Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education News
National Apology Day - Friday 13th February 2026.
Across our Diocese, schools pause to reflect on the loss and trauma caused by past government policies of forced removal. We acknowledged the enduring pain felt by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially the Survivors and their families.
Healing is an ongoing journey., Within our schools, we remain committed to truth-telling, reconciliation and fostering a future of respect and justice for all.
St. Joseph’s School, Tenterfield
Reflected on family stories with the important message of belonging.
St Edwards Primary School, Tamworth
Cultural groups at St Edwards this week have been watching the Apology and reflecting on what they already knew, what they now know and what it means to them.
Secondary AEA Retreat
Youth Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander mental health first aid training
Date: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th March 2025 - Term 1, week 9
Venue: ACS Tamworth Hub.
Address: 87 Bridge St, Tamworth NSW 2350
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Registration: Please complete the registration form by Thursday, 12 March 2026
The Youth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young person (aged12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional support is received or the crisis resolves.
Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adolescents, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem, and the supports available, including cultural context to community-based care.
Wii Gaay
Over the course of last year, the Armidale Catholic Schools’ Dynamic Assessment Team assessed all Year 3 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout the 23 Armidale Catholic Schools. Using these robust results, along with a series of other data and considerations, 12 students were invited to enter the Wii Gaay program.
Insert drum roll here…
Let us take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate the following 2026 Wii Gaay students and their school communities:
- Ellie – St Xavier’s, Gunnedah
- Indi & Leo – Holy Trinity, Inverell
- Jack – St Philomena’s, Moree
- Ollie – St Michael’s, Manilla
- Eadie, Jett, & Lilah – St Edward’s, Tamworth
- Adelaide, Rylee, & Nicholas – St Nicholas’, Tamworth
- Janahli – St Joseph’s, Tamworth
Primary AEA Retreat SAVE THE DATE
Primary AEA’s and Leaders of Learning: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education are encouraged to SAVE THIS IMPORTANT DATE for the Primary AEA Retreat in Term 3.
Date: 27th & 28th August 2026
Location: Walgett
SAVE THE DATE!
Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) with the Diocese of Broken Bay, will be co-hosting the CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference on 19 and 20 October 2027. The conference is set to be held at the beautiful Manly Pacific on the shores of the Pacific Ocean on the traditional homeland of the Gayemagal people of the greater Eora Nation.
Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council Careers On Country
Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council Careers on Country 2026 is scheduled for Term 1, Week 7 at Trelawney Station, Somerton.
- Wednesday 11th March – Years 9 & 10
- Thursday 12th March – Years 11 & 12
This event offers a unique opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to engage with local employers, training providers, support networks, universities and community organisations, while exploring future career and pathway options on the beautiful Gomeroi Country with likeminded peers.
