Kimberley Cup in Broome, Derby basketball and going to Melbourne were my best times at Yiramalay, the most difficult was doing work online with WIFI and IT issues. I am hoping to go to TAFE next year to study a Sport and Recreation course.

Thank you Brent, Jeremiah and Henry for everything!

Calvin Gurruwiwi (OW2020)

Being able to connect with people and cultures from all over Australia and the world was one of many highlights of my time at Yiramalay. The emphasis on two way learning and on country learning helped me expand my understanding of my own cultural identity. The most challenging aspect of the program was getting used to the new Melbourne environment, learning new routines and adapting to new schedules.

Thank you to all Yiramalay and LiR staff for supporting me through my time in Melbourne and the Kimberley. Thank you also to Greg Wilms who pushed me to reach my potential, and Felicity Pearson and Matt Watson for always being there for me.

I am looking forward to studying Electronic Music Sound Design or Cyber Security at UWA, next year.

Coen Wright (OW2020)

The entire boarding experiences in both the LIR and in Yiramalay itself has been a huge and significant highlight for me, it has really become my home and I will be extremely sad to leave, but I am extremely proud of who I have become while I have been at Yiramalay. I have had some amazing experiences and long-lasting memories and I have also made multiple connections with other students and staff.

Overcoming my anxieties, valuing my cultural identity and managing my mental health was challenging for me, also getting out of my comfort zone and gaining new friendships and relationships and being able to depend on others proved difficult at times. Next year, I will attend Melbourne Uni, where I hope to either study a BA or BA - Fine Arts, this will hopefully lead me into a rewarding career in an area that I am deeply passionate about.

I wanna thank, Matt Watson. This bloke is a someone whom I have grown to love like family. Words really can’t express how much I appreciate all that he has done for me, he’s been a solid rock for me in rough times and is constantly reminding me of my worth.

Thanks also to Hannah, she made the last two years of school work, boarding and everyday life so much better. I am also grateful to Julie who has been a mother for every student in LIR, especially Yiramalay students. She has always been there for me and I am so grateful for her love, help and overall amazing nature.

Thank you also to Flick, Dawn, Sheryl, Kym, Frank, Eliza, Tegan, Daisy, Ian, Koharna, Kaylene and sooo many more that haven’t been mentioned here. I appreciate all of you and all that you have done for me over the years. To all the Mentors that have been a part of my journey in LIR I deeply appreciate everything you have done for me. And finally Sean, thanks for dealing my teen drama and attitude, it was never personal.

Alena Landers (OW2020)

Playing footy while I was in Melbourne was one of the best highlights of my time at Yiramalay in Melbourne. In the Kimberley I enjoyed Industry Learning Week, I worked with Garnduwa, a community sporting organistaion in Fitzroy Crossing and went out to a community for a sleep over and helped deliver a sport program at Yakanarra, which was a lot of fun. The time difference was the hardest thing for me to deal with. I had a lot of fun and have great memories of my time at Yiramalay.

I am looking forward to getting a job and working in my community next year. I would like to thank Matt, Flick and Brent for their support while I was at Yiramalay.

Renisha Watts, (OW2020)

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