Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and future, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.

We welcome and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families to work in partnership with us to achieve successful educational outcomes.

Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) acknowledges more than 60,000 years of continual connection to land, sea, sky and waterways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as a vital part of our nation’s history, present and future. We honour the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our schools and services stand and recognise First Nations peoples’ enduring cultures, languages, histories and spiritualities that continue to shape and enrich our communities.

Grounded in the belief that each person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses inherent dignity, we are committed to ensuring our schools are places of learning, growth and belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families. Through high-quality, inclusive and culturally responsive education, we work purposefully to achieve strong learning outcomes and life opportunities for all.

We work in partnership with First Nations families and communities to create culturally safe learning environments for students, built on trust, respect and high-expectation relationships. Together with First Nations students and their families, we enable students to grow as confident, capable and successful learners.

Our commitment to First Nations Education is expressed through two key priorities:

  • Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students academically, spiritually, pastorally and culturally, and providing learning environments where First Nations students see themselves, their identities and cultures reflected in all aspects of school life.
  • Educating all staff and students to strengthen a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their histories, cultures and spiritualities, and engage all in reconciliation through education in all aspects of school life.

The responsibility for a strengths-based approach to excellence in First Nations Education is shared by all members of the CEDR community with an emphasis on partnership and co-design. 

The First Nations Education Team works to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement where all students and staff grow in their understanding and deep appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and spiritualities.

Bringing this vision to life happens through relationships built on the ground, every day. The First Nations Education Team provides specialised guidance and supports necessary for students to thrive as confident, proud learners. Meet the team members supporting our communities:

  • First Nations Education Manager
  • First Nations Education Consultant
  • Career and Transitions Pathways Officer- First Nations Education
  • Regional First Nations Education Liaison Officers
  • School Based First Nations Education Liaison Officers
  • First Nations Education Teacher Assistants