Aboriginal Student Program

NAIDOC Week 2023

Trinity College recently celebrated NAIDOC Week, honouring the theme "For Our Elders." Our Elders have played a crucial role in our communities and families throughout the generations. They hold invaluable cultural knowledge, blaze trails, nurture, advocate, teach, survive, lead, work hard, and most importantly, they are our beloved ones. In times of need, they uplift us; in times of joy, they celebrate with us. They cook comforting meals and guide us, ensuring we navigate life successfully. Their guidance extends beyond advocacy and activism, encompassing everyday life and our place in the world.

We draw strength from their vast knowledge and experience, spanning areas such as land management, cultural wisdom, justice, and human rights. They have set numerous paths for us to follow, influencing sectors like health, education, the arts, and politics. The struggles of our Elders have propelled us forward, and the fight for equality we continue today originates from their battle. Their resilience and determination have ensured the survival of our people. We must include their influence and teachings in future decision-making processes, ensuring that nothing is decided without their involvement. We honour the Elders we have lost and pay tribute to those who continue to fight for us across all our Nations.

The Aboriginal students participated in three major events as part of the NAIDOC Celebrations at Trinity. On Monday, the Year 10-12 boys played a basketball game against the staff. With hundreds of spectators watching, the team, led by Mr Callum Walley, showcased their skills and defeated the students 31-4. The game's highlight was Mr Walley's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, which sent the crowd into a frenzy!

On Wednesday, it was the Year 7-9 students' turn to demonstrate their talents in an AFL9s game. While Eli Wirrpanda showcased some impressive tricks, it was Chris Mayne, a legendary player from Collingwood and Docker with 248 games under his belt, who delivered a match-winning performance for the staff. Special recognition goes to Mr Fletcher Cooke for his impressive 70-meter barrel kick!

After months of hard work, the final NAIDOC event was the assembly and morning tea held on Thursday. The NAIDOC performance, "The WAVE," featured a traditional dance that symbolized the transition from the Kangaroo and Emu to the Wave, culminating in the Gnumby, a celebration circle. The dance honoured the NAIDOC theme for 2023, emphasizing the strength and resilience of our Elders, who have stood firm in the face of adversity, just like a wave crashing against a rock. We pay our respects to the spirits of the Elders and celebrate them through the Gnumby.

Special thanks are extended to Mr Olman Walley, Mr Jayden Boundary, and Mr Dylan Stack for their choreography contributions to the performance. We also thank Ms Amanda Marocchi, the Year 7 PCG Staff and students for painting the NAIDOC Week sign, and Ms Jena McDowell for her assistance in cutting the dance materials and creating TC-themed headbands. Finally, we would like to thank all the boys, parents, and Aboriginal Education Staff who have made this year's NAIDOC Week truly special.

Morning Tea

After the assembly, our parents, students and staff enjoyed a scrumptious morning tea.