Anindilyakwa children to walk in both worlds at new boarding school

Media release -  Minister Wyatt

The Anindilyakwa people in the Groote Archipelago will benefit from a new boarding school to be built on Bickerton Island.

More than $29.4 million from the Aboriginals Benefit Account will allow the Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation (ARAC) to progress their plans for a culturally appropriate school in the region that can grow over time.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the new facility will provide a quality education for some of Australia’s more remote students.

“Providing equal opportunities to get an education is one of the Morrison Government’s priorities under the Closing the Gap framework,” Minister Wyatt said.

“This new, purpose-built boarding school will be built in line with the aspirations of the Anindilyakwa people.

“It will provide Anindilyakwa children an opportunity to access both cultural and mainstream educational models through a bilingual curriculum.

“This two-way educational model allows for Anindilyakwa children to walk in both worlds between traditional culture and contemporary Australia.”

Chair of ARAC, Tony Wurramarrba, said the school will provide an ongoing connection to country ensuring students are able to learn in a culturally safe and supportive environment.

“Getting our children to school and ensuring they are educated in a way that they can survive and thrive in both worlds is a key issue on Groote Eylandt.

“Securing funding for this project is an important milestone for us in addressing a range of local issues and we look forward to seeing the new school open as soon as possible.”