Last Thursday Narooma Rotarians and their many guests were both inspired and uplifted by three Narooma High students and then Yuin Elder Lynne Thomas. It was an extraordinary evening.
The three Year 11 students bubbled with enthusiasm following their participation in the Rotary-sponsored Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) in Old Parliament House in Canberra the previous weekend.
One student said, “even speaking in the Chamber in Old Parliament House was highly impressive where so much history has been made”.
MUNA is for students from across the eastern states; schools this year included the Kings School, Carroll College, Erindale College and Southern Highlands Christian College as well as Narooma High.
It provides students with the experience of contributing to a United Nations General Assembly style debate, the aim being to increase international understanding and goodwill.
Narooma’s Yeshe Smith Macpherson, Ellen Hemsted and Jack Lenihan represented Iran. They had to familiarize themselves with Iran’s current political issues and then debate global issues from what they perceived to be Iran’s viewpoint. They, assisted by the coaching skills of their teacher Monique Wicks, did Narooma proud.
They said the whole experience also opened their eyes to many possibilities of what they could do with their lives. They were also amazed to hear that many teams had to compete against others to earn their place to attend.
Yuin Elder Lynne Thomas told some Dreamtime stories and spoke of the long campaign by local Aboriginal people to protect and regain the sacred places of Gulaga, the Mother Mountain and Biamanga National Park containing Mumbulla Mountain, both part of the same cultural landscape with spiritual significance to all Yuin people.
Her father Guboo Ted Thomas and Uncle Percy Mumbler played significant roles in these battles.
For more information about Narooma Rotary Club, please check the website naroomarotary.org.au.
Above: Narooma Rotarians and guests last week were inspired by three Narooma High students. Shown are student Jack Lenihan, left, Narooma Rotary President Andrew Lawson, students Yeshe Smith Macpherson and Ella Hemsted, Vice President Ange Ulrichsen, and Narooma High teacher Monique Wicks.
Above: Narooma High’s team representing Iran at MUNA Ella Hemsted, left, Jack Lenihan and Yeshe Smith Macpherson found the whole experience so stimulating.
Above: Narooma Rotarians and guests last week were also inspired by Yuin Elder’s Lynne Thomas stories of the long campaign by local Aboriginal people to protect and regain the sacred places of Gulaga, the Mother Mountain, and Biamanga (Mumbulla Mountain).
