Polly Farmer Foundation

Connecting Through Culture

Students Explore Country During Reconciliation Week

As part of Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, Year 10 students in the Follow the Dream (FTD) program took part in a special cultural excursion that helped build stronger connections to culture, each other, and their future goals.

Students from Northern Bay College and Western Heights College were guided by respected Wadawurrung Elder Corrina Eccles, with support from FTD Program Managers Georgia Pike and Renae Carmichael, KESO Sarah Upton, and Kylie Clarke in a cultural support role. Together, they helped students explore important Wadawurrung cultural sites, listen to Dreaming stories, and understand the ongoing impact of colonisation on First Nations communities. 

One of the highlights of the day was visiting Murran – a vibrant Aboriginal art and cultural space and café. There, students explored amazing artworks by local First Nations artists, joined in conversations with community members, and experienced Aboriginal culture through storytelling, art, and food. 

Students shared their thoughts about the day:

Dream said, “I liked the truth telling and the ceremony.”

Zane added, “I liked it how we walked everywhere and learnt about the Wathaurong people and the land.”

Throughout the day, students walked on Country, and deepened their knowledge of First Nations culture. The experience brought them closer together and reminded everyone that culture is a strong foundation for learning, leadership, and dreaming big.

Deadly Careers in Health

Students Inspired by Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) High School to Deadly Careers (HS2DC) program

On Tuesday 3rd June 2025, First Nations students in Year 9 and 10 at Goldsworthy campus took part in an inspiring visit as part of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) High School to Deadly Careers (HS2DC) program. The day was all about learning, sharing, and exploring future careers in allied health.

The HS2DC program is built on a two-way learning system where high school students and IAHA student members share experiences and advice around goal setting, career aspirations, and future pathways. During the visit, students were introduced to a range of allied health professions through fun and interactive activities that encouraged questions, curiosity, and confidence.

Students also heard firsthand from First Nations allied health students and professionals, who shared their own journeys and encouraged students to consider working in rural and remote communities. The visit promoted a strengths-based approach, helping students see the powerful role they can play in improving health outcomes in their communities.

As part of the experience, students deepened their cultural knowledge by engaging with these leaders from different parts of Australia. These connections highlighted the importance of culturally safe care and the vital impact of health professionals who understand and respect local community needs.

Mia, one of the participating students, said, "It was very engaging, making everyone feel included and learning about what your future could possibly be like."

Zane added, "I felt connected to everyone."

The day left students feeling more informed and inspired to explore pathways into health careers, with many expressing a stronger sense of identity, purpose, and pride.