As we celebrate our 100th year, Royal Far West is proud to reflect on the stories, traditions, and connections that define our work. A special highlight of this milestone is the Coolamon Smoking Ceremony, a profound moment of cultural significance and connection.
Peter Mackay, a proud Ngiyambaa man of the Wayilwan nation and someone with a deep, multi-generational connection to Royal Far West, has beautifully crafted a series of coolamons for us. These coolamons, wrapped in our 100-year connection artwork Yiran Birrang (Long Journey) by Wiradjuri artist Skye Burton, represent stories of healing, hope, and commitment to working alongside First Nations communities.
Before being gifted to the communities we serve throughout 2025, these coolamons were blessed in a Smoking Ceremony as a sign of respect to Peter Mackay, his ancestors, and the cultural journey from bush to beach. Held at the Royal Far West Lodge, this special ceremony brought together children, families, and staff from the Lodge, School, Child & Family, and Reconciliation Action Plan engagement teams.
The ceremony served as a grounding moment, emphasising the importance of honoring cultural traditions while embodying the heart of Royal Far West’s mission: to connect, support, and nurture families across generations.
Learn more about our 100-year connection journey and the meaningful ways we’re supporting country kids and their communities.