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27-Oct-2025 | Housing & Homelessness

Connecting to Culture at the Mutawintji Cultural Festival

SYC's Specialised Residential Care provides a therapeutic residential care program for children and young people.

Supporting young people in our homes to connect with their culture is vital in helping them build a strong sense of identity, belonging, and emotional wellbeing. Recently, we attended the Mutawintji Cultural Festival, an event that celebrates Aboriginal culture through dance, art, storytelling and community. As our Therapeutic Care Team Leader, Crystal explains,

“Cultural connection provides young people the opportunity to feel proud of who they are, which supports healing through strong links to family, community, and culture.”

For our Therapeutic Care workers, attending the festival alongside the young people in SYC’s care was a deeply meaningful experience. Isaac, a Therapeutic Care Worker, shared:

“Attending the Mutawintji Culture Festival was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. As a carer from a different cultural background, I approached the trip with an open heart and a deep sense of respect, eager to learn, listen, and connect. What I found at Mutawintji was far more than a festival, it was a profound celebration of identity, resilience, and the living strength of Aboriginal culture.”

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mutawintji National Park in far west New South Wales, the festival brings people together to share stories, language, and traditions passed down through generations.

“From the moment we arrived and set up our tents, there was a shared sense of belonging among everyone present. Camping under the vast deep sky, sharing meals around the fire, and listening to the sounds of Country at night were all part of a deeply humbling experience that reminded us of the power of connection to nature, to people, and to story.”

Over the weekend, the carers listened to Elders speak about preserving language, protecting sacred sites, and ensuring culture continues to thrive for future generations.

“As someone who works closely with community members in a caring role, this experience strengthened my understanding of cultural safety and respect. It reminded me that genuine care goes beyond physical wellbeing, it includes recognising the cultural and spiritual dimensions that shape a person’s sense of self and belonging. Seeing how culture is preserved and celebrated at Mutawintji reinforced the importance of creating spaces where all people feel seen, valued, and understood.”

Leaving Mutawintji, the carers felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be welcomed into such a sacred space.

“The Mutawintji Culture Festival is not just an event, it’s a living example of how culture connects us, teaches us, and strengthens the spirit of community. The best part was seeing how it allowed the young people in SYC care to live, learn, and love their culture.”

Through experiences like this, SYC continues to walk alongside First Nations young people in care, supporting their cultural journeys, creating safe spaces for connection, and honouring the wisdom of Country and community.

Experiences like this offer our Therapeutic Care workers the chance to reflect, learn, and bring new perspectives back to their work, helping them provide thoughtful, culturally aware, and supportive care for all young people in our homes.