Percy Haslam learns Aboriginal language and culture

Berntee, Gommera and Yee-oekarlah accompany a young Percy Haslam (c 8 years old) on bush trips around Lake Macquarie to Toronto, Belmont and south to Swansea, Cooranbong, Martinsville and Mandalong. They are among his first teachers of Aboriginal language and tradition. Haslam records that they take him through some ceremonies when he is approximately 12 years old and give him the name Pip-peeta (little Hawk). This is the beginning of a life commitment to the study of and support for Aboriginal culture and history. (Maynard, Awabakal Voices, p80).