In October the Macquarie Group very generously hosted a Lunch and Learn Panel Discussion in their offices in Barangaroo. The topic for discussion was Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Education. The panel was moderated by NiTV journalist, Natalie Ahmat, and included Gawura graduate Georgia Durmush, Gawura Founder Pastor Ray Minniecon, John Ralph the Head of Gawura and Tina Ray from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation who is also a Gawura Mum.

Georgia spoke about the need for cultural safety for students in schools, developing string relationships between student families and teachers, and for teachers to have high expectations of students. Georgia feels that for many Indigenous students there are still low expectations and she shared her own experiences of this at her school prior to Gawura.

Everyone agreed on the importance of family and community participation in the education of Indigenous children and panellist also spoke about the importance of language revival in remote communities and the practical benefits in academic results for students who learn language in schools and have pride in their culture.

Pastor Ray was inspiring as always and showed just how much passion and drive he still has for Gawura and for Indigenous education.

The discussion was open, intriguing and very frank. They spoke about experiences in education, the widening gap between urban and regional / remote opportunities and how students can succeed. All those who attended definitely left with some new insights into both the issues faced by Indigenous children as well as the solutions.

As well as creating more awareness about the issues of Indigenous Education the discussion also raised vital funds – thank to Macquarie Group and all those who attended enough money was raised on the day to provide Secondary Scholarships for two Gawura pupils in 2020.