ATSI News

Warraymaylaya Culture and Careers Retreat 2026

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Warraymaylaya Culture and Careers Retreat in Sydney alongside Mr Matt Griffin, Mr James Russell, and other students from O'Connor Catholic College. We were joined by students and staff from other Armidale Diocesan secondary schools, including Tamworth, Moree, Gunnedah and Inverell. It was an amazing week filled with cultural experiences, career exploration, new friendships, and plenty of memorable moments.

After an early start, we travelled by bus from Armidale to Sydney. Once we arrived at our accommodation in Glebe, we settled in and met students from the other schools. It was great to make new connections and get to know people from across the Diocese before the busy week ahead.

Our first full day was packed with activities. We started with breakfast before heading to the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where we were given a tour of the campus and facilities. We also heard from staff and students about university life, study options, and future career pathways. It was really interesting and gave us a better understanding of what university could be like in the future.

Later in the day, we gathered beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where we were welcomed to Country by a Gadigal Elder. This was a meaningful experience that helped us learn more about the history and significance of the land on which Sydney is built.

After the Welcome to Country, the Year 11 and 12 students prepared for one of the highlights of the retreat, the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. The weather was good on the way up, but it became much wetter and windier on the way down, making the experience even more memorable. Our guide was fantastic, making sure everyone felt safe while sharing interesting facts throughout the climb. Reaching the summit and seeing the incredible views across Sydney Harbour was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

While the senior students completed the Bridge Climb, the Year 10 students visited the Catholic Schools NSW Office, where they learned about the organisation and opportunities available through Catholic education.

That evening, we planned to have dinner at Circular Quay, but many venues were closed. Instead, we headed to the Pitt Street Mall food court, where everyone found something they enjoyed. After dinner, we caught the light rail back to our accommodation and enjoyed a well-earned night's sleep after such a busy day.

Day 2 began with another early start. After navigating Sydney's public transport system including a trip on a ferry and doing plenty of walking, we arrived at Taronga Zoo.

Our morning started with an informative careers presentation, where we learned about the many career pathways available within the zoo, conservation, and animal care industries. We then took part in a cultural walk, learning about bush tucker, native plants, and Australian animals. It was a great experience that connected culture, history, and the natural environment.

After the walk, we enjoyed lunch while trying to protect our food from some very determined bin chickens and seagulls. Once lunch was over, we were given time to explore the zoo.

The afternoon was spent discovering the incredible range of animals at Taronga Zoo. We saw giraffes, capybaras, platypuses, snakes, birds, sea lions, monkeys, koalas, emus, kangaroos, dingoes, and many more. The views of Sydney Harbour from the zoo were also amazing.

Later in the afternoon, we caught the ferry back to Circular Quay. Before continuing our adventures, we stopped for some ice cream and then visited Paddy's Markets. Throughout the day, there was one topic everyone kept talking about Mrs Tighe's mystery surprise. We spent the whole day trying to guess what it might be.

After returning to our accommodation, we had dinner, reflected on another busy day, and headed to bed.

Day 3 started with what felt like a sleep-in, with a 7:30am start. We caught the light rail to Central Station before taking the train to Cronulla.

From there, we walked to Sharks Stadium, home of the Cronulla Sharks. We were given a tour of the facilities and had the opportunity to take part in a discussion with NRLW players Jada Taylor and Georgia Hannaway. Hearing about their journeys, experiences, and advice was inspiring, and many of us were excited to have our caps signed afterwards.

We enjoyed lunch at the stadium, although the cold wind definitely tested our resilience. Despite the weather, everyone made the most of the experience.

After lunch, we travelled back to Central Station. It was finally time for the moment everyone had been waiting for Mrs Tighe's surprise.

Without telling us where we were going, Mrs Tighe simply told us to follow along. We boarded a train to Museum Station, still having no idea what was happening. After a short walk, we arrived at Yininmadyemi - Thou Didst Let Fall, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ANZAC Memorial. After two busy days in the city, it provided a peaceful opportunity for reflection and remembrance.

From there, we walked to St Mary's Cathedral. As we entered quietly and respectfully, we admired the incredible stained-glass windows, statues, and architecture. We were also given time for personal prayer and reflection, which many of us appreciated.

The final part of the surprise was a visit to the Sistine Chapel Immersive Exhibition. The exhibition allowed us to experience the beauty and detail of Michelangelo's masterpieces in a unique and engaging way. It was a fitting end to another day filled with culture, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

After the exhibition, we walked to Pitt Street Mall where everyone enjoyed a snack and some free time before catching the light rail back to our accommodation.

That evening, we gathered for our final dinner together. During dinner, we shared what we were grateful for and reflected on the experiences we had enjoyed throughout the week. It was a special opportunity to recognise how much we had experienced together in just a few days.

Later that night, there was a great atmosphere around the accommodation as students spent time talking in the hallways, exchanging contact details, sharing stories, and preparing to say goodbye the next day. While everyone was excited to return home, there was also a sense of sadness that the retreat was coming to an end.

Our final day began with another early start as we packed our bags and made our way to Central Station. Before boarding the train, many of us stopped at Ezymart to stock up on snacks and drinks for the long trip home.

Soon it was time to board the train and begin the journey back. Students from O'Connor and McCarthy Catholic College had to say goodbye to the students from Gunnedah and Moree as we travelled in different carriages before eventually parting ways at Werris Creek.

The trip home was filled with conversations, card games, naps, visits to the buffet carriage, and plenty of laughs. While most of the journey was enjoyable, we did have some interactions with a train attendant who wasn't always approachable or the friendliest (The others were nicer). Despite this, everyone stayed positive and made the most of the trip, enjoying each other's company and reflecting on the memorable week we had shared.

When we arrived in Tamworth, it was time to say goodbye to our friends from McCarthy Catholic College. After one final farewell, we continued the last stretch of the journey to Armidale. After all the head counts, flights of stairs, train rides, light rail trips, and endless walking, we finally made it home.

The Warraymaylaya Culture and Careers Retreat 2026 gave us the opportunity to connect with students and staff from across the Diocese while learning more about culture, careers, faith, and ourselves. It was a week full of new experiences, friendships, and memories that we will carry with us for years to come.

From climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and visiting universities to exploring Taronga Zoo, meeting NRLW players, reflecting at important cultural and religious sites, and making new friends, every day offered something different and exciting.

I am incredibly grateful to Mr Matt Griffin and Mr James Russell for accompanying us on the retreat. Your enthusiasm, support, humour, and willingness to join in made the experience even more enjoyable. I would also like to thank Mrs Jolene Faint from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office for all the work she put into organising the retreat and for her passion and excitement in making the week such a success.

One thing is for certain, none of us will ever tap an Opal card, catch a light rail, board a train, or walk up a flight of stairs again without being reminded of Warraymaylaya '26.

Lachlan Wanschers 

Year 11 Student

Anaiwan Language Group

This term our students will be working with Uncle Dave Widders during their DULLA sessions to learn and engage with Anaiwan language and culture. It's wonderful that we can provide opportunities like this that can help our students strengthen their connection to culture, community and identity.