Aboriginal flag-raising

Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus celebrated the achievement of its Student Representative Council with a special flag raising ceremony on September 28.

The student council body achieved its year-long goal of raising enough money to erect a dedicated flag pole to fly the Aboriginal flag.

Student Representative Council coordinator and Aboriginal studies teacher Ms Liesl Tesch said the students deserved congratulations for their commendable efforts.

"It's great to see our students reach this goal at this exciting time in Aboriginal history.

"They have showed great respect and initiative in embracing Aboriginal culture and this will be a huge legacy left behind by this year's SRC."

College principal Mr Steve Harris also praised the efforts of the school's student representative council and said it was testament to their commitment and acknowledgement of indigenous heritage and culture.

"The college currently has enrolled more than 150 students from years' seven to 12 making up nine per cent of the student population," Mr Harris said.

"This is higher than the national average for state schools while our indigenous students perform extremely well against the national average.

"The flying of the Aboriginal flag at the school is just a stepping stone in promoting and encouraging Aboriginal culture and heritage in the school community.

"This is a rich culture that we need to acknowledge and nurture."

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal attended the flag raising ceremony as the school's special guest.

Ms Neal said she was honoured to be invited to attend the school's special event.

"The SRC has worked hard to achieve a worthy goal," Ms Neal said.

"The flag will recognise the special place the Aboriginal nations have in our community.

"It will celebrate the achievements they have won and their contribution to Australian culture and society.

"I commend the SRC for their hard work, the broadness of their vision and their success in developing partnerships with the wider community across the Central Coast."

Ms Neal presented the SRC with an Australian and an Aboriginal flag, which was raised aloft during the ceremony.

Four commemorative trees were also planted in the school's bush tucker garden as part of the ceremony.

The school's vice captain Joe Grauner said the efforts of the student body reflected well on the college motto "strength through unity".

"From this day on we would like the flag to represent the respect and appreciation for Australia's first people both here at Brisbane Water Secondary College and in the wider community," Mr Grauner said.

Speech, 28 Sep 2009 Steve Harris, Brisbane Water Secondary College principal Press release, 28 Sep 2009 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson