The MKC Mob is the name we use for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander
students. These students get to fully immerse themselves in their own culture and
learn more about their own heritage and the history of First nations peoples. Our
goal is for these students to embrace and be proud of their culture and the history
behind it.
The TMAG Visit allowed students to engage with the Tasmanian Museum and Art
Gallery’s Aboriginal collection, which highlights thousands of years of culture,
traditions, and survival. Students learned about the connection to land, community,
and Country, and gained insight into how these stories continue to shape Tasmania
today. This experience encouraged all students to reflect on the importance of
preserving culture and respecting First Nations histories.
The Wayanka Makara (Older Siblings Growing Together) program was a
mentorship opportunity between Aboriginal students at Corpus Christi, St John’s,
and our school. Older students supported and guided younger ones, while sharing
cultural values such as kinship, respect, and responsibility. This program showed the
importance of role models and passing knowledge through generations, reflecting
the strength of Aboriginal community and identity.
The Reuben Oates workshops were a highlight for many students. Over two days,
Reuben, a Tasmanian Aboriginal artist, led Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
students in art and culture activities. Through creating artwork and hearing his
stories, students connected to culture in hands-on and creative ways. The
workshops encouraged pride in identity and demonstrated how culture can be
celebrated and expressed through art.
Our students gained a deeper appreciation of their heritage and the value of cultural
expression. The program encouraged them to see themselves as leaders and role
models within their school communities. The sense of culture is starting to grow
exponentially at MacKillop and our First Nations population is starting to show
enormous pride in their own culture and heritage. We are excited by what the future
of this program holds.
Zac Doran, Aboriginal Liaison Officer
