More than 200 junior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 7-9 from Catholic secondary schools across will join together with Elders and Community leaders to celebrate an explosion of culture at the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) ‘Bangawarra’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander junior students engagement day.

The ‘Bangawarra’ program aims to support, engage and immerse secondary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in all areas of their learning and cultural journey, as well as to ensure students are happy, thriving and reaching their goals. It will be held at The Pavilion, Kiama on Thursday 31 August 2023 and follows on from the senior students cultural and career day held in March 2023.

The Bangawarra program aims to be a key stakeholder in ‘Closing the Gap’ between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal education outcomes and school completion rates by providing culturally enriched immersions and capacity building opportunities for students while at school and after completion. 

Formalities will begin at 9:30am with Elders and Community members joining students in a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by yarning circles where students can share their educational and cultural journeys.

Students will have the opportunity to engage with each other, connect with their culture, and be mentored by senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait students who have taken on the opportunity to become leaders in their community. 

Karan Taylor, CEDoW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Professional Officer, said the day is about student engagement - engagement with learning and with culture. “Engaging in learning and culture together has a profound impact on a student’s learning and wellbeing outcome,” she said. 

“As a Catholic organisation, we acknowledge the importance of celebrating culture for all students, and in particular for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Culture plays a significant part in developing a student’s identity, and being proud of who they are helps create a stronger sense of belonging,” said Mrs Taylor.

Guests attending include Aboriginal Elders from across the Illawarra, Macarthur and Shoalhaven areas, Sister Kerry Macdermott - Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, and key CEDoW personnel.