Wingara Student Workshop

On Monday September 12, six students from Years 8, 9 and 10 accepted an invitation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to attend an AIS Wingara workshop on Voice, Self-Determination and Leadership: Building Aspirations for my Future. It was held at Western Sydney University. During the day there were sessions on cultural identity, leadership and the future (with specific emphasis on University possibilities and opportunities).

What did we think of the day?

This event was a great way to get to know more about our culture and get to know other people’s stories, ideas, and culture. We were given a warm welcome from Uncle Greg, who shared a lot of his background with us. Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students from all over NSW attended this event and we got to learn more about Leadership, Culture, post-School, and we had a tour around Western Sydney University.
Naylise Thompson (Year 9)

It was a very informative and fun experience. We got to do many different activities with other schools. One activity I enjoyed was a sticky note writing activity where we considered what it meant to be Aboriginal. We came to the realisation that we do not all fit one stereotype; being Aboriginal is in our blood. I also liked the culture talk where we shared where we’re from and the stories we can learn to connect with our culture. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience – also because we learned about the different opportunities we can have at the university. It was great to meet people who are from my Country. I also enjoyed being able to be with my cousin for the day and reconnect with her!
Ebony Colliss (Year 9)

It was a really fun day, where I enjoyed meeting other Indigenous students from different schools and doing activities with them. I also enjoyed getting to learn more about my culture.
Cyndell McDonald Georgetown (Year 8)

I enjoyed learning about different people and their cultures. I wish we did have more time to really socialise with the other students but overall, I’m excited to go again.
Taliah Weldon-Coppell (Year 8)

A big thanks to Ms Allum, Ms Connolly, Ms Grattan-Smith, and Ms Kearney for giving us the opportunity to go out for the day and learn more about our culture. 

Ashaa Bonner, Jade Brennan, Ebony Colliss, Cyndell McDonald Georgetown, Naylise Thompson, Taliah Weldon-Coppell