Students from Groote Eylandt stepped onto a plane bound for Canberra carrying more than just backpacks. They carried the hopes of their families, their schools and their community, supported by the Polly Farmer Foundation's Follow the Dream program.
The group of eight students travelled from schools across Groote Eylandt, including Umbakumba School and Alyangula Area School. For many of them, leaving the island and flying to the nation's capital was a first. The journey took three flights, a long day of travel the students met with patience, excitement and a sense of adventure.
When they arrived in Canberra, the difference in weather was immediate. Groote students are used to tropical heat, not the cold rain of the capital. Thanks to support from the Anindilyakwa Land Council, the group were able to pick up hoodies, track pants and socks before beginning their week of activities.
The camp kicked off with a visit to Parliament House, where the students met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese alongside Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Senator Sue Lines.
"I will remember this forever," one student said.
Another looked around Parliament House in amazement and said: "This is amazing. Thank you Miss Beck for bringing me on this really good trip."
A third student reflected on what the opportunity meant: "My family is going to be so proud."
Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged the significance of the visit.
"From remote schools on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory to schools in the inner west of Sydney, we're making sure every school across Australia will be fully funded, helping every student, no matter where they live, get the best possible start in life," he said.
Walking through Parliament House and visiting places they had previously only seen in textbooks made learning real. History was no longer just words on a page. It was something they could see, hear and feel.
For Groote Eylandt Follow the Dream program coordinator Rebecca Hunt, moments like these are exactly why the program matters.
"Facilitating interesting, fun and exciting opportunities for these remote students absolutely fills my cup," Ms Hunt said. "From telling students and families about the camp, to organising it all and watching the sheer delight and excitement when they arrive, it is incredibly rewarding."
Ms Hunt has worked with the Polly Farmer Foundation for six years and has seen the impact grow for students and families.
"Over that time, I've seen our Follow the Dream students return from camps with a real sense of confidence," she said. "They often step into leadership roles among their peers, and families are increasingly encouraging their children to join."
Back home on Groote Eylandt, the program also prepares students for life after school. On Tuesday afternoons, Follow the Dream runs work pathways sessions where local organisations and businesses open their doors to students.
"Our program is essential for helping senior students understand employment after school," Ms Hunt said. "We are creating workplace knowledge, training opportunities, networking and skills students can start building before they leave school."
Through these sessions students step into offices, boardrooms and professional workplaces, gaining exposure to different career paths.
Throughout the week the students will continue exploring Canberra and Sydney through educational and cultural experiences, including museum visits, watching the Sydney Swans, visiting the Sydney Opera House and seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Trips like this are not just excursions. They are catalysts. They remind young people from remote communities that the world is bigger than they imagined and that they have every right to step into it.
Groote showed up in Canberra. And Canberra felt it.
