On November 1, Central Coast Grammar School invited Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, and Aunty Robyn Reid, to give a lesson to year four students about First Nations’ culture and history.

Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP says that he thoroughly enjoyed visiting his former school with his grandmother and speaking with students about Australia’s First Nations’ history.

“It was a walk down memory lane visiting my former school and being provided the opportunity to meet and speak with year four students about First Nations’ history, culture, and my own First Nations ancestry”. Dr Reid said.

“The students were all very inquisitive and brought their listening ears, as they paid close attention to the many stories Aunty Robyn discussed. Aunty Robyn touched on how First Nations Australians lived, communicated, hunted for food, and cared for the environment”. Dr Reid said.

“There was an opportunity to ask questions of myself and Aunty Robyn and students asked wide-ranging questions, including how many Nations there are in Australia, the types of hunting tools that were used, and how First Nations Australians inscribed information on message sticks”. Dr Reid said.

Aunty Robyn Reid, Mingaletta Elder and Wiradjuri Woman, says it was an absolute joy to visit Central Coast Grammar School and speak to the young children about our very important First Nations’ history.

“I always get so excited visiting schools and being able to impart my knowledge and history of First Nations Australians to students”. Robyn said.

“I spoke with the students about the many First Nations across Australia and how every nation had its own unique language, system of trading, hunting, and ways of caring for the environment”. Robyn said.

“A few students also shared their First Nations heritage with Gordon and I and it was so beautiful to see”. Robyn said.

Dr Reid says that he will work with local schools to support First Nations students.

“I encourage any schools to reach out to my office for guidance and referrals on Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) or assistance that might be available to First Nations Australians”. Dr Reid said.

ENDS