The heart of an artist can lead a man in many directions.
Palawa First Nations man and BSSC student, Tylajae Charvat, has made some significant contributions to our college and to his own personal and creative development while at senior.
For example, the last couple of winters have seen a growing number of staff and students wearing hoodies bearing vibrant Aboriginal Art.
The design is Tylajae’s and was inspired by his connection to Bunjil—the Creator Ancestor—and the original Bendigo Creek.
“It was Sue Pickles’ idea to offer staff and students an Aboriginal-inspired hoodie option and I’m so proud of this work. Seeing people in clothing carrying a design I created is very satisfying.”
Tylajae says Aboriginal art is about expressing what you feel connected to.
“I follow my heart when it comes to expressing Culture.”
Media projects are also part of Tylajae’s story.
In 2023, a short film on the theme ‘Country and Me’—made in collaboration with other First Nations students—won the local ‘Koorie Flick Fest’ and was screened at Federation Square, and more recently, in an exhibition at the Bendigo Visitor Centre.
Uncle Paul Chapman helped lead a series of Digeridoo Design Workshops held mid-year at the college. This excellent program brought Tylajae the opportunity to complete his own yidaki (digeridoo).
In August, Tylajae added much to the Central Victorian Indigenous Careers Expo by playing the yidaki in the foyer of Ulumbarra Theatre.
Contributing to a mural for the North Central Catchment Management Authority that was designed by students involved in the School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program, was also very satisfying.
“The mural tells the story of how all people are connected—in every way—through the land, the stars, the mountains, the rivers.
“Everything is connected,” he says. “We’re all one. We all matter. I’m grateful to be an Aboriginal man and I absolutely feel that strong connection to the Land and especially to all First Nations People.”
BSSC’s SBAT program supports Tylajae to practice this connection to Country by linking him with Parks Victoria, North Central CMA, and the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA).
Although he would love to spend more time on his Ancestral Palawa Country, he has developed strong connections to Djarra Country.
“Getting out on the Land and attending various workshops has taught me to be a proud Black Fella.
“Through my SBAT I’m part of the rehabilitation of Country. Being out in the local bushland and seeing the animals in the wild is a real blessing. I am going to apply for a position with Parks Victoria once I finish my SBAT.”
Tylajae knows he would also enjoy working with Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). This organisation works in conjunction with numerous bodies and across a variety of areas—including farming.
“I think my dream job would be farming with DEECA because it would offer me such variety in my work—from caring for animals to manual labour such as fencing.”
While Tylajae recommends our college to others because there are so many options—from music to hospitality to apprenticeships, and especially for anyone interested in developing their art—he finds some aspects of school stressful.
“The pressure to pass, and the constant big groups of people around all the time are sources of stress for me. Just turning up can be a challenge some days.”
Good times and deep conversations with mates make a big difference when it comes to destressing.
“I also think it would have made a big difference to the last six years if I could have told my twelve-year-old self to ‘take a breath’ more often—to not let stress get to me so I fall behind and miss out on other opportunities.
“I’d tell myself: ‘Go and do something else until the pressure settles’.”
He has an excellent role model in his sister, who is really busy, but doesn’t let life stress her out.
“Study periods mean you can truly get a break if you need it. This means I can still find some peace and have a breather in the middle of everything if I need it.”
Tylajae says he has also learnt responsibility and the discipline of turning up and engaging—even when he doesn’t really feel like it.
But what he really likes most about BSSC is the chance to make new friends and have strong connections with his teachers.
He’s found Sam Gibbs to be a teacher who makes it exciting to be his student because he’s so adventurous and excited about everything he’s teaching and the outdoors in general.
“When we went on an excursion to Mount Alexander with him it was really hands-on—he doesn’t just demonstrate things.
“Even a walk around Rosiland Park with Sam is interesting and a chance to learn something new about nature.
“Sam’s also fascinated about other people’s cultures.”
Tylajae is grateful he has good parents and a family who are always there to support him.
On the weekends between October and June, he’s also having a great time with his dad who races cars—a Holden 253 or a Chev 305.
“I’m one of the pit crew and have learnt so much about racing—I’m really hooked on it. It’s always fun because as well as the racing, you meet some great people.
“The racing community really help each other out too,” Tylajae says.
“I think I’d like to race when I’m older—but time and money are a big factor.”
Later this year his family have plans for a trip to visit Palawa Country (Tasmania)—something Tylajae is looking forward to very much.
“I don’t know a lot about my own Country so I’d love this trip to work out.”
