Coming together for Country, culture and community
In March this year, the Hh team participated in a Cultural Education Program with Mawambul, which in Wiradjuri language means “together”.
We were first introduced to Heather Kember, COO of Mawambul, in late 2025, and it was through that conversation we came to understand more about Mawambul, its purpose, and its soon-to-launch Cultural Education Programs.
Fast forward to March 24, 2026 and we found ourselves at Mount Sugarloaf picnic area, undertaking our first session, in what is to be the foundation of our four part journey.
Who is Mawambul?
The name Mawambul also represents a way of practice, and their work which is grounded in ancient Traditions and guided by a vision of working together with common obligations and responsibilities to Country.
Mawambul is a Hunter based team who brings together authentic cultural knowledge, professional expertise, strong relationships, qualifications, and lived experience.
Mount Sugarloaf
Mawambul’s cultural education programs don’t follow the usual classroom format. Instead of notebooks, desks and pens, learning happens in Country – through your eyes, ears, and the opportunity to feel Country, as we’d not done before.
Led by Mawambul CEO David Newham whose more than 25 years of research expertise in cultural and social contexts, Traditional Aboriginal philosophy, and cultural practice under Traditional Aboriginal Lore are not only invaluable to the Mawambul team, but what makes the experience such a memorable one.
David has a unique way of delivering his wealth of knowledge, ensuring many light-hearted moments, and a couple of dad jokes along the way.
Accompanied by Jeremy Coward, who is one of the Senior Aboriginal cultural educators, the session began with some group introductions before heading off along the Mount Sugarloaf Summit Lookout walk.
Throughout the one-hour walk, Jeremy shared how different plants were used traditionally: which could be eaten, which were medicinal, even which were poisonous. It was a fascinating insight, yet powerful reminder of just how sophisticated, and important, the ecosystem is around us, and how little most of us really know about it.
Hearing the Traditional stories of the land was another highlight of the session, as was the opportunity to take in the spectacular view from the Summit, and sit peacefully for a few minutes to take in the quiet of the land.
What does a session look like?
Each three hour session includes:
→ Guided learning on Country with cultural educators
→ An introduction to cultural protocols and responsibilities
→ Catering featuring Indigenous-inspired foods, and
→ Reflection prompts to support ongoing learning.
Cost: $330 per person per session
Food is never far from our minds, so we were especially grateful to be introduced to a beautiful range of Indigenous-inspired ingredients, products, and food from JLT Culture Collective as part of the session.
The Lemon Myrtle & Ginger Tea from Binjang Tea had exactly the kind of zesty kick we were after, while the Jonny Cakes served with freshly made jam were a clear favourite. Over tea and coffee, the group had time to reflect on what we’d learnt, and the conversation continued in a meaningful way.
Who can join the Cultural Education Program?
The Mawambul cultural programs are open to everyone. Individuals, organisations, schools and community groups are all welcome to begin or deepen their cultural learning journey. Through this work, Mawambul creates opportunities for people to come together, build stronger relationships with Country, and grow their understanding of culture and community in respectful and lasting ways.
From Mount Sugarloaf, participants can continue their journey through other program locations including Glenrock Lagoon, Swansea Heads and Pambalong Wetlands, choosing the order and timing of these sessions to suit their availability.
For more information relating to the Cultural Education programs visit Mawambul.
Photo credit: Larissa Cluff
