Students’ art all in for reconciliation
5 June 2026
Creativity, culture and powerful storytelling came together at Parliament House as students from Worawa Aboriginal College showcased a compelling exhibition in celebration of National Reconciliation Week.
Inspired by this year’s theme “All In for Reconciliation”, the exhibition featured a series of vibrant artworks that reflected the students’ connection to culture, country and community. Each piece told a unique story, demonstrating how art can be a meaningful pathway towards understanding and unity.
One work, by student Seramayla, illustrated the theme through deeply symbolic imagery.
‘The background colour is the colour of the sands around my country,’ she explained. ‘I have represented the people, the hills and the rivers. The animal tracks - kangaroo, echidna and emu are all coming together to the meeting place. The straight lines represent women’s digging sticks. Despite their differences all these different groups are coming together to work towards solutions for Reconciliation. ALL IN!’
Alongside these contemporary works, the exhibition also honoured those who have shown the way. Students presented drawings of influential Aboriginal leaders whose advocacy and resilience have shaped the journey towards reconciliation across generations.
Their stories are documented in Aboriginal Change Makers, an online educational resource developed in partnership between Worawa Aboriginal College and the Parliament of Victoria.
Established in 1983, Worawa Aboriginal College is an independent school in Healesville that provides a holistic education experience for young Aboriginal women in the secondary years of schooling. It combines mainstream academic learning with strong connections to Aboriginal culture, aiming to support students’ identity, wellbeing and future opportunities.
The exhibition was formally celebrated with a special event at Parliament House, attended by Worawa students and staff, community members, Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.
The ceremony opened with a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr. It featured a moving poetry reading from Worawa Elder-in-Residence Dr Lois Peeler AM and a cultural performance by the students.
Worawa Executive Director and Principal Tanya Peeler highlighted the importance of cultural identity in education.
‘Worawa was established to ensure Aboriginal young people can thrive academically, culturally and personally while staying grounded in who they are and where they come from,’ she said.
‘Cultural strength is not separate from academic achievement, it is the foundation of it.’
Ms Peeler called for renewed attention on the Aboriginal Change Makers resource, encouraging educators to more actively incorporate it into classrooms.
Parliament’s Presiding Officers praised the students’ contributions and emphasised the role of young voices in shaping the future.
‘By learning from the past, celebrating achievement and supporting young people to share their voices, we can help maintain momentum towards reconciliation,’ said Legislative Assembly Speaker Maree Edwards.
Looking ahead, further development of the Aboriginal Change Makers initiative will include professional learning opportunities for teachers, aimed at building confidence and understanding in delivering the material.
‘These types of collaborations have been really important for us to educate our path on the way to reconciliation,’ said Legislative Council President Shaun Leane.
The exhibition was a reminder that reconciliation is not just a concept but a shared journey, one enriched by storytelling, education and the voices of the next generation.