Victor Chapman…turn the stereotype around

Replicate Indigenous success and don’t dwell on failure

By Kerri Carr

Too often we dwell on Indigenous failure, NSW's first Aboriginal teacher Victor Chapman told Federation's recent Aboriginal Conference. Mr Chapman reported 49 Aboriginal teachers had been appointed to the teaching service this year.

"Not only does that serve as a positive example to Aboriginal kids in the system, but demonstrates to the community at large that we, Kooris..., can fulfil those roles -- as a matter of fact, can fill any role in the community in which they live," he said.

"I think this wider engagement with the society in which we live is a necessary prerequisite to a happier and more united Australia."

Mr Chapman said Indigenous doctors, lawyers, teachers, surveyors, politicians, business people, sports people, writers, administrators, holders of MBAs and PHds, Indigenous bank tellers, shop assistants and receptionists could turn the Aboriginal "stereotype" around in communities across the country.

"We, all Australians, not only black Australians, but all Australians, should celebrate and replicate that success," he said.

"Too often we dwell on Indigenous failure."

Mr Chapman said his parents had no formal education, "but could see how education empowered others".

He won a state bursary to attend Dubbo High School.

"I remember getting my first new clothes and a port, getting ready to set off for Dubbo High School...I was the first 'dusky' captain of Dubbo High School, a badge I wear with great honour," he said.

Mr Chapman attended Wagga Wagga teachers college and graduated in 1952. His first permanent appointment was to Mendooran Public School and then he taught at Waniora Public School. He was deputy master at Woonona Public School, assistant principal at Pleasant Heights Public School, and then principal at Gwynneville, Berkeley and Thirroul public schools.

He taught for 39 years and has been retired for 18 years.

"I still remain convinced that education is the way out of poverty and disadvantage, not only to provide the skills for employment and opportunity for our people but to bring about understanding between white and black Australians," Mr Chapman said.

"We can have unity of purpose...we showed that in 1967 [Aboriginal referendum] and when we crossed the [Sydney Harbour] Bridge in the year 2000."

Mr Chapman said the public education system had been "very kind" to him.

After his speech, Mr Chapman spoke to Education, telling that often kids and teachers were proud of the fact that they had an Aboriginal teacher.

He relayed a story that when he arrived at Thirroul Public School on his last day before retirement (in 1990) he was feeling "a bit sad and a bit glad" and when he looked up at the school flag pole an Aboriginal flag was flying (it normally wasn't).

"I thought, during my career I must have done something right.

"It's one of the few times in my career I broke down/cracked up because of the sentiment expressed."

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