The Message Stick

Created by Gavi Duncan

The message stick is an important symbol used in the traditions of Aboriginal people. It connects everyone in times of great ceremony to bring people together and celebrate the sacred stories of life.

These stories passed down, generation to generation, from the time when the great Creator Spirit Baiyami stepped down from the Mirrabooka, the Milky Way, onto Mount Yango, some 75 kms northwest of the 5 Lands. As the sacred lores were given, the message told that we always continue to celebrate our ancestors of Earth and Creation, remembering those journeys through time which give us the life we enjoy to this day.

The preservation and protection of our environments, the kinship and the relationships of our families and peoples, acknowledgments and respect that in turn creates a balance between all living things.

We send the Message Stick through our communities for the gatherings, to come together to strengthen those connections and the spiritual values in life.

As the sacred lores were given, the message told that we always continue to celebrate our ancestors of Earth and Creation, remembering those journeys through time which give us the life we enjoy to this day.

2024 will mark the 15th year that a Message Stick is carried through the 5 Lands on the day of the Walk. It is carried by the Messenger, an Aboriginal Youth, representing both the youth of the Central Coast and the Aboriginal community.

The nomination process for our Messenger each year is a careful one, and we will announce the nominee for 2024 shortly!

Lachlan Masters, 5 Lands Walk Messenger 2023

Lachlan second from left with the message stick.

Introducing Lachlan Masters, our 2023 Messenger for the 5 Lands Walk. Lachlan is a 17-year-old proud young Wiradjuri Man, excelling as a Year 12 student at Erina High School, studying Advanced Math, Advanced English, Biology, PDHPE, and Music. More than just a high achiever in academics, Lachlan is also an integral part of his community. He serves as the school's Vice-Captain, House Captain, and an Aboriginal Leader in his community, while also holding the honour of Junior President for the Tjudibaring AECG.

Raised on Darkinjung land, he has eagerly absorbed the rich culture of his Aboriginal community, cherishing the traditional songs, dances, artwork, and stories. This deep-rooted cultural engagement is reflected in his active participation in local events and initiatives, such as the Indigenous NRL program for NSW, reconciliation and Naidoc week activities.

Beyond his cultural and academic commitments, Lachlan sings and plays the guitar as well as dedicating his time to tutoring younger students in Maths. His passion extends to sports and as well as music, playing basketball, oz tag, rugby league for ten years, and performing at various shows across the Central Coast with his band ‘No Results’.

This year, Lachlan embarks on an incredible journey as the custodian of the message stick, representing the spirit of our land and people in the 5 Lands Walk. As he anticipates studying medicine at Newcastle University and joining the Wollotuka medicine program, Lachlan continues to shine as a beacon of our community, inspiring us all with his dedication, passion, and commitment to cultural legacy.

The 5 Lands Walk Message 2023

Let us walk together with hope and grace,

In hearts and minds entwined,

Sharing stories deep aligned

With Mirrabooka in the sky.

Powerful Yengo transforms

As sunset touches earth sublime,

Dark Emu points to her step,

A glimpse of the divine.

Impish lights, a shadow cast,

beyond the campfire flames.

Drawing in communal story

With alluring games.

A path of light is clear

Can you hear?

Country calls us home:

In Story we belong

Story we belong

We belong

Belong

Goannas sway and stride,

Gymea lilies unveil,

Currawongs swoop and glide,

Frogs call Toorongong the whale.

Let us come together, talk together,

Joy-filled tales of desire,

Stories fabled and true,

Night-time listens around fire.

Flickering blue lights of hope,

A vision in the flames.

Whispering wisdoms in the smoke

Cultivate nurturing ways.