Rachel Perkins Visits KHS

Stories of Freedom - Rachel Perkins Visit to Kempsey High School 

Kempsey High School students were honoured with a visit from acclaimed filmmaker, director and activist Rachel Perkins. Her visit coincided with the 100th commemoration of the opening of the Kinchela Boy’s Home.  

Perkins, a woman of the Arrernte and Kalkadoon nations, has received numerous awards for her role as a pioneering voice in Australian storytelling and her commitment to advocating for Aboriginal rights and representation in the media. 

Students at Kempsey High School study many of Perkins’ most recognised projects including the acclaimed films  Bran Nue Dae, Jasper Jones,  and ground-breaking television series  The First Australians  and  The Australian Wars. 

Rachel yarned with History students and members of our Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) about the healing power of truth-telling and the role of authentic storytelling in bringing people together in reconciliation. Rachel inspired students by sharing her journey as a young adult, the opportunities she pursued and embraced,  her filmmaking experiences, and the significance of teamwork in creative projects. 

Laveda Jarrett, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr woman and senior student leader was moved by the visit saying,  “Rachel listened to us – to our stories, and inspired us to never give up, even when others expect you not to succeed”. 

All Year 10 History students study Rachel’s documentary Blood Brothers – Freedoms Ride (1993)  about the 1965 NSW Freedom Rides, honouring the work of her father Charles Perkins in drawing international attention to the racism that was rife in New South Wales regional towns. 

 In response to this task, students asked Rachel to our school, who warmly accepted. She said she was delighted to foster a relationship with Kempsey High students to honour them as the descendants of people involved in the 1965 Freedom Rides protests in Kempsey and help students prepare for the 60th  Anniversary of the Freedom Rides in February 2025. 

"Rachel Perkins brought our history lessons to life, showing our kids that their stories are not just important—they are vital chapters in Australia’s history."  Lara Wasilewski, Head Teacher of History KHS. 

Students presented Rachel with a Junior AECG shirt, to honour her lifelong commitment to reconciliation and social justice. 

HSIE Faculty October 2024