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Back to News & ArticlesEmbracing First Nations knowledge in NAIDOC Week and beyond
NAIDOC week recognises and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This celebration is empowered by the vision of communities and the strength of young leaders, reflected in 2025’s theme – The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
Inclusion is front of mind for the next generation of teachers, who are incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the heart of their teaching. We’re delighted to announce Bella MacPherson and Jack Sadley as recipients of the Bank First Indigenous Knowledge and Community Award at The University of Melbourne.
Jack Sadler
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
To receive this award is not only an honour, but a reminder of the importance of furthering Indigenous perspectives and knowledges throughout our lives. Education presents a powerful opportunity to discuss the perspectives of Indigenous Australians. The First Nations in Education subject helped set a foundation where my peers and I were able to know and feel the weight of the discussion.
We shouldn’t all just hope for a better future, we should work towards one; a world where we all value the land around us, the flora and fauna, the climate, the culture and the people. I believe that with the right outlook, this world is not beyond our reach.
Bella MacPherson
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
I am both grateful and humbled to receive this award. Knowledge is not stagnant, and as I learnt in ‘First Nations in Education’, continual reflection and learning is crucial to building inclusive classrooms. As I grow as an emerging teacher, I want to express my gratitude to the First Nations educators and knowledge holders whose teachings have shaped my teaching and understanding of education.
Looking ahead, I am committed to further embedding First Nations perspectives and knowledges into my teaching, to support Indigenous students and involve all students in meaningful reconciliation.
NAIDOC week is not just a milestone, but a movement driven by the unwavering strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We’re proud to support future teachers who are committed to building a legacy of unity, respect and self-determination for all.
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