Northern Flinders Ranges, Manager, Southern Foster Care, Ida Mandelos said the camps offered an immersive journey into the living culture of the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners of the region.

“This unique experience provided campers with not only a deeper appreciation for First Nations history and customs but also a space to reflect, connect, and share in the spirit of community and Country,” Ida said.

“Campfire evenings created moments of shared stories, music, and laughter, with Adnyamathanha Elders generously offering cultural knowledge passed down through generations.”

 

 

 

Key highlights of the camps included:

• Malkii tour – a visit to a significant painting site estimated to be more than 35,000 years old. Through oral histories shared by Adnyamathanha guides, participants learned the deep spiritual and historical significance of these ancient markings.

• Ochre pit tour – an excursion to traditional ochre pits, where campers learned about the cultural uses of ochre, its sacred meanings, and the roles different colours play in ceremony and storytelling.

• Story site tours – guided walks to key story sites, where the landscape itself tells the stories of ancestors and creation, highlighting the enduring connection between land and culture.

 

Ida said the camps provided a meaningful cultural bridge for foster carers and young people, many of whom left with a renewed sense of identity, understanding, and respect for First Nations culture.

“The continued success of this year’s camps reaffirms the importance of ongoing opportunities for cultural immersion and learning on Country,” she said.

“Adnyamathanha Country not only offers stunning natural beauty but also a rich, living culture that continues to inspire and teach those who walk upon it.”

Foster carer Robyn, who attended the camp with her foster son encouraged others to jamp at the chance to be part of the camps.

“Listening to Uncle Terry and his stories of growing up in the Flinders Ranges, hearing him and his family sing and tell stories around the campfire while soaking in his knowledge about Country was an amazing experience,” Robyn said.

“Seeing our young people making connections to elders and other young people while having fun through art, singing around the campfire, or playing Spotlight at night is something indescribable.”

Her foster son likewise buoyed by the experience.

“The food was great, especially the lasagne. I liked having lunch in the creek bed with the emus walking past and playing Spotlight at night in the dark was fun. I made lots of new friends.”

 

 

The camp was last year honoured with an Anglicare Australia Award in the Reconciliation category presented at the Anglicare Australia Conference in September.

In the same week the camp was also recognised at the 2024 South Australian Child Protection Awards, taking out the Active Efforts Award.

Nominations for the 2025 South Australian Child Protection & Family Support Awards close 16 May, submit your nomination here: https://bit.ly/42mUNc2