Darkinjung Barker an initiative in practical reconciliation

In June 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) and the Council of Barker College (Barker) to jointly establish a small Primary School for Aboriginal children living in the DLALC area. The Darkinjung Barker Campus commenced as a campus of Barker College in January 2016, providing school education for 25 Aboriginal children in a culturally sensitive and affirming setting.

The new school is located on the site of the former Yarramalong Public School on a leasehold basis in cooperation with the Yarramalong Community and the NSW Department of Lands. The Yarramalong Public School opened in 1870 and operated until its closure in 2009.

The establishment of Darkinjung Barker returns children and education to the site, upholding the long heritage of education in Yarramalong. By providing education to Aboriginal children, Darkinjung Barker is an example of practical reconciliation that lies deep in the heart of a local community group, which has strived to preserve and protect the integrity of the Yarramalong Public School since its closure in 2009.

An expression of interest form can be obtained by emailing membership@dlalc.org.au 

The link below provides answers to some frequently asked questions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Darkinjung acknowledges that we operate and function on the lands of the Darkinyung people.

We pay our respect to these lands and its people. We acknowledge those ancestors that defended,walked and managed these lands for many generations before us and who have left a legacy of strong cultural, wisdom and knowledge embeded in these lands today.

We acknowledge and recognise all Aboriginal people who have come from other First Nations groups and who have now come to call this country their home. We acknowledge our Elders who are our knowledge holders, teachers and pioneers.

We recognise all Aboriginal people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities and
acknowledge the negative impact  and disconnection to family, land  and community.

We empower our youth who are our hope for a brighter and stronger future and who will be our future leaders.

We acknowledge and pay our respect to our Members who have gone before us and recognise their contribution to our people and community.