As the GO Foundation marks its fifth year in the nation's capital, its presence on Ngunnawal Country has become a vibrant source of pride, connection and opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families.
What began as a simple vision for culturally grounded education pathways has grown into a community where young people feel supported, seen and encouraged to thrive. Across local schools, educators say Indigenous-led programs remain essential.
A Family's Perspective
For primary school scholar Amelia Simpson and her mum, Shana Reynolds, the GO Foundation has become woven into their family's story.
"The GO Foundation has provided our children with a vast range of opportunities to strengthen their connection to culture," Shana says. "The GO Foundation Culture Connect Days are a highlight of her school term."
Amelia comes home from these events energised and more deeply connected to who she is, she adds.
"Amelia has learnt the value of education to appreciate the opportunities available to her and importantly, has developed a strong sense of self and has embraced her Indigenous heritage," her mum notes.
For Shana, the biggest impact is the sense of belonging created through shared experiences.
"Through these days, Scholars get the opportunity to connect with each other, to develop a sense of belonging and to learn more about their own Indigenous culture," she said.
Always more can be done
Jane Rotgans, a teacher at Canberra College who supports senior students, says "there is always room for more Indigenous programs and organisations". She notes finding the right support can still be a challenge.
"The biggest hurdle in accessing support for students is often knowing where to go and what opportunities are available—particularly when it comes to programs that help transition students into workplace pathways or further study," she says.
She believes a more coordinated approach could amplify the good work already happening.
"Every organisation I've worked with has been outstanding within its own area of focus; bringing these efforts together under a shared network could make their impact even greater."
For teachers like her, GO's contribution isn't limited to the students.
"Participating in Culture Connect Days and seeing the care, thought, and attention to detail that the team put into each event is truly inspiring," she says.
"It's clear that they genuinely care about the students and want to see them grow and succeed. The entire team is so welcoming and inclusive that, as a teacher, I've always felt respected, valued, and part of the GO family."
High school scholar Jonte Platten says the Foundation has been pivotal in shaping his identity and confidence.
"GO has heavily impacted my life by giving me opportunities to meet and connect with other Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people that I wouldn't usually be able to meet," he says.
Now, he carries his cultural pride with certainty. "I am more proud and open about my heritage and where I come from, as a proud Kamilaroi man," he says.
He describes GO as a community first and foremost — a place where support feels genuine. For him, the impact is found not only in resources but in people: being able to meet "so many new and great people and get welcomed into such a great culture within the Foundation".
"I would describe GO as supportive, inclusive and safe. Everyone is welcome. And everyone has a spot at GO," Jonte says.
Looking Ahead on Ngunnawal Country
Families and educators agree Ngunnawal Country is home to many strong programs, and that the next step is bringing them together in a more coordinated way.
"There is an opportunity for a greater 'joined up' approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education delivery and supports," Shana says.
She also points to potential opportunities for broader youth leadership and collaboration.
"While we are fortunate to have a number of programs that we have accessed in our local community — including Koori Preschool and the Tidda's program run through the Children's and Family Centre, throughout Ngunnawal Country — there is an opportunity for a greater 'joined up' approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education delivery and supports," Shana says.
"Potentially, there also may be opportunities to reinvigorate the Ngunnawal Youth Council — supported by elders, Elected Body, ACCOs and ACT Government."
Students share similar hopes.
As Jonte puts it: "I believe that maybe different programs can be made to be tailored at different things - whether it's a sport one, or an arts one, or an academic one, to really help all different kinds of Indigenous people on Ngunnawal Country, so they are all welcome."
As the GO Foundation celebrates this milestone year, its growing community of students, families and educators shows just how powerful connection can be, and how many possibilities still lie ahead for those in the ACT.
