Since opening in April 2021, Dhupuma Barker has already demonstrated the success that can come from on-Country.
Background
Having heard of his work with Indigenous communities in central Sydney and the Central Coast of NSW, Galarrwuy Yunupingu invited Phillip Heath to speak at Garma in 2019. During this meeting a deep and enduring connection was made between them.
This resulted in a personal pledge to Galarrwuy that through Barker, Phillip Heath would bring high quality education to the children of the Yolgnu clan in a way that also preserved and celebrated their own culture, language and traditions.
Barker College was formally invited by Galarrwuy Yunupingu, his brother Djawa Yunupingu and the Gumatj community of Gunyangara to re-establish on-country schooling for Yolgnu children. Dhupuma Barker opened in April 2021.
Dhupuma College in Gulkula operated from 1972 – 1979 as the first ‘Transitional College’ in the Northern Territory, with the aim of incorporating Yolŋu culture, teachings and knowledge into the broader Australian curriculum. Dhupuma College was unexpectedly shut in 1980. Many of today’s Yolŋu leaders attended Dhupuma College and wanted to see it revived.
What does Dhupuma Barker Offer?
Dhupuma Barker is the first stage in achieving an education pipeline for Yolŋu children in remote NE Arnhem Land. It is an independent, bilingual school for Kindergarten to Year 6 students. The School caters for around 40 students in Transition to Year 6. There is an attached Family as First Techers program, welcoming families with children 0-4 years. With our primary school students approaching high school age, and increasing interest from community to continue education on Country, an application was successfully submitted to expand to include Middle Years learning at Dhupuma Barker from 2024.
The School offers access to quality education – allowing children to have educational opportunities without having to leave the community. Blending the Australian Curriculum with traditional Yolŋu teachings and building students’ English language skills with a foundation in Yolŋu Matha, will empower young people to walk in two worlds with dignity and confidence.
Since opening in April 2021, Dhupuma Barker has already demonstrated the success that can come from on-Country, bilingual education with improved school engagement and attendance. The School is currently achieving attendance rates far exceeding those recorded in remote communities across Australia.
The government funding and donations received for Dhupuma Barker are used to operate the School and fund future building works. All money received stays within the local community.
Enjoy this short video featuring the students of Dhupuma Barker.
Achievements
In 2023, six of our students from Dhupuma Barker competed as the first ever Australian Indigenous team, the first from NT and the first from Remote Australia in the World VEX IQ Championships in Dallas USA. The Dhupuma Barker Djirikitj Firebirds have surpassed all expectations and inspire their peers to embrace the learning opportunities provided at School.
School Development
In June 2023, the turning of the soil at the site of the new permanent Dhupuma Barker school, marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the community. In close consultation with community, the design of the School integrates culture and country into the functionality of the School. Featuring flexible classrooms, specialist learning areas, covered play spaces and areas designed for cultural ceremony, the design pays tribute to the beauty of Gunyangara and honours the Yolŋu people.
Enrolments
Dhupuma Barker welcomes students from the Gunyangara community and surrounds. Yolngu co-teachers will advise staff of new families moving to or visiting the township. All students are welcome to join classes, and when regular attendance is established, a student will be formally enrolled.
For all enrolment enquiries, please visit the School to meet the teacher.
General Enquiries
Please phone 0428 756 850.
