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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

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Monique’s helping kids get to school in Coober Pedy

Children and Schooling
Woman wearing sunglasses and black and orange shirt stands under a tree with bushland in the background.

Coober Pedy based school attendance officer Monique Highfold is inspiring children to go to school and pursue their unique dreams.

As a girl Monique Highfold missed out on a lot of opportunities, including education.

“My mum passed away when I was 10 years old. As I got older I realised I didn't have what other kids had. I didn't get the family, but I was blessed with Dad in being who he is that he taught us to be who we are and speak up for what we want,” Monique said.

As a school attendance officer in Coober Pedy, Monique shares the same sentiment with the children she works with every day, inspiring them to go to school and pursue their unique dreams.

Hear more of Monique’s story.

Find out more

Getting children to school every day is the Australian Government’s number one priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

The Remote School Attendance Strategy is about working together – with schools, families, parents, and community organisations – to ensure all children go to school every day.