The Gadalung Program is a week-long residential program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 11-12, who want to explore their future at university. This program gives students the chance to experience university life, explore world-class facilities and meet current university students and staff. Students learn useful skills for their final years at school and get a heads up for their future at university and beyond.
Being able to go to university as a Year 12 student really opened my eyes to what I want in the next couple of years and what to expect as an Indigenous uni student. During this week away at uni, I attended classes such as business, social work, dentistry, chemistry, and indigenous studies, participating in a lot of hands-on activities. I also had the amazing privilege to be interviewed and recorded to talk about my experience while being at the camp.
When not in the classrooms we were out and about exploring the University. Other experiences included sailing around the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, travelling to Goat Island to learn about the history of the Gadalung people and shopping for three hours, which I personally loved. Oh, and I can’t forget our surprise guest Barkaa who is an Indigenous Australian rapper and a Malyangapa and Barkindji woman; that night was unforgettable!
The staff at this camp are truly amazing, always trying to put a smile on your face while being away in another state, which was pretty scary for me personally. I will never forget The Gadalung Program for the 'home away from home' vibe and the lifelong friends that you walk away with. I would truly recommend this camp to anyone; it is something you don’t want to miss out on if you are an indigenous student.
Applications for the 2025 Gadalung Program, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students commencing Years 11 and 12 in 2025 open in September 2024.
Sophie Cutting
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