Inspired by classmates' praise, a genuine passion for the outdoors, and family encouragement, Ella Weisser set out for Yiramalay Studio School. On-country learning surpassed her expectations, leaving a lasting impact. Returning to Melbourne, Ella studied science before transferring to a nursing program and is now a cancer nurse. Her time at Yiramalay fuelled personal growth and significantly enhanced her capabilities as a cancer nurse, fostering confidence in providing care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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How did you end up on an induction?
I was on the fourth induction quite early on. A couple of students in the year ahead of me had given really good feedback on it, and my parents encouraged me to participate. I grew up in quite an outdoorsy family, and they saw it as a fantastic opportunity to experience something special, even though I hadn't fully realised it. They emphasised the chance to explore another part of the country and other cultures. I was like, oh, yeah, sounds good. But I was gobsmacked at how amazing it was. I came back and told everyone to go.
What do you think exceeded your expectations?
Firstly, the stunning landscape provides a different learning environment, especially for a young person from a big inner-city school. The unique teaching methods and diverse subjects turned out to be unexpectedly impactful. During our activities, we also had a cattle station week, delving into the other end of the agriculture industry. Alongside cultural learnings on the country, the cattle station week left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing the lives and jobs of people in rural and remote areas was genuinely unique. I had never experienced what people's lives were like in those areas.
What were the top three big lessons you took away from your time there?
That is so hard. It opened my eyes a lot. Living in Melbourne and attending Wesley, there's a particular sheltered perspective. I realised that people in regional and remote areas go through similar teenage experiences, though I hadn't considered it before. There's so much that's the same. We share common aspects of life, like music, drama, and crushes. Despite the similarities, there are different resources and coping mechanisms. When I returned to work there, having experienced Melbourne and Yiramalay groups during my induction, I felt more equipped to understand what kids were going through. It helped me support them better, knowing how different individuals might handle various situations based on their backgrounds and experiences.
When you were at Yiramalay, was there a sense of it strengthening your connection to culture and identity or your connection to the country?
I've always felt connected to my environment, especially in the bush. Being immersed in the local culture and learning on-country with indigenous people helped solidify being grounded when you're out on-country. While I don't practice a specific religion or culture in Melbourne, I usually go outdoors to find peace. So, being out on-country and seeing how other people connect with the land really impacted me as a young person.
Also, time itself felt different. In the city, we're often rushed and caught up in schedules, joking about time. But the days felt longer out there, and it truly made a noticeable difference.
Can you share one of your most memorable memories of Yiramalay or something you remember positively?
I vividly remember being physically welcomed to country at the spring — it was a truly special experience. It is something not everyone gets to experience, and you don’t get to experience it everywhere you go. It left a lasting impression on me. The idea of acknowledging and connecting with your surroundings, even if not in a formal cultural ceremony, stood out as something powerful that I could carry with me.
What are some words or phrases when you think about Yiramalay.
Special. Stunning. And it's really fun.
Did your time at Yiramalay impact your career path?
I don't think it impacted my career path, but I am better at my job because of having that experience. I work as a cancer nurse and am in contact with a diverse community, including people from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The early experiences of learning about different cultures and how people cope with situations has greatly benefited me in my nursing career. This helps the community as I feel more confident and capable caring for individuals from various backgrounds.
Do you have any adventures or goals coming up?
Yeah, I just want to see more of Australia. I've got a lot of holidays on my list, and many of them are in Western Australia, which probably would have been lower on my list if I hadn't been to the Kimberley. But I'd love to go to the Ningaloo Reef. And I'd also love to go to Garmole one day. I've never been.