The construction of Queensland's first co-designed purpose-built boarding house for First Nations students at Djarragun College on Gimuy country is underway.
The design of the new facility, which will cater for an additional 20 boys, was created in collaboration with Elders and parents from home communities, students, staff and key boarding education policies.
Djarragun is one of only three First Nations-owned and operated independent schools in Queensland and provides a holistic, culturally immersed learning environment for up to 400 students.
Executive principal Dr Michael Barton said while society should ensure all children are provided with a good education, it often isn't the case for remote Indigenous communities.
"Many come with complex challenges that stifle resilience to live in a new setting a long way from family and culture," he said.
"This building moves away from shared-style boarding to greater privacy and more social zones and green space. The families and students will see elements of their Country in the space."
Dr Barton says the college was grateful to project partners including the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) which has invested more than $2 million into this first phase of the school's upgrade.
Cape York Partnership chief executive, Fiona Jose, said Indigenous kids finishing year 12 was a critical step in closing the gap on many targets – not only education but employment, income and health.
"This new living environment for students is definitely the way of the future and the level of cultural comfort our students need," said Ms Jose.
"The expansion is being constructed on vacant land owned by Djarragun – across from the girls' boarding facility in what will create a boarding precinct focused on improving the safety and wellbeing of students."
ILSC chief operating officer, Matthew Salmon, said the project was a game-changer for far north Queensland's educational system.
"Education provides opportunity and being able to support more students thanks to the college expansion will open the door of opportunity to more students to gain access to high-quality education," he said.
"The ILSC strives to open the door of opportunity to the people it serves – Australia's first peoples – and we do this by strategically partnering with project partners to achieve positive outcomes.
"The Djarragun College expansion perfectly demonstrates our commitment to working together with community to deliver real change."
The next phase of the college expansion includes the construction of a new administration building, hospitality trade training buildings, and a new shed in 2025.
Djarragun provides high-quality education to Indigenous students from the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and the Torres Strait.
