Worawa Aboriginal College officially opened in 1983. ‘Worawa’ is an Aboriginal word for eagle. The eagle being of great significance in Aboriginal culture and a symbol of the tremendous potential. Extensive consultation went into developing a curriculum that balanced Aboriginal culture with the very best of western education. Initially co-ed, the first students were from families who supported the concept of an all Aboriginal student.
Worawa's early years
Worawa Aboriginal College purchased the property ‘Barak Park’ in 1985 through funding from the Commonwealth Government and the Worawa College Buildings and Land Fund Raising Committee. Prior to its acquisition by Worawa Aboriginal College, the property was used as a school holiday camp and grazing land. The 55-hectare property located in Healesville is of particular importance to the Aboriginal community as it once formed part of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station.
Students celebrating our new location
After extensive deliberation, the Board of Worawa Aboriginal College made the decision to transition the school to a single-sex format, specifically catering exclusively to girls. This decision was informed by a recognition of the limited availability of educational programs tailored specifically to meet the needs of Aboriginal girls within the education sector at large.
Image Caption
Aboriginal history, culture and identity feature in a landmark education resource published online. Developed as a joint initiative between Worawa Aboriginal College and the Parliament of Victoria, Aboriginal Change Makers is a unique teaching and learning e-book for Victorian schools.
Worawa Aboriginal College proudly marks 40 years of educating our Aboriginal youth. This milestone year welcomes a new Executive Director/Principal to lead the college, while our former leader transitions to the esteemed role of Elder in Residence.