Extracurricular Pursuits

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Activities

Indigenous Netball

Over the holidays, Kiara Marr participated in an Indigenous Netball carnival in Queensland. It’s where all states send an Indigenous Team to play in a netball carnival. Congratulations Kiara.

Nura Gili Youth Leader Camp UNSW

Kayla Brydon participated in a Youth Leaders Camp at the University of NSW in the January holidays.

The program offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students a unique opportunity to see what UNSW has to offer, through a cross-faculty experience aiming to instil a sense of cultural leadership and comradery.

Students addressed real-life scenarios that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities today, engaging with workshops and problem-solving activities.

These innovative programs will see students consider how education, cultural leadership, and problem-solving can be the tools they use to shape the future.

“On the 14 January, I arrived at the UNSW campus on Sunday afternoon to embark on the 2024 Nura Gili Youth Leaders Program which was a week-long program where Indigenous students from across Australia spent a week on campus learning about UNI life and participating in cultural events. I was warmly welcomed by the staff and I was lucky enough to have Nat as a leader who was the old Souths Cares mentor at the college who I had a great bond with which made the experience much more comforting. Throughout the week, I grew confident in talking to new people and stepping out of my comfort zone in a new environment. Learning about the different faculties on offer at UNSW was a great opportunity to learn more about the possibilities I may take in the future. Throughout the week we also got to do some hands-on activities including making a lavender scent hand cream, making a night light box, testing each other's heartbeats using a stethoscope and many more fun things. There were only 4 students from Sydney in the whole group of 23 students who were selected so it was an experience to meet new people, learn about their culture and where they come from and create new friendships. The concluding day of the camp was a cultural day where we were taken on a tour of La Perouse and got to visit some of the cultural sites and what La Perouse meant to the Indigenous people of the area. We also learnt some Dharawal language. I really appreciate that I was able to participate in this program as it gave me an insight into what UNI life is like and how supportive the Nura Gili staff were throughout the week.”

Kayla Brydon

Year 10

Yabun Festival

Kasey Russell, Year 8, danced at the Yabun Festival in Sydney on January 26. This event is Australia’s largest one-day celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

The gathering is a living testament to the enduring strength and vibrancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Kasey danced with Brolga Academy and they were invited along with many other dance schools to participate in this event. Congratulations Kasey!

Brigidine College Upcoming Activities

This year we have some exciting events happening and we look forward to sharing them with you.

In the next couple of weeks, I will be contacting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to discuss the educational journeys of their daughters.

Over the course of this Term we are delighted to welcome Des Marsh from Nyumbar Aboriginal Education, to our College during which Des will lead Aboriginal dance workshops. Later in the term towards Reconciliation Week, Des will return to conduct Art, Music and HSIE workshops.

We will celebrate NAIDOC during the first week of Term 3. 

Regards,

Natalie Harkins

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Officer