Cultural News
Newsletter Indigenous Education
Term 1 Week 2
Welcome back to 2026!
On Monday 2nd February, we commissioned our FIRE (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) Carriers for 2026 during Assembly. As FIRE Carriers, they take on the responsibility of promoting respect, fairness and inclusion for Aboriginal people. The FIRE Carrier project promotes enculturation and reconciliation in Sandhurst schools.
The story of FIRE Carriers began with a dream to bring Aboriginal culture, history and spirituality into the forefront of education in Catholic schools. It was important to teach the stories of the oldest living culture to our youngest generations to ensure the living truth, the dreams and hopes of our Indigenous people were heard. This would be a genuine pathway to reconciliation.
The following students and staff commissioned were -
Nevaeh Collins, Isabella McNair, Ivy Valentin, Mason May, Theo Natalizio, Mason Dwyer, Mr Troy Watts and Mrs Tilly Male.
We congratulate them as they take on this role this year.
National Apology Day
A significant date is coming up next week. National Apology Day is observed in Australia annually on 13 February to mark the 2008 formal apology by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Stolen Generations. It acknowledges the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, fostering reflection on the trauma and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. It commemorates the 13 February 2008 apology, which formally recognized the profound grief, suffering, and loss caused by past government policies of forced child removal. The day is a time for all Australians to reflect on the past and commit to a future that ensures such injustices are never repeated. The day acts as a reminder of the past, acknowledging the strength of survivors and highlighting the need to address the intergenerational trauma still experienced by First Nations communities. Events are held annually around Australia. Our FIRE Carriers and Year 5/6 indigenous students will attend the Apology Day Breakfast in Shepparton. They will be leaving school at 7:30am and travel by bus to the Queen’s Gardens in Shepparton for an 8 am start. It concludes at 8:55 am. Parents are welcome to join us to reflect on the significance of this day.
Updated - Ganbina - Education Scholarships
At Ganbina our annual scholarships are designed to support all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander participants from Prep to Year 6 in Greater Shepparton.
Ganbina provide a range of support to participants including financial support for educational expenses occurred, such as school fees, school uniforms, camps/excursion/swimming, books/stationary, etc. We also provide an internal accelerated learning program for our primary school participants to help get them on track or keep them on track with their schooling.
Ganbina's Scholarship registration flyer for 2026 is below for more information -
2026 Registrations opened on January 27th.
To register for this Scholarship please either click on the link below or contact -
Project Officer - Chrystal Chapman on 0438 217 399 or email chrystal@ganbina.com.au
Ganbina Jobs4U2 Registration Form 2026
2026 Opening The Doors Foundation
STUDENT GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR 2026!
The 2026 grant round will open on the 10th of November 2025 and close on the 2nd of April 2026. The Opening The Doors Foundation invites eligible families to apply for a 2026 student grant. Please read the information below carefully to ensure your application is complete and can be processed.
Due to a large increase in demand, changes have been made to this year’s grant round. The Foundation will prioritise students with the highest financial need to ensure fair access to support. Applicants with a Health Care Card or Pension Card will be processed first. Other applications are still welcome however processing may be slightly delayed.
Please attach a copy of your Health Care or Pension Card to your online application.
Missing documents will delay processing.
All applications must be submitted online via the OTDF Grant Portal below.
The Victorian government is increasing the funding for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to $400 per eligible primary and secondary school student, effective from January 1, 2026. Applications for the 2026 CSEF support will open on January 27, and it is for concession card holders. This can be used for uniforms, school camps, and books. To apply for this bonus, contact your school directly. Please consider this as you apply for needed funds from OTDF and apply only for what you need from OTDF. We have limited funding available.
Items you can apply for from OTDF
You may apply for essential school items. Please list your items in order of priority.
Eligible items include:
School books & stationery
School uniforms
One pair of shoes (school or sport shoes)
IT equipment (laptops, calculators, etc.)
VCAL/VET levies
School camp costs
Funding is up to the OTDF grant limit and up to OTDF Trustee discretion. You may not receive the full amount requested.
What We Don’t Fund
Independent school fees (families are responsible for paying private school fees and levies)
Applications where OTDF funds are used for school fees may affect future eligibility.
Other Funding
If the student is already receiving support from:
Traditional Owner education grants
First Nations scholarships
Other charities
School financial assistance
The application may not be successful. Final decisions are made by OTDF Trustees.
✅ Eligibility
To apply, the student must:
✔️ Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
✔️ Provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality
✔️ Be enrolled in a Catholic or Independent school in Victoria (Prep–Year 12)
❌ OTDF does not support students attending government schools
How Grants Are Provided
Grants are mostly provided as vouchers from approved suppliers
Vouchers must be used by 31st of May 2026
For camp levies, school uniforms, or school IT items, funds are sent directly to the school if the school supplies these items
📅 Key Dates
* Applications Open - 10th November 2025
* Applications Close - 2nd of April 2026 (strict deadline)
* ALL Vouchers expire on - 31st of May 2026
PLEASE NOTE - The school can longer apply for this on your behalf.
Workshops
Girls Indigenous Program
Boys Indigenous Program
Acknowledgement of Country
At St Mary’s Primary School Mooroopna we Acknowledge the Traditional people of this land. The Yorta Yorta Nation are the Traditional Custodians of this area and we remember their elders, past, present and future. We remember that the Aboriginal people of Australia will always be the traditional owners of the land on which we gather today. We continue to grow through education and reconciliation to a better future for all Australians.
