Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander News
As we approach the end of Term 3, the McCarthy Catholic College (MCC) community continues to proudly celebrate and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
McCarthy’s Journey with the NSW Catholic Schools Aboriginal Education Conference Message Stick
McCarthy Catholic Colleges' journey with the NSW Catholic Schools Aboriginal Education Conference Message Stick, *Spirit on Country, Learning Together – Now, Then, and Always*, is a testament to our commitment to cultural learning and respect.
Our Principal, Michael Whitton, along with Leadership Team members Sally Sparke, Nicole Anderson, and myself (Aboriginal Education Assistant Lisa Smith), had the honor of receiving the Message Stick from St. Michael’s, Manilla. Its arrival at MCC marks a significant moment in its journey towards Tamworth, before it reaches its final stop at TREC for the conference.
We began the celebration by introducing the Message Stick at our Staff Briefing and Morning Scrum, then shared it with the wider school community during a special college assembly.
Throughout the week, students participated as messengers, with the Message Stick traveling through our Religious Education classes. Here, they learned about the traditional importance of Message Sticks and the unique story behind the NSW Catholic Schools Aboriginal Education Conference Message Stick. Additionally, students had the chance to craft their own MCC Message Sticks, symbolising their personal stories and connection to the McCarthy community.
The journey continued as our School Captains, Laya Dobson and Will Dickson, alongside myself, formally passed the Message Stick to St. Joseph’s, West Tamworth. It was received by Father Sabu, Co-Principals Maree Holland and Greg O'Toole, Assistant Principal/REC Trish Mitchell, Aboriginal Education Assistant Kim Taggart, and their students.
Cultural Perspectives in Classes
This term, Year 7 students are enhancing their understanding of Indigenous culture through participation in Yarning Circles as part of their drama studies. Led by our Aboriginal Education Assistant, Lisa Smith, with the support of Gap Year EAs Wyatt Allan and Seb Lawler, students are gaining deeper insights into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling traditions.
'Ngaar Wirribiiyaan' Girls Cultural Program
Our Year 8 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women have been deeply engaged in the 'Ngaar Wirribiiyaan' group, guided by Krystal Lamb and supported by MCC’s AEA, Lisa Smith. Through yarning, art, and journaling, the girls explore their personal stories and strengthen their cultural identities.
Careers on Country
The Tamworth Opportunity Hub hosted its annual *Careers on Country* event at Trelawney Station, Somerton, on Gomeroi Country, on Wednesday, 28th August for Year 11 & 12 students, and Thursday, 29th August for Year 9 & 10 students.
With over 150 students from Tamworth and Gunnedah attending, this event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with service providers about pathways for further education, employment, and training.
MCC students took part in this hands-on and inspiring event, facilitated by the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Lands Council, where they explored diverse career pathways. Thank you to the Local Opportunity Hub for hosting such a successful event, and to everyone involved in making it happen.
Spotlight on Success
We are eager to celebrate the achievements of our MCC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. If you know of any noteworthy accomplishments, please reach out to Lisa at lsmith11@arm.catholic.edu.au. Let’s take this opportunity to shine a light on the successes within our community.
As we move towards the close of Term 3, let us continue to walk together with respect and unity, honoring the wisdom of the past and embracing the promise of the future. Together, we nurture a space where every voice is heard, and every culture is celebrated.
Lisa Smith