Koorie Club News

*WARNING: THIS NEWSLETTER MAY CONTAIN SENSITIVE INFORMATION AND NAMES OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIED**

School Wide News:

Although we are concluding week seven of term one, we would like to welcome our community back to a new school year. We extend a warm welcome to students, families, staff and community members, as we look forward to another year of learning, connection and cultural celebration across our community.

This newsletter continues to serve as a space to share stories, celebrate achievements, and highlight the voices, cultures and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our school. It aims to keep our community informed about important cultural dates, school initiatives, student leadership, and opportunities to engage with First Nations knowledge and perspectives. Through this, we hope to strengthen understanding, respect and pride in the histories and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The year began with a meaningful Welcome to Country ceremony, where our school community gathered to recognise the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledge their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. Moments like these are important in grounding our school in respect and recognition, and they set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

We encourage everyone in our school community, students, staff, parents and carers, to get involved. Whether it’s contributing ideas, participating in events, supporting cultural initiatives, or simply taking the time to learn more, your engagement helps strengthen the impact of this space. Together, we can continue building a school community that values inclusion, respect and shared understanding. Please take note of the contact information at the end of this page if you wish to get involved.

On Wurundjeri Country, where our school is located, the year is traditionally understood through Indigenous seasonal knowledge rather than the four European seasons. The Wurundjeri seasonal calendar reflects close observation of plants, animals and environmental changes across the landscape.

At this time of year we are in Luk, often referred to as the Eel Season. As the hot summer winds begin to ease and temperatures gradually cool, waterways come alive with movement as short-finned eels migrate downstream toward the sea to breed. For the Kulin peoples, this migration signalled an important time for gathering food and coming together for trade, storytelling and community gatherings.

Luk is also marked by subtle changes in the environment. Manna gums and banksias begin to flower, birds gather before migrating, and the balance of day and night becomes more even as the seasons shift. Observing these natural signs reflects the deep connection Aboriginal peoples have maintained with Country for tens of thousands of years.

Recognising Indigenous seasons reminds us that Country itself provides knowledge. By learning to notice these changes in our local environment, we deepen our understanding of the land we live, learn and work on.

Nation Wide News:

A community-led initiative is underway to restore vital sporting and recreational spaces for young people living on the historic Cummeragunja Mission. Located on Yorta Yorta Country on the New South Wales side of the Murray River, the project seeks to rebuild the community’s basketball court and playground, which are currently in poor condition and no longer safe for regular use. The initiative, titled “Nanyubak Dungudja”, meaning “Dream Big”, is being led by proud Yorta Yorta man Jarvis Atkinson in partnership with Dana Sfetcopoulos, the Fairley Leadership Program, and Viney Morgan Aboriginal Medical Service. Planned upgrades include resurfacing the basketball court, improving playground equipment, and creating a culturally grounded yarning space where community members can gather and connect. Community leaders say the project will strengthen wellbeing by providing a safe and welcoming place for families and children to come together through sport and recreation. Mr Atkinson emphasised that the initiative is ultimately about investing in the next generation and ensuring young people have opportunities to grow through community and connection.

A national research initiative is helping remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities strengthen control over how they access and use digital technology. Since 2021, the Mapping the Digital Gap project has examined digital connectivity in remote Australia while supporting industry and government to address gaps in communication infrastructure. The initiative was developed alongside the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society and funded by Telstra as a supplementary project to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index. Research has revealed that three in four Indigenous people living in remote and very remote communities experience digital exclusion, limiting access to essential online services such as telehealth, education platforms, government services and emergency information. Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker highlighted the significance of these findings, noting that many remote communities continue to face limited access to infrastructure and reliable communication services. Digital exclusion can include unreliable or unaffordable internet, limited access to appropriate devices and few opportunities to develop digital skills. The project works in partnership with First Nations organisations and community-based co-researchers, ensuring Indigenous leadership shapes every stage of the research, from designing the questions to determining how the findings are used. Community-driven data is now helping remote communities advocate for improved services and influence national policy, with the next report expected in late 2026.

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) has welcomed new reforms to Victoria’s child protection legislation following the passage of the Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Stability) Bill 2025. The changes amend the Children, Youth and Families Act and follow consultation with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that have long advocated for reforms to better support Aboriginal families. VACCA Acting Chief Executive Megan Van Den Berg said the amendments provide greater flexibility and time for families to access culturally appropriate support services. One key reform removes the previous 12-month maximum period before sole parental responsibility could be transferred to the State for children in out-of-home care. Advocates say the change allows child protection decisions to better reflect families’ changing circumstances and increases opportunities for reunification. VACCA noted that its culturally informed programs already demonstrate strong outcomes, with reunification rates for Aboriginal children significantly higher than comparable departmental services. The reforms also remove adoption from the Act, reinforcing the principle that the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is closely linked to maintaining connections with family, community and culture.

