Coleambally Central School incorporates an 'off-site Indigenous culture centre, Tirkandi Inaburra' (NSW Department of Education, 2023). The centre can accommodate up to 14 Aboriginal males at one time, who are experiencing cultural disconnect.
The program offers smaller class sizes, enrichment and extension opportunities, learning support, and inclusive integration programs. Students spend a term connecting with their culture and establishing opportunities and pathways in academic, sporting, and cultural excellence.
The program aims to assist 12-15 year-old Wiradjuri boys in the cultural tranformation to men. Participants are identified as 'low to medium risk', and the approach of immersing them in culture and country to take on the responsibility of men, similarly to that of traditional Wiradjuri culture. The program is voluntary and the boys can choose to leave before the conclusion of the term, or will stay and graduate from the program with a ceremony surrounded by friends, family and peers.
The students and staff of Tirkandi Inaburra connect with that of Coleambally Central School in delivering authentic First Nations education opportunities though cultural ceremonies, resources and stories.
MOBS is a voluntary program for First Nations students at Coleambally Central School. Students engage in structured workshopping lessons with First Nations staff and community members to connect with country and culture. These sessions put focus on students finding and understanding their own story through connecting with their people, ancestors, families and future pathways.
The past, present and future structure helps students understand who they are and how they can celebrate their culture in everyday life. They are also introduced to a range of first nations pathways, including Charles Sturt University's 'Connections - First Nations Direct Entry Program' (Charles Sturt University, 2024), and assistance in applying for First Nations Scholarships and post-school Support Services and community groups.
Community services, including 'Aboriginal Medical Services - Free, Fresh and Fit Team' run workshops with our mobs students to provide First Nations health lessons to our mobs students, from First Nations educators. Students benefit from learning life skills associated with their culture, from people of their culture.
Images of our MOBS students (Coleambally Central School, 2023, 2024)
Proud and Deadly Awards 2023 (Coleambally Central School, 2023)
As a school, we have found particular room for improvement in approaching First Nations education within regular classes. We aim to immerse all of our students in a wide variety of culture. With access to native species and bushland, there is so much opportunity for us to extend our First Nations cultural immersion as a school.