5 minute read
Collinsville
SUPPORTING MEN’S HEALTH THROUGH CULTURAL CONNECTEDNESS
Driven by a need for supporting Men’s mental health and wellbeing, Ryan Catholic College Indigenous Education team decided to invest in a series of workshops this year.
In collaboration with the Traditional Owner group, the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, workshops were created to promote cultural connectedness. The workshops teach young men about the importance of both mental health and overall wellbeing in traditional ways. Once a term, Traditional Owners visit and yarn with the young men about how their ancestors were warriors and how they took care of themselves, their families and the land.
The topics of mental wellbeing; connecting to all three brains (head, heart and gut); looking after the land; and passing on knowledge and stories is very beneficial for the students.
CATHY FREEMAN FOUNDATION SHINES LIGHT ON PALM ISLAND
St Michaels' School partners with the Cathy Freeman Foundation to host Family BBQ Nights each term at the school. The school utilises this deadly community gathering to showcase the current work of the students, staff, and school. This forum allows for parent and community engagement in a constructive and welcoming environment where culture and identity are celebrated. This year, at these Family Nights, St Michael's has completed their Enhancing Catholic School Identity Project surveys with families, launched their Reconciliation Action Plan, and reformed their Community Consultation Group. The night always culminates in cultural dances by students, staff, and even Fr Mahn!
WALK ON COUNTRY SPIRITUALITY RETREAT
Townsville Catholic Education staff from across the Diocese shared in a Walk on Country spirituality retreat earlier this year in Winton. The unique experience was an opportunity for staff to take time out of their daily life, to experience the vastness and openness of the channel Country around Winton and have an opportunity to walk on Country with local Elder Aunty Pearl to places that are sacred and also places of historical and cultural significance to Indigenous people.
Aunty Pearl Eatts and Dr Tracey Harbour guided staff members through the wonderful retreat experience.
Past Principal, Peter Scott had the vision to create a ‘Cultural Precinct’ at Good Shepherd Catholic College to physically acknowledge and promote local Kalkadoon knowledge and culture visibly into the school community. Following Peter’s departure, current principal Kathleen McCarthy has ensured this project has continued.
The purpose of the precinct is to promote Indigenous spirituality as another important aspect and resource for spiritual centering, contemplation, and reflective prayer. The project is an important goal in the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Local award-winning artist and Kalkadoon Traditional Owner, Sheree Blackley, was engaged to develop a design for the space. Sheree's vision promotes Kalkadoon symbols and Dreaming stories, and their connection to this Country. The space includes water tanks, fencing, pathways and connection between the water tanks and the area in front of them. The project is being completed in three phases, and will be finalised in 2022.
SPOTLIGHT ON CURRENT AND PAST STUDENTS ST TERESA’S COLLEGE, ABERGOWRIE Current students
SANIA TOWNSON
Sania Townson is a very talented Year 11 student who has been chosen by professional artists, Dave Atkins and Coedie McCarthy to work on an exciting music project. Dave and Coedie have secured a Queensland Arts Council grant to work with three young and ambitious students from across Australia. The three chosen students will each produce and release a music track that will be broadcasted across the country on television and radio. Sania also dances in the St Teresa’s Torres Strait Dance Troupe and is in the College Band.
WILORNI WAIA
Wilorni Waia is a Year 11 student from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait. Wilorni knows first hand the effects of global warming as he has seen the water rise on his island. Because of this he has become involved in supporting the Torres Strait 8 - a group dedicated to addressing climate change. He is concerned for his community and the impact on others living in coastal areas. Wilo is a passionate young man who is strong in culture. He helps to lead the St Teresa’s Torres Strait Dance Troupe and is a keen artist and musician.
JAHRAHN NEAL-YEATMAN
Jahrahn Neal-Yeatman is a Year 9 student from Yarrabah. He is an active member of the college and his community. Jahrahn is one of the leaders of the St Teresa’s Aboriginal Dance Troupe, has organised whole school yarning circles, is a Student Representative Council (SRC) member and has been invited by Townsville Catholic Education to acknowledge us to Country at Diocesan Masses. He is also a keen debater and public speaker who one day hopes to enter politics or law.
JIM BAIRA
Congratulations to Year 12 student Jim Baira who was the 2021 recipient of the highly prestigious Deus Caritas Est Award. The Deus Caritas Est Award is presented to a senior student from each of the secondary schools in the Diocese. Nominated by the school, recipients are awarded for their generosity of spirit and their involvement in the school community, be that through participation in social justice groups, charity events or service work.
A GOWRIE TRADITION OF GROWING GOOD MEN...
Past students
MATTHEW PEARSON
2015 Alumni, Matthew Pearson, was recently in Townsville during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 and visited the college. Matthew is currently a leading Aircraftman and Airfield Defence Guard from No. 1 Security Force.
The college were thrilled he could visit and share his journey and experience with staff and students.
MAVERICK FOX
Old boy, Maverick Fox from the graduating class of 2006, is building a successful career with Glencore. Over the years, he has been selected to complete training in machinery and handling chemicals to gain skills and knowledge in the mining industry.
He has secured a permanent position and the sky's the limit!
ZACH BENJAMIN
Class of 2019 Alumni, Zach Benjamin recently marched out of the Army Recruit Course at Kapooka and became an Australian soldier from 23 and 24 Platoon Charlie Company. The Gowrie family are so proud of Zach's achievements!
ELEKANA NAI
Elekana Nai, Hammond Island man and 1999 College Captain, is a graduate of the Sea Swift marine traineeship program. Elekana is now a Master and continues to use his marine skills with Sea Swift.
