School captains Ryan Boserio and Karen White, vice captain Budi Riyanto and dancer Mattew Doyle at the official dedication.

Aboriginal naming ceremony empowers cultural identity

By Susan Donovan

Elizabeth Macarthur High School has dedicated its school hall to the traditional Aboriginal custodians.

Members of the Aboriginal community along with Department of Education and Training staff from both regional and state office attended the official naming of Elizabeth Macarthur High School's Dharawal Hall last month.

The event marks an ongoing part of the process of reconciliation and is in keeping with the school's commitment to partnerships with Aboriginal peoples and communities in South Western Sydney.

Principal Tina Barnier said the naming event provided the school community with a permanent reminder of acknowledgment and respect for the traditional Aboriginal custodians of this country.

"Cultural significance and inclusiveness must be at the heart of how we work with our wider school community and is an essential element for improving outcomes for all students through quality teaching in the classroom," she said.

Department of Education and Training Aboriginal Education and Training Directorate manager Michele Hall said it was about "acknowledging our history and empowering cultural identity".

Ms Hall said the naming of rooms after Aboriginal heroes or with Aboriginal words was "about putting Aboriginal culture, identity and people where it belongs at the centre of our work".

"We want to ensure that Aboriginal people play a full and active participation in the work of our Department, the education system -- and our society," Ms Hall said.

Local Aboriginal performer Matthew Doyle entertained the gathering with several traditional dances and a song in Dharawal language.

Susan Donovan teaches at Elizabeth Macarthur HS.

For further information

December 2007 contents