A new partnership between First Nations technology company Baidam and Indigenous-owned organisation Deadly Coders aims to create stronger career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the technology sector. The organisations recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to address the growing digital skills gap by creating practical, paid training opportunities through the Deadly Coders Academy. Under the agreement, one academy placement, valued at $20,000, will be funded for every ten job placements secured by Baidam’s recruitment team. Successful participants will undertake eight weeks of industry-focused technology training through a four-day-per-week paid learning model, with optional internship opportunities to help transition into employment. Baidam National Sales Director Anita Sheridan-Roddick said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations students. The initiative also recognises that traditional university pathways do not work for everyone. By supporting alternative learning models such as intensive training programs and bootcamp-style training, the partnership aims to open new entry points into Australia’s rapidly growing technology sector. Deadly Coders Director and General Manager Andrew Brodie said community-led programs are increasingly important as the technology industry evolves and demand for digital skills continues to grow.

Sports News:

Players from Fitzroy Stars Netball Club have spoken out after an alleged racist incident during a Northern Football Netball League match left several players distressed and frustrated following a tribunal decision earlier this week. During a game on 20 February at courts in Macleod, an opposition player allegedly made repeated remarks using the phrase “you people” before making noises and movements imitating a monkey or ape directed at Stars players. The incident was referred to the league tribunal by NFNL umpires. An independent tribunal panel later found the opposition player not guilty. The decision has caused significant concern within the Fitzroy Stars community, with club president Aunty Esme Bamblett describing the experience as deeply upsetting for the players involved. According to Aunty Esme, three Stars players who gave evidence during the hearing were required to attend separately and were asked to reenact the incident as part of the tribunal process. She said the players were left traumatised by the experience and disappointed by the outcome. The Northern Football Netball League has since confirmed it will review the incident and the tribunal decision. The review may involve hearing from all parties involved and examining how the tribunal process was conducted in order to identify possible improvements. A peaceful protest is planned to take place at La Trobe Sports Stadium in Bundoora ahead of the summer league grand finals. Community members hope the demonstration will highlight the ongoing impact of racism in sport and encourage stronger responses to discriminatory behaviour.

Ten Indigenous teenagers from across New South Wales are preparing to tour the United States in what is being described as a historic opportunity for young Australian basketball players. The group, aged between 14 and 16, will compete in Junior Varsity level tournaments in April 2026 as part of PCYC NSW’s Indigenous All-Stars sporting pathways program. The team brings together young athletes from several Nations and communities including Lake Macquarie on Awabakal Country, Taree on Biripi Country, Hawkesbury on Dharug Country, and Bathurst, Wellington and Wagga Wagga on Wiradjuri Country. Fourteen year old player Chase Neal said the tour will be an important opportunity to grow both personally and athletically. “This opportunity will open doors, build my network and give me the motivation to keep working hard towards my goals on and off the court,” he said. The tour itinerary includes visits to Nevada, California and Utah. During the trip, players will take part in tournament games, strength and conditioning sessions and basketball training. They will also attend college and NBA games, meet professional athletes, participate in community service activities and take part in mentorship sessions. The program is largely funded by the New South Wales Government with additional support from Hoops Capital. Supporters say the initiative provides valuable exposure and development opportunities for emerging First Nations athletes while inspiring the next generation of Indigenous basketball players. The Indigenous All-Stars tour is scheduled to begin on 31 March.

Didge ya know?

Throughout the calendar year, numerous dates mark historically and culturally significant moments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. While many Australians may recognise these dates in passing, their deeper meanings often remain less understood. Reflecting on the year so far provides an opportunity to consider the histories, struggles, and achievements they represent.

26 January – Invasion Day / Survival Day / Australia Day While Australians are encouraged to celebrate Australia Day as the day Australia was founded, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples mourn the impacts of colonisation. This day marks the beginning of ongoing resistance and survival for First Nations peoples.

4 February – Anniversary of the Cummeragunja Walk-Off, 1939 Over 150 Aboriginal residents of the Cummeragunja Mission in New South Wales walked off in protest against oppressive management and poor living conditions. This was one of the first collective actions of Aboriginal resistance and land rights activism.

8 February – Anniversary of the Woodward Commission, 1973 The Woodward Commission (Commission of Inquiry into Aboriginal Land Rights in the Northern Territory) was crucial in recognising Aboriginal land rights. Its recommendations led to the landmark Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.

12 February – Beginning of the Freedom Ride, 1965 Led by Charles Perkins, University of Sydney students travelled through regional NSW to protest racial discrimination and poor living conditions. The Freedom Ride drew national attention to segregation and influenced the 1967 Referendum.

13 February – Anniversary of the National Apology, 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations, acknowledging the profound suffering caused by forced child removal and assimilation policies.

21 February – International Mother Language Day A UNESCO day that celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity, reminding us of the importance of preserving and revitalising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

Together, these dates reveal a continuum of resistance, advocacy, and cultural strength. They remind us that the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is not confined to the past but continues to shape contemporary conversations about justice, recognition, and reconciliation. By acknowledging these moments, we deepen our understanding of Australia’s shared history and the enduring resilience of First Nations communities.

Rachel Aden (Koorie Group Leader) – ADE0010@sthelena.vic.edu.au

For any other support needed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples please visit:https://headspace.org.au/yarn-safe/