Tribute to Itje-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre


9th August 2017

Mr GREG PIPER ( Lake Macquarie ) ( 13:33 ): I recently had the great privilege of attending the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Itji-Marru Aboriginal Resource Centre at Morisset High School, which I am very pleased to acknowledge in the Parliament today. In the local Awabakal language, Itji-Marru means "to teach everyone", and that is exactly what it has done for many hundreds of students over the past 25 years. The centre is located in what was the old headmaster's residence at the school. It provides a focus on Aboriginal education for Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, staff, parents and the broader community.

I acknowledge the work of the school's senior education officer, Selena Archibald, who is also known to many of the students as "Mum" or "Auntie". Selena has overseen the school's education programs for more than 18 years. It is truly a wonderful centre that Lake Macquarie is very fortunate to have, because it teaches young people—especially Aboriginal children—about their culture in a very welcoming and valuable learning environment. I am pleased to be able to recognise the efforts of my friend Selena Archibald and the Itji-Marru centre in Parliament today. I wish them every success for the next 25 years.


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