Wingara Student Leadership Day 2023

AISNSW provides an annual student leadership event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students to support cultural connections, leadership development and post-school pathway planning.

Following the success of the 2022 Student Leadership event, we are thrilled to announce the return of AISNSW Wingara Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Leadership Day.

AISNSW Wingara Student Leadership Day 2023

Date: Monday, 28 August 2023

Location: Western Sydney University | Parramatta City Campus
169 Macquarie St, Parramatta NSW 2150

Keynote Speaker: Kylie Captain

Proud Gamilaroi woman, Kylie Captain is an author and educator whose best-selling books and journals have touched the lives of many. In her book, "Dream Big & Imagine the What If," Kylie shares her journey of loss and adversity. In her honest and powerful voice, she shares her challenges while revealing the strength and inspiration to overcome these obstacles.

Kylie works with students, educators nationwide and inspires many to tap into their potential to live and lead from a place of passion and purpose.

2022 Student Leadership Event

The success of the 2022 event was seen as students and teachers left with new learnings, friendships, and opportunities, while also looking forward to hearing about next year’s event.

AISNSW would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of the day – Western Sydney University, all our speakers and the attending schools.

2022 Wingara Student Leadership Event

The 2022 AISNSW Wingara Student Leadership event was held on Monday 12 September at Western Sydney University, Parramatta City Campus where 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across 25 schools engaged in workshops and talks to strengthen their understanding of identity, cultural connections, sense of leadership and post-school pathways.

2022 Wingara Student Leadership Event

Students and their accompanying teachers were joined by Uncle Greg Simms, the Pathways to Dreaming team from Western Sydney University, Theresa Ardler from Gweagal Cultural Connections and AISNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education senior consultant Roz Thomas, as they navigated a day of learning, listening and engaging with their peers.

2022 Wingara Student Leadership Event

In the evening, AISNSW and Western Sydney University partnered to host a networking dinner for students and teachers. During the dinner, students heard from WSU alumni Stephanie Swannell, who spoke of her journey through education and into university, along with highlighting the importance of taking on opportunities that develop leadership pathways and career aspirations.

2022 Wingara Student Leadership Event

Students then heard from a panel of incredible Aboriginal leaders – Cliff Lyons (Bennelong Energy Services), Trent Fernando (Comfort Hill Cattle), William Dumas (Pacific Coast Christian School) and Jess Oehm (WSU), who shared their different educational pathways and the importance of maintaining connection to community and culture.