Staff and Alumni News

A New Face 

My name is Kym Oakley and I am a proud Malgana woman from Gathaagudu (Shark Bay, WA). I am excited to be join the teaching staff at Yiramalay. I am a passionate educator who enjoys teaching people about our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. I have completed my Masters in Indigenous Languages Education and have spoken at two International conferences on language revitalisation and the part education plays in this process. I am currently writing and illustrating, a series of children’s books in my language Malgana. My family and my culture are extremely important to me. 

Recently, I have worked at La Salle College as the Aboriginal Education Coordinator. I have also completed guest lectures at Curtin University on Aboriginal Education and how to teach Aboriginal English as an additional language and/or dialect to students. 

I am really looking forward to learning about Bunuba culture and making connections with staff and students at Yiramalay. 

Kym Oakley, Teacher

Alumni reflections 

My name is Coen Wright (OW2020) and I am currently doing the Aboriginal Orientation course at UWA which allows me to start a degree next year. I am also residing at a college across from UWA. My subjects include Maths, Creative Writing, Foundation of Studies and Aboriginal Voices. It has been a smooth transition for me as I have a lot of experience living away from home after spending 3 years in the LiR. I am very comfortable with living with other people here and made some new friends. 

I miss a lot of the people from the Yiramalay program including Hannah and Matt. I would not be here if it was not for the care and attention I received during my time at Yiramalay. My advice to other students – even if you are not good at something, give it a shot, push through it. 

I am very grateful for my experience at Yiramalay, it changed me as a person. 

Coen Wright (OW2020)