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‘Dhurrung’ is Wadawurrung for ‘heart’. 

We acknowledge that we live and walk on Wadawurrung land and humbly pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We pledge to listen, learn and walk alongside emerging leaders as they carry vital cultural knowledge and spiritual connection to the lands, skies and waterways.

Our Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

At Loreto College, we believe that by listening and learning we contribute to a more just, inclusive and harmonious society while celebrating the richness of the world’s oldest and most profound cultural legacies.

By encouraging students to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, traditions and perspectives, educators help build a sense of respect and connection to these rich and diverse cultures. 

Supporting this process involves meaningful engagement with families, recognising their contributions as vital sources of cultural knowledge, and collaborating to create culturally safe and respectful learning spaces. This not only promotes cultural awareness but also strengthens relationships, instils pride and enhances the educational journey for all students.

Having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives embedded in our School’s governing policies demonstrates the priority we place on developing a deeper understanding of this land’s cultural heritage, historical journey and future pathways.

Located on campus, this dedicated space offers a welcoming, supportive environment for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Wadawurrung for ‘heart’ – ‘Dhurrung’ – accurately reflects the central place from which our actions, histories, journeys and cultures are nurtured and shared. The Dhurrung Centre is a culturally safe place where students can feel safe, connected and at home, supported within the school to grow and develop their individual identities. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students living on Wadawurrung land bring a wide range of cultural understanding. Some have a strong connection to their mob, some are on a journey to understanding, and some are still finding their place culturally. The Dhurrung Centre supports and respects the position of each student and their right to express this.

Our commitment to providing a culturally safe environment that supports the wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students is underpinned by the Victorian Child Safe Guidelines.

In all we do, we respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to foster an atmosphere of inclusion, understanding and appreciation. This includes acknowledging the deep cultural knowledge held by families and communities and integrating this knowledge into learning experiences while recognising that each student is on their individual journey.

This program provides opportunities for our First Nations students to develop confidence in their identity and pride in their cultures. 

The program provides:

  • Leadership development (read more below)
  • Academic support as required
  • Opportunities for students to meet in the Dhurrung Centre once a week during lunchtime to share their experiences, collaborate on projects and discuss truth telling
  • Communication between students via a dedicated email and Teams group
  • Development of a Cultural Safety and Personal Learning Plan for all First Nations students
  • Opportunities to connect with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) and members of the Wadawurrung community for further cultural understanding
  • A point of contact and connection at school for families navigating their child’s educational and wellbeing journey as students embrace their cultural identities as they walk in two worlds

Sorry Day 
In 2023 Loreto College played a pivotal role in developing a collaborative Sorry Day commemorative event. Initially established with St Patrick’s College, it has now grown to include Damascus College. This annual student-led event is attended by more than 1,000 local students, school leaders, staff members and community Elders and Leaders.  

Leadership 
Leadership development across all year levels is an important focus of the Dhurrung Program. The First Nations Leader – an elected Indigenous student in Year 12 – plays a critical role in providing leadership, encouraging peer support and fostering connection. A First Nations year level leader is appointed to assist in promoting a First Nations focus throughout the School that embraces the Loreto values of Verity, Felicity, Sincerity, Justice and Freedom.

Annual Cultural Immersion trips
These trips, offered to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in Years 9 and 10, provide an important opportunity for a profound educational, cultural and personal growth experience while fostering a deeper appreciation of Australia's First Nations Peoples.

‘Deadly Yarning’ – Year 9 Elective Subject
Based on truth telling, this new elective subject provides students with historical context while developing an understanding of cultural practices, spirituality and responsibilities of pre- and post-colonial Australia.

Culture Camps
Recognising the diversity of cultures of our First Nations students, these camps for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are held on Country at various locations. Held every three years, the camp provides a safe space for students to express their own cultural identity surrounded by their peers while building leadership and cultural knowledge and respect for others’ belief systems and creating stronger connections to each other.

The Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) offers scholarships and leadership opportunities to young Indigenous Australians. 

Offered in conjunction with Loreto College Ballarat, this Australian Government-funded program aims to close the gaps in Indigenous educational disadvantage by creating greater access to additional education choice for Indigenous students, particularly those from remote and very remote areas of the country.

As well as helping Indigenous students achieve their educational aspirations, the IYLP supports the development of positive role models and leaders to inspire other Indigenous students.

Working in partnership with Loreto College, these scholarships are administered by The Smith Family, with funding support through the Australian Government’s National Indigenous Australians Agency.

Eligibility

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolling at Loreto College Ballarat

Application process 

  • Shortlisted students will be required to attend a personal interview at Loreto College Ballarat with the IYLP Manager and the Principal
  • Application for admission to Loreto College Ballarat must be made at the same time as the application for an IYLP Scholarship

More information, including criteria and application forms, is available from The Smith Family here.