Aboriginal Student Program

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC week 2022 wrapped up this week, with a multiple events held celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture. The NAIDOC 2022 theme – Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! – was chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee. It recognises the history of getting up, standing up, and showing up – from the Frontier Wars to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities fighting for change today, and the courage not to lose momentum for change. Whether it’s seeking environment, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism – everyone must do it together. It’s also time to celebrate those who have driven and led change in communities over generations—the heroes and champions of change, of equal rights and human rights. The relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians needs to be based on justice, equity, and the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights. The theme calls on people to amplify their voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome

Monday kicked off with the Senior boys playing an all-star staff side in a game of basketball. Lead by ATA Nelson Waite and star player Mr Ryan Redfern, the staff won in a boilover 17-12 in 15 minutes of high intensity basketball. 

On Tuesday, the NAIDOC Assembly and morning tea saw our Aboriginal students showcase their Didge and Dance skills. The Assembly was opened with a great Welcome to Country by Aunty Robyn Collard, who taught students about the area the College is located and the importance of for the local Whadjuk Noongar people.

The Assembly was wrapped up with a magnificence dance performance that explains the journey that has happened over thousands of years. It began with the spirits, before transitioning into the progression of life. The trees signify the six seasons and the growth involved throughout. The movement of the Weitj (emu) and the Yonga (kangaroo) represent the various wildlife in Noongar country and how they are integral components of the land. The dance finished with the Gnumby, an expression of unique movement that represents the Aboriginal people, the coming together of all to celebrate and be one. Following the Assembly, parents and students enjoyed a nice morning tea. 

On Wednesday the Middle School Aboriginal boys played a staff team boasting 248 AFL games worth of experience, in a modified game of AFL9. Despite Mr Walley not knowing the difference between touch and tackle, the staff dominated 20-6, with Mr Aylmore even managing to bag a goal!

Great work by all the staff, students and parents involved in this years NAIDOC celebrations, we look forward to a bigger and better celebration in 2023. 

Mr Dustin Aylmore

Aboriginal Education Coordinator