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The Dharriwaa Elders Group's development of an elders' school program
The DEG began its activities in 1998 co-ordinating week-long youth and elders culture camps which offered a program of cultural learning incorporating identity and family links, native natural resources, Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay languages, respect and leadership, local Aboriginal history, places and practices of Aboriginal cultural value. The curricula of the camps have been widened to a year-long school program with the Primary School, which varies in its implementation depending on Walgett Community College personnel and policies. It aims to revitalise local Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices, improve Aboriginal student’s education outcomes and encourage ongoing learning.
In addition the DEG has been conducting staff induction sessions and cultural trips for new teachers during the 2007 school year.
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Left: DEG elders meet with Dept of Education Regional Manager Carol McDiarmid and Director of Schools Jane Cavanagh to lobby for program. Right: DEG elders teach schoolchildren at an Aboriginal station camp, during the October 2005 trial program.
 
Left: George Rose with class November 2005. Right: DEG's Wendy Spencer receives advice from Aboriginal Education Consultants Marilyn Parker and Yvonne Hill regarding writing the curriculum for the proposed program
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