As part of an ALP (Alternate Learning Programme) and of being first nations or Aboriginal heritage ,throughout this year I have been working with Mr Grey (Chalky) in the Cultural Hub with some hands on activities and learning more about my culture. One of the activities was making a pair of ceremonial clapsticks. These clapsticks are usually made from a native tree or wood such as gum, tea tree or dogwood. My set was made from dogwood which is the hardest to actually work with because it is very hard. The stripping of the bark is done first using hands, a wood rasp and a wire brush.Once the bark is removed and the wood dries out naturally, we used 3 sorts of sand paper to give them a smooth finish.P80 sandpaper as the coursest is first used followed by P150 and then the finest, P320.Once the sticks are super smooth we then coat them with an oil to protect them and also give a shiny finish. The conversations about culture while we work are informative and I am enjoying this work in the cultural hub.

Marcus Lowery

Year 11