Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Yaama Families,
Term 1 has flown by, and what a meaningful journey it has been. Together, we have celebrated learning, culture, and connection, honouring the stories, traditions, and voices that make our community so special. As we reflect on the term, we’re proud to share some of the moments that brought us together and strengthened our sense of belonging.
Celebrating Indigenous Women on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day was a special opportunity hosted by the Bumbira Art and Culture Program on 4th March, bringing together Indigenous women of all ages and abilities to celebrate our traditions, honour our ancestors and recognize the history of Mother Earth.
The event featured keynote speaker Sammy May Ruttley, who reminded us: “People will always remember how you made them feel". She spoke about the challenges of being an Indigenous woman today, while celebrating the strength, beauty, and resilience of women in our community.
The day offered a variety of workshops that welcomed everyone into a calm and respectful environment, including: Smoking Ceremony, Weaving Lessons, Mindfulness Sessions, Arts and Crafts …and many more!
Reflections from Young Women of Culture
“As young women of culture, we are lucky to be invited to these special opportunities, learning, connecting, and celebrating our heritage.”
Article and reflection: Indigo, Sienna, Anika (Students who attended)
Celebrating Strong Women in Our Community
On March 3, four students from McCarthy Catholic College proudly represented us at the Ngaar Wirribiiyan - Strong Young Women International Women's Day Gathering in Tamworth.
Cora Little and Amarni Ramirez hosted the event with confidence, professionalism, and pride. It brought together students, community members, and leaders from the region.
We also recognise MCC students who received awards:
Isla Woods received the Mentor of Change Award for helping her peers and promoting kindness, leadership, and confidence.
Keely Nash received the Future Leader Award for her ability to lead and inspire positive change, even though she couldn't be there because of TAFE/SBAT commitments.
We acknowledge two remarkable Trailblazer Award recipients:
Kylie Taylor: Recognised for decades of leadership, advocacy, and dedication to community wellbeing. Jolene Faint: Honoured for her work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, cultural mentorship, and empowering young people.
Ngaar Wirribiiyan – Strong Young Women celebrates culture, resilience, leadership, and community. We are proud of our students and grateful for all the strong women who inspire them.
Strengthening Interschool and Cultural Connections
It has been wonderful to welcome students and staff from St Michael’s Manilla to share experiences with our school community. These opportunities have helped strengthen interschool and cultural connections, while allowing students to explore movement, creativity, and rhythm in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Careers on Country 2026
On Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th March, some of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attended the Careers on Country event with other students from the Tamworth region and surrounding areas.
The day gave students a chance to explore different career pathways while connecting with Country, culture and community. Our McCarthy students connected with a range of service providers, learning about different career opportunities both locally and beyond.
Students also heard from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models, asked questions and started thinking about what their future after school might look like.
Learning on Country helps students build confidence, strengthen their cultural connection, and see how culture and career can go hand in hand.
It was a great opportunity for our students to connect, learn, and consider the many pathways ahead of them.
Joblink Plus First Nations Art Competition
A huge congratulations to our Aboriginal Studies students on completing and submitting their incredible artworks to the Joblink Plus First Nations Artwork Competition!
Your creativity, storytelling, and dedication are something to be truly proud of, and we can’t wait to see your work on display.
Be sure to visit the exhibition at Tamworth Town Hall, running from Saturday 2nd May to Sunday 10th May 2026, and celebrate the talent and voices of our students.
Warraymalaya, Year 10-12 Culture and Career Pathway Retreat 2026
The annual Armidale Catholic Schools Secondary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Retreat, Warraymalaya (“Stand and Support Together”), will be held Week 5, Term 2, 18–22 May 2026 at Little Drifters, Glebe.
The retreat offers a culturally safe space for students to connect, celebrate culture, engage with inspiring role models, and explore future pathways.
Term 1 Cultural Programs – Highlights
This term, students at McCarthy Catholic College connected with Indigenous culture through language, music, dance, and storytelling.
In the Gamilaraay Language Program, guided by Loren Ryan from Winanga-Li, students learned to read, write and speak Gamilaraay, strengthening cultural identity.
Boys in the Didgeridoo Workshops with Uncle Mark Atkins learned circular breathing, crafted their own didgeridoos, and developed teamwork and confidence.
Year 7 and 8 girls in the Ngaar Wirribiiyan Program and the Cultural Dance and Song Program, facilitated by Aaliyah Morley with Gomeroi Education and Training, explored their culture, received mentorship, and the girls started a collaborative woven art piece.
Term 1 has been a rewarding journey of learning, connection, and pride in culture.
Term 2 Cultural Programs
Term 2 extracurricular cultural programs are now open, and students can submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Google form through Google Classroom.
Parents and carers, once student names are added to the event, we will send a friendly email reminder asking you to confirm your child’s participation through Compass.
Students, make sure to check your emails and Classroom notices regularly so you don’t miss out on opportunities!
Olivia Guilbert
Leader of Learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Education (Curriculum)
Lisa Jameson (Smith)
Aboriginal Education Assistant
lsmith11@arm.catholic.edu.au