National Water Week – A Chat with Ghungalu Elder Patricia Leisha

In celebration of National Water Week, we sat down with Ghungalu Elder Patricia Leisha (Aunty Pat), who shared her cherished memories of childhood in the late fifties/sixties, deeply connected to the waters of Blackwater Creek. Aunty Pat fondly recalled how her family would camp every Christmas, school holiday, and Easter near the creek or at Blackdown Tableland, nurturing their bond with the land and each other.

“Every holiday, Dad would take us camping. We’d set off for Blackwater Creek or camp at a spring near the foot of the mountain,” Aunty Pat continued.

“The creek had this magical swimming hole with a soft, sandy bottom and the clearest water you could imagine. We called it our beach – it was our paradise,” she shared.

During National Water Week, Aunty Pat’s story is a timely reminder of the vital role water plays in shaping community, culture, and life. For her family, the creek wasn’t just a source of water, but a provider of food, fun, and connection to the environment.

“Life was simple then, full of adventure and discovery. The creek provided everything we needed. As long as there was water, we had food. I will always appreciate the land and the endless gifts it offers,” she said.

Her story highlights how water sustains not only our everyday lives but also cultural traditions and connections to Country. National Water Week encourages all of us to reflect on the importance of protecting and valuing our water sources, just as generations before us did.