Fire Carriers
Welcome to our weekly FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carrier section of our OLA school newsletter. Each week, one of our four student FIRE Carriers share a story about Australia's rich Indigenous history. These stories connect us more deeply to the land, the people, and the sacred spirit of this Country. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the land is not just a place to live; it is a sacred part of who they are. Every tree, waterway, and animal holds a story and a lesson about respect, community, and looking after one another. By listening to these ancient stories, our school community learns how to walk together in harmony and protect our beautiful earth. We look forward to sharing these special stories with you throughout the term.
Introducing Kyah Simon..
Kyah Simon is an honoured Aboriginal woman from the Anaiwan and Biripi nations.
Kyah’s mother is an Anaiwan woman from Northern South Wales, and her father is a Biripi and Kamilaori man from Newcastle.
Kyah is a professional Australian soccer player, who plays as a striker for her National team, the Matildas. Kyah joined the Australian Matildas in 2007 at just sixteen years old and she has played in three FIFA World Cups including Germany, Canada and Australia/New Zealand.
In 2011 Kyah Simon became the first Indigenous Australian to score a goal in the FIFA World Cup and has scored twentynine goals in one hundred and eleven international appearances. Kyah was also the first Indigenous footballer to receive 100 caps for playing for the Australian Matildas.
Kyah partnered and started her own charities/programs for younger children. For example she holds her own holiday football camps for girls aged eight to eighteen, and partners actively with the “Most Important Meal Initiative”, a program that gives food and meals to disadvantaged schools across New South Wales. Kyah also uses her platform to fight against racism in sports, for inclusion and supporting young Indigenous footballers.
Sophia K
FIRE Carrier