Indigenous Education Strategy - Issue 19

Educators, philanthropists, corporate leaders and senior Commonwealth Government officials toured Dawurr residential boarding facility in Nhulunbuy during the Garma festival education fair.

Winston Lami Lami from Warruwi was one of several Year 8 students who led the tours, showcasing the modern facilities and sharing details of daily life at the school.

“I was a bit nervous to begin with, but I talked about the things I enjoy most about living here, like spending lots of time with my friends and playing sport after school,” he said.

“I can also fly home to see my family whenever I need to because it’s not too far away.”

The students cooked damper and freshly caught fish on an open fire pit, displaying their culinary skills and some of the region’s finest local produce.

Dawurr was designed to provide students and families living in remote Arnhem Land communities with a secondary school option closer to home.

The multi-million dollar boarding facility began operating in 2017, and houses up to 40 students in one, two and four student bedrooms.

It also features a fully equipped commercial kitchen and dining room, tuition rooms, family accommodation, a multi-purpose art and music centre, amphitheatre, sporting facilities and open plan gardens.