Gisborne Secondary College is located upon the land of the Wurundjeri people. The Wurundjeri people take their name from the Woiwurrung language work ‘wurun’ meaning the Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) which is common along the ‘Birrarung’ (Yarra River) and ‘djeri’, the grub which is found in or near the tree.
The Department of Education and Training (DET) is committed to building genuine partnerships and connections with Koori students, their families and communities at all levels. The DET and Gisborne Secondary College recognise the unique status of Koori people, as Australia’s first people, and will help support these people with self-determination in the education environment. We have high aspirations and expectations around educational achievement for our Koori students and will support them through their educational journey at the College.
At Gisborne Secondary College, we have a dedicated Koori Support person. This person works with our students that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and acts as a representative and advocate for them. They build a relationship with these students and their families, and are able to provide support for them during their education at the College. The Koori Support person also attends the students support group meetings as an additional support person, as well as leading Personal Development for staff and the school community around Indigenous matters.
They work closely with the Wellbeing team and Regional Koori Engagement Support Officer (KESO). KESO’s are area-based professionals who are members of the local Aboriginal community. They have a deep understanding of Aboriginal Culture and the history of the community. KESO’s are able to provide advice to schools about being culturally inclusive within the learning environment, and help improve outcomes for Koori young people.
For more information about the Wurundjeri people and their history, go to: https://www.wurundjeri.com.au/
Community Supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people near Gisborne Secondary College:
Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation
Community Group Based in Melton that services Melton and surrounding areas. To join, you must be within 50km of Melton.
Ph: 8088 0764
Website: https://www.kirripaboriginalcorporation.com/
Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
Located in Bendigo
Ph: 5444 2888
Website: http://www.djadjawurrung.com.au/
Yarns Safe (Headspace)
• Indigenous youth mental health and wellbeing support
• Stress and pressure support
• Relationships support
• Alcohol and drug support
Website: https://headspace.org.au/yarn-safe/
