On Country at Girri Girra Bush School

The recent NSW RAP Gathering on Country at Girri Girra Bush School on the Central Coast was a deeply grounding and energising experience for educators and leaders across the EREA NSW network. Coming together in this space allowed us to slow down, step away from our busy school environments, and take the time to connect meaningfully with Country, culture, and each other. Being on Country reminded us that reconciliation is not an abstract idea, but a lived practice shaped by how we listen, how we walk, and how we choose to act in our communities.

Led by Tim Selwyn, the day invited us into a posture of humility and respect. Tim guided us through appropriate ways to connect to Country – to walk lightly, be present, and recognise the land as our first teacher. Through truth-telling and shared stories, we were challenged to confront uncomfortable histories and reflect honestly on our roles as educators within ongoing systems and structures. These conversations were not only informative, but transformative, prompting us to rethink how we embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, voices, and leadership in our schools.

The Gathering also created space for sharing practical ideas and strategies across the NSW EREA network. By learning from each other’s experiences, we were able to upskill our own knowledge and build confidence to take this learning back into our contexts. We left Girri Girra with renewed purpose: to empower staff and students to learn more, listen deeply, and strengthen their own connections to culture and Country. The day was a strong reminder that our RAP work is a continuous journey – one that calls us to walk alongside First Nations communities with respect, courage, and genuine commitment to change.