Eighty-nine Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Catholic colleges across the Diocese gathered in Rockhampton recently, for a two-day program to celebrate and acknowledge the year ahead. The program consisted of leadership and career focused workshops held at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre with a formal dinner at the Frenchville Sports Club, with guest speaker Allan Wilson, teacher at The Cathedral College.  The Year 12 Commencement Mass was celebrated at St Joseph’s Cathedral with Bishop Michael presiding. The event provided students with an opportunity to come together, be inspired and feel supported by all within Catholic Education. It was fantastic to have Bishop Michael join the group for each of the sessions. 

One of the highlights was the student reflection provided at the conclusion of Mass, by Year 12 student Jordan Bliss, from St Patrick’s College Mackay. Jordan acknowledged her Torres Strait Islander heritage and her family, who have supported her and contributed to the strong, independent, resilient young woman she is today. She spoke of many highlights, as well as adversities, which included being regularly questioned about her identity as an Indigenous Australian based on her skin colour. Some of her highlights included sporting achievements in hockey, representing Queensland fifteen times, and gaining selection in the Australian team. Jordan stressed the importance of the relationships formed through her Catholic Education; with peers, teachers, and Indigenous Education workers, strengthening her cultural identity and sense of belonging. Her message to other students, was to know the power of education and its ability to shape their lives and create their own chapter books – to strive for excellence and to follow their dreams. She concluded with the reminder that each were part of the oldest surviving culture in the world, and to celebrate this and acknowledge the resilience and hope that exists throughout Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.