First Nations Student Support
Castlemaine Secondary College is committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for First Nations students and families. We work in partnership with students, families, Elders, and community organisations to support engagement, learning, wellbeing, and pathways beyond school.
Located on Djaara Country, the college values the importance of connection to Culture, Country, and Community as a foundation for strong educational and wellbeing outcomes.
Supporting Learning and Wellbeing
The college works closely with Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation, a local Aboriginal-led organisation that provides wrap-around educational, cultural, and wellbeing support for First Nations young people across the region.
Support for students may include:
- Individual wellbeing and learning support
- Mentoring and pathways planning
- Cultural connection and on-Country learning experiences
- Leadership opportunities and student voice
- Family engagement and community partnerships
- Support with transitions, engagement, and attendance
- Pathways into training, apprenticeships, and employment
Programs are designed to support students to feel connected, proud, safe, and successful throughout their schooling journey.
Programs and Partnerships
Castlemaine Secondary College supports and partners with a range of Nalderun programs that strengthen cultural identity, belonging, leadership, and engagement in education.
These programs include:
- Kuli Business – a program for young First Nations men, delivered in partnership with CSC and guided by Uncle Rick Nelson. Students participate in cultural learning, on-Country experiences, mentoring, and practical activities that support connection, confidence, and engagement in education. (Nalderun)
- Wararak – a program supporting young First Nations women and gender diverse young people through cultural learning, community connection, camps, activities, and wellbeing support. (Nalderun)
- Aunty and Uncle Mentoring Program – providing wrap-around support for students and families, including tutoring, advocacy, cultural mentoring, and support navigating education pathways. (Nalderun)
- First Nations Youth Leadership Programs – supporting students to build leadership skills, strengthen cultural identity, and develop confidence through camps, cultural activities, excursions, and community engagement. (Nalderun)
- School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) Wrap Around Support – supporting students to transition into meaningful training and employment pathways through partnerships with local organisations and industry providers. (Nalderun)
Building Cultural Understanding
Castlemaine Secondary College is also committed to strengthening First Nations perspectives across the curriculum and school community. Staff participate in professional learning focused on Indigenous perspectives, culturally responsive practice, and Indigenous pedagogies to support culturally inclusive classrooms and learning experiences.
Through ongoing partnerships and community collaboration, the college aims to ensure that First Nations students are supported to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally.
