The cousins, David and Chris, are both proud Narungga men from Point Pearce, and travelled back to country on the Yorke Peninsula as they approached their 18th birthdays.

They were accompanied by case worker Adam Evans from DCP’s Country Support Unit, and Principal Aboriginal Consultant, David Francis.

Adam has worked with David and Chris since last November and has been preparing for their transition out of the care system as they turned 18.

“I was getting a lot of things together for them such as photos and mementoes, from their time in care,” he said.

“One of the boys, David, only had one photo from his childhood.”

“Now he has 40, but I’d like to have more.”

“Through this process and in discussions with David and Chris, I thought a return to Country trip would be a positive experience for them as they transition to adulthood.”

In reflecting on the experience, David said he felt refreshed with his culture and spirit.

“I was thinking of returning home – my body needed to return home,” he said. “I was missing home.”

Case worker Adam has been with DCP since 2020 and joined the Country Support Unit with a wealth of experience in residential care.

He has flourished since joining the team and excitingly, is now half way through his social work degree.

Adam is a passionate advocate for ensuring that Aboriginal young people leave care with a strong sense of identity and connection to their culture, Country and community.

During the trip, the group visited the local cemetery to connect with past relatives and drove down the coast to Port Victoria, where the cousins went spear fishing.

“There was a lot of sharing of knowledge,” Adam said.

David, who was fostered with his elder brother Delwin by an aunty from the age of about one, agreed.

“Uncle David Francis showed us some new fishing spots,” he said.

Young David is now thankful for the time he spent with his Aunty, who he now refers to as his mother.

“It was a good upbringing,” he said.

“I got taught respect; I got taught a lot about culture.

“They kept us (with Delwin) together, which was good.”

During the trip to Point Pearce the teenagers took mementoes – little glass vials, one half filled with dirt from inland, and half with sand from the coast; the other with water from the ocean.

The idea: no matter where they go in life, they will be able to stay connected with Country.

The trip proved such a success, both David and Chris plan to return to Point Pearce as soon as they can.

“I’m going to go back with family first,” David said. “Then I’m going to the butter fish competition on Survival Day in January.

“Whoever gets the biggest fish is crowned the butter fish king.”

Adam has been buoyed by the success and now plans to do more return to Countries with other young people in his care.

“It’s something we should do more of,” he said.

And young David clearly explains why: “If you don’t know where you’re from, you don’t know where you’re going.”