A dinner celebrating the upcoming graduation of indigenous students Christopher Swan, Jaiah Wallace and Joseph Paii was held at Cover Cottage on Thursday 29 August. 

The dinner was attended by around 60 people including the Indigenous student group at the College, parents, OIU mentors and school staff. Kaleb Taylor, Indigenous Co-ordinator at Riverview, hosted a fun evening that celebrated the boys growth and development over time, their achievements and the impact that they have had on the people around them during their time at the school. 

Each of the boys spoke about their experiences at Riverview and the value of the relationships that they have made during their journey. Dr Paul Hine also spoke and congratulated the boys on their upcoming graduation. It was a wonderful night of celebration and brought home to me the importance of the Indigenous students to our community and the power of two way learning between our cultures. 

On behalf of the OIU, and myself personally, I want to congratulate Chris, Jaiah and Joe on reaching this milestone. I have had the privilege to get to know all three boys over the last three years. Each of them demonstrate a presence, thoughtfulness and leadership of which they and their parents should be proud. I look forward to seeing them continue to grow as they follow their aspirations into next year.

We are still looking for mentors so if you are interested in giving back to your community while also learning more about our indigenous people and culture then please reach out to me directly on president@oiu.org.au