This National Reconciliation Week, led by our First Nations students, Newington came together to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and how as a school, we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This weekend, Newington College students across Year groups and sporting codes will take to fields and courts proudly wearing the College’s Indigenous jersey, a powerful symbol of respect, unity, and recognition. 

In celebration of National Reconciliation Week (NRW) and in solidarity with our Indigenous students and our First Nations communities, all Senior 1st and 2nd teams in AFL, Football, Volleyball, and Rugby will don the Newington Indigenous jersey this weekend in their respective GPS competition fixtures. These students will figuratively, and in some cases, literally, stand and play alongside their Indigenous peers, proudly wearing their support. 

Says Mr Ruairidh Wilson, Newington Indigenous Support Coordinator, ‘our commitment extends beyond the major winter codes. Senior athletes representing Newington in Cross Country, Fencing, and Rifle Shooting will also wear the Indigenous jersey during competitions and training sessions this weekend, highlighting the College’s shared commitment to reconciliation across all disciplines.’

Younger students are proudly joining in too. Wyvern House Year 6A teams in Rugby, AFL, and Football, along with Lindfield Prep’s Year 5/6 AFL and Rugby teams, as well as their Senior Football teams, will also represent the College in the Indigenous jersey, embracing the spirit of National Reconciliation Week, and its theme this year, Bridging Now to Next.  

To mark these occasions, many games will begin with an Acknowledgement of Country. Some of these acknowledgements will be delivered by Wyvern House Year 6 students, a fitting conclusion to a week of reconciliation-focused activities across the College. 

These included participation by Newington First Nations students, Braith S, Ky-Mani D, Jayden B, Aston M, Tyreece B, and Kden C who visited St Aloysius’ College on Monday for its Sorry Day assembly. Here our Newington students danced with other Aboriginal students and young men from Bandu, an acclaimed social enterprise that assists First Nations young people to succeed in education and employment.  

Later Ky-Mani, Braith and Kden were visited by rugby player, Mr Arthur Little and his son Noah. A former Waratah and Australian Sevens player, Mr Little shared insights with the students about the importance of maintaining cultural and Aboriginal identity, especially when away from Country and culture. 

On Tuesday, Year 8 students attended educational sessions to learn about Aboriginal art symbols and totem animals with Wandana, an Indigenous organisation which promotes Aboriginal education and understanding. Later, in a National Reconciliation Week senior school assembly, Our First Nations students performed traditional dance, and we were joined by Uncle Leslie McLeod who conducted the Welcome to Country and Smoking ceremony. Also, among our special guests was Dhungutti Elder Uncle John Kelly and students from Redfern Jarjum College, with which Newington enjoys a growing partnership.  

Giving the keynote speech, Braith S, a proud Wiradjuri man who is a boarder at Newington and 1st XV rugby player, invited Newington Deputy Head, Mr Andy Quinane to the stage and as other Indigenous students painted three ochre dots on Mr Quinane’s face, Braith explained. 

‘One on the right temple to look to the past and remember where we’ve come from. One on the left temple, to look to the future and what’s possible. And one in the middle of the forehead, to open the mind to the present — to be aware of what’s happening right now,’ he explained. 

‘This small gesture reflects a big idea – that reconciliation is about acknowledging the past, being present today, and choosing to walk together into the future…  

‘For me, reconciliation means being seen and heard. It’s about knowing that I can bring my full self, my culture, my stories, and my history, to this school, and be respected for it. It’s about my friends understanding what it means to be a young blackfella in a place like this and walking beside me, not in front or behind.  Bridging Now to Next means that we honour our old ways, but we also build new ones — together. And that starts with respect, listening, and learning from each other.’ 

Braith and his 1st XV teammates take to the rugby field at home this weekend against Shore wearing the Newington Indigenous Jersey. These were first introduced in 2021 and were designed by acclaimed artist Blak Douglas, a proud Aboriginal man of Dhunghutti and Irish heritage. The jersey reflects Stanmore’s history as a hunting ground and walking path of the Gadigal people. It features the Dharug word NGALAYA, meaning ally or friend in battle, which was chosen by Indigenous and First Nations students at Newington in 2021. The word represents our shared commitment: that everyone who wears the Indigenous jersey is now an ally, upholding the responsibility to support and stand with Indigenous communities.