Yiramalay staff snapshots

My arrival at Yiramalay has been an exciting new chapter in my journey in teaching and has enlarged my heart and passion for indigenous education. Throughout my career,  I have spent time in remote and city communities in Borneo, Phnom Penh and recently on Elcho Island on Yolngu country in the NT.

Teaching HPE and a certificate course at Yiramalay has been a whirlwind of adventure and challenge this term. My first impression was the uniqueness of the school where ‘many cultures in one community’ come together to learn. One highlight was watching our students run the Yiramalay Café and Restaurant as part of their hospitality industry experience. While COVID-19 has challenged all of us this term, it was incredible to see the unity and teamwork shown to persist in difficulty. This was a great learning experience for all of us in overcoming challenges in life.

Kerrie Williamson, Teacher

My name is Anthea, and I am very excited to be one of the new teachers at Yiramalay! I am teaching SYPP English and Humanities, and SYLF Personal Development. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all the students and hearing their stories about their lives and experiences. I’ve also loved going out on country to learn from the Elders and students about their cultures, and to share fun times fishing and swimming in the beautiful water holes. While the heat has been challenging, I’ve loved seeing the country so green and lush!

Anthea Shedley, Teacher

After visiting Yiramalay over the past two years, I enjoyed my time here so much that I decided to make this my home (of course having my partner Colin here also helped with the decision). I was lucky enough to be offered the role of Office Manager which is very different from my usual duties. I was with South Metropolitan TAFE for 28 years mainly dealing with apprenticeships. Even though I have only been in this current role for the past two weeks, I am enjoying my newfound responsibilities. The staff and students have been very welcoming and made my transition as smooth as can be under the present circumstances.

Lynn Addison, Office Manager