Around the Senior School

Students Connect with Culture and Community at Gilgooma

During the final week of Term 2, a group of Kinross Wolaroi School students travelled to Gilgooma, near Coonamble and the Pilliga Forest, for an immersive On-Country learning experience. Delivered in partnership with Pymble Ladies’ College, the camp provided Years 7 and 8 students in the First Nations Program with an opportunity to strengthen cultural connections, build friendships, and engage with communities that play an important role in many of our students’ lives.

Throughout the week, students participated in a diverse range of cultural, educational, and community-focused activities. They visited local schools where they performed dance, assisted in classrooms, and shared their experiences of boarding school life. These visits offered students the chance to connect with younger community members while developing their confidence and leadership skills.

Cultural learning was at the heart of the camp, with students taking part in workshops that included weaving, spear making, kangaroo cloak making, and creating emu callers. These hands-on experiences provided valuable opportunities to learn traditional skills and deepen their understanding of culture and Country.

Students also explored the local area, enjoying bushwalks, visits to the famous Pilliga Bore Baths, and plenty of time catching yabbies in nearby dams. Evenings were spent camping under the stars, cooking meals over the fire, and sharing stories together. The stunning night skies and relaxed atmosphere created many memorable moments and helped strengthen relationships between students from both schools.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the camp was the opportunity to spend time with local families and community members. Sharing meals and connecting with people from Coonamble and the surrounding region highlighted the importance of community, belonging, and maintaining strong cultural ties.

A special thank you goes to Pip from Gilgooma, whose warmth, generosity, and hospitality made the experience so memorable for everyone involved. Opportunities such as this are invaluable, allowing students to reconnect with communities where many of them have family connections and gain a deeper appreciation of their cultural heritage.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the opportunity to be On Country, participate in hands-on activities, and spend time with family and friends as the highlights of the week. Catching yabbies, swimming in the Bore Baths, sleeping in tents, and cooking over an open fire were among the experiences students will not soon forget.

On behalf of Mr Corey McLean and Mr Lee Taylor, we would like to thank the communities of Coonamble and Gilgooma for their support and hospitality. We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented Kinross Wolaroi School throughout the camp, demonstrating respect, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to learning from and giving back to community.

The On-Country experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of culture, connection, and community, and we look forward to continuing these valuable partnerships in the future