Limestone Coast schools selected for State event

MOUNT Gambier High School and Mount Gambier North Primary School proudly hosted one of South Australia’s flagship regional events for National Reconciliation Week late last month with support from the Department for Education and in partnership with Reconciliation SA.

Selected as one of only three regional sites across the state, the two schools were recognised for their strong and sustained commitment to reconciliation and community engagement.

The event brought together students, families, educators, and local leaders for an afternoon of reflection, connection and celebration, under with the 2025 theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’.

Guests were welcomed with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Uncle Ken, followed by speeches from school leaders.

Mount Gambier High School Aboriginal Education leader Chelsea Whitfield said the event was a fantastic collaboration between Mount Gambier High School and Mount Gambier North Primary School.

“It was a shared effort aimed at bringing the community together in celebration of Reconciliation Week,” Chelsea said. “Working jointly allowed both school communities to strengthen their connection, which supported smoother student transitions and helped maintain strong relationships between the two schools.

“Many students from Mount North Gambier Primary School eventually moved on to Mount Gambier High School, so this event was a meaningful way to build continuity not just for the students but for their families as well.

“Our hope was to create an event that played a key role in how the Mount Gambier community engage with and celebrate Reconciliation Week, promoting unity and shared understanding.

“The Reconciliation Week afternoon tea was open to everyone in the community, making it a truly inclusive event.

“What made it so special was the chance for our school communities to connect meaningfully with local community members not just to talk about the importance of reconciliation but also to build relationships and strengthen community ties.

“My hope was that the event helped people feel a deeper connection to Reconciliation Week and encouraged them to take part in the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. Attending this afternoon tea was a great starting point and I would love to see the event grow each year into a key fixture in how Mount Gambier recognised and celebrated Reconciliation Week.”

Mount Gambier North Primary School principal Sam Griffith said the event went beyond a school activity, it was a shared experience that strengthened relationships, promoted cultural understanding and reinforced our collective commitment to reconciliation.

“Through our Reconciliation Week afternoon tea event, we hoped participants gained a deeper understanding of the significance of Reconciliation and the role we all played in fostering respect and unity,” he said.

“We aimed to create a welcoming space for conversations, shared learning and reflection. By coming together as a whole community, we hoped to build stronger connections, promote cultural awareness and inspire ongoing action towards Reconciliation.

“As the event was designed for our students and their families, it was wonderful to see such a strong turnout from the community, reflecting genuine interest and support for Reconciliation.”

The event also featured a BBQ, catering by Matthew Servo and Blissful Bites, and refreshments provided by the school. A feature of the catering was the Indigenous themed afternoon delights supplied by Lana from Blissful Bites that incorporated Indigenous inspired local ingredients.

The celebration formed part of the Department’s commitment under its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan to embedding reconciliation in the wider community through leadership, and community connection.