Koorie News
We are proud to announce our 2026 Koorie Captain, Natasha Rinderhagen-Douglas.
Tash has already played a significant role in leading National Reconciliation Week initiatives at the College, delivering Acknowledgements of Country and sharing important messages around reconciliation, respect, and unity.
Her leadership has helped foster meaningful conversations and encouraged students to reflect on how they can contribute to a more inclusive future.
Through her involvement in cultural events and activities, and her advocacy for reconciliation and inclusion, Tash has become a respected role model among both peers and staff. We are excited to see Natasha grow in this role and have no doubt she will make a positive and lasting impact on our college community throughout 2026 and more.
Congratulations, Tash, on this well-deserved achievement.
My name is Tash Douglas, and I'm a proud Gunditjmara student in year 12. This year I'm the first student to fulfill the Koorie Captain role.
My role is centred around Indigenous inclusion and working with the school to create a more culturally safe and aware environment for Indigenous people. Having a Koorie Captain role in the school also creates a great leadership opportunity for our Koorie students of any year level.
This coming Sunday, to participate in this year's Reconciliation Week theme 'All In', I will be attending the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service to represent the school and lay a wreath to show respect and acknowledgement of Wantirna College staff, students and Stay deadly! ~ Tash
Dreamtime at the MCG and National Reconciliation Week
On Friday 22 May, a number of our Koorie students had the exciting opportunity to attend the activities surrounding the AFL Dreamtime Game and participate in Michael Long’s iconic Long Walk to the G.
Throughout the day, students immersed themselves in a range of engaging activities including sports activations, market stalls, face painting, and creative workshops. Students also enjoyed live performances from talented Indigenous artists such as Madi Colville-Walker, Sascha, and Scott Darlow, along with an energetic dance performance from Indigenous Outreach Projects.
One of the standout moments of the day was meeting AFL legend and prominent Indigenous Australian, Michael Long. Students and staff had the chance to have a yarn with Michael about the progress of our students and some of their strong connections to culture and mob.
Michael was excited to hear about the work our college is doing to support our Koorie students and praised the enthusiasm and engagement shown by our students throughout the day. This was followed by a memorable Q&A session where students were able to hear firsthand about Michael’s experiences and advocacy work.
Students then proudly completed the Long Walk to the G and were even given the incredible opportunity to walk a lap on the turf of the MCG. To top off a fantastic day, we stayed to watch the AFL Dreamtime Game, where the Richmond Tigers came away with a win over the Essendon Bombers.
This experience provided a wonderful lead-in to National Reconciliation Week, where our Koorie Captain, Tash, has led the way in creating meaningful opportunities to recognise and celebrate the week. Alongside College Captain Maggie Shores, Tash delivered Acknowledgements of Country to the College community and shared powerful messages highlighting the importance of National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme, “All In”.
Our Middle Years students also contributed by creating a powerful collective message demonstrating how each individual can support reconciliation in Australia. Throughout the week, students and staff engaged in important discussions that strengthened understanding, connection, and the importance of coming together as a community.
To conclude a meaningful week of reflection and connection, our Koorie students came together with our KESO (Koorie Education Support Officer) to create a commemorative wreath using natural flora collected from the grounds of Wantirna College.
The activity provided students with an opportunity to connect with Country, work collaboratively, and reflect on the importance of remembering and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and histories.
The wreath will be proudly laid by our Koorie Captain Tash, alongside Marrung Leader Courtney Moran, at the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service this Sunday, representing both our college community and our ongoing commitment to respect, recognition, and reconciliation.
National Reconciliation Week – All In
Wed 27 May - Wed 3 June
National Reconciliation Week is an important time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, while also considering how we can contribute to a more respectful and united future. Held each year from 27 May to 3 June, the week recognises significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey and encourages communities to learn, listen, and take meaningful action toward reconciliation.
This year’s theme, “All In”, highlights the importance of every individual playing a role in creating positive change. Reconciliation is not the responsibility of just one group of people — it requires all Australians to come together with respect, understanding, and a willingness to learn from one another. The theme reminds us that everyone has the ability to contribute, whether through education, conversation, advocacy, or simply showing respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and histories.
At Wantirna College, National Reconciliation Week has provided valuable opportunities for students and staff to engage in important discussions and reflect on the ways we can build a more inclusive and culturally safe community. Through activities, acknowledgements, student leadership, and shared learning experiences, our college community has embraced the spirit of “All In” by recognising the power of connection, understanding, and collective action.
As we continue our reconciliation journey, we are reminded that meaningful change happens when people come together with open minds and shared purpose. By listening, learning, and standing together, we can all play a part in building a future grounded in respect, truth, and reconciliation.
Courtney Moran
Marrung Leader