BOGGABILLA Central School Year 7 student Ashley Jarrett reckoned the virtual reality goggles were ‘cool’, and Year 9 student Brenda Flanders learned about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

The annual Ngurrugu Guuwali – Speak of Tomorrow – Careers Expo at Boggabilla Central School for kindergarten to Year 12 students was held last Thursday, with school staff, students and exhibitors praising the initiative.

Yuluwirri McGrady, who grew up at Toomelah Mission, spoke about his journey from the Boggabilla backblocks to boardrooms in the mining sector.

In 2022, Mr McGrady made history as the first Indigenous person to hold a position on the WA Mining Club committee, and also served as an advocate for engaging Aboriginal businesses in the resources sector.

Boggabilla Central School’s Careers and Educational Pathways Program head teacher, Laura Peisley, said Mr McGrady gave students a real glimpse of what’s possible.

“We were incredibly grateful to have Yuluwirri travel from Perth to be with us on the day,” Mrs Peisley said.

“Yulu is a proud Gomeroi man who grew up at Toomelah Mission, just down the road, and has gone on to build a remarkable career in the resources sector.

“Having him yarn with our students, showing them that someone from right here can achieve something significant, is exactly the kind of inspiration this event is designed to create,” she said.

The May 14 careers expo, featuring a careers dress-up parade and activities, aligned with National Careers Week, celebrated from May 11 to May 17.

Mrs Peisley said the event was an important element of all students’ education.

“We are thankful to all of the employers, businesses and services who gave up their time to support aspiration building in our students,” she said.

“For many young people in our communities, the barriers to career pathways are very real,” Mrs Peisley said.

“Through the Educational Pathways Program, we work to bring industry, training and community directly to our students.”

Students from Mungindi Central School, Boomi Public School, Toomelah Public School, Moree Secondary College and Barwon Learning Centre joined Boggabilla Central School, with exhibitors including NSW Police, Moree Plains Shire Council, TAFE NSW, Rural Fire Service, Goondiwindi Library and the NSW Department of Education.

Year 10 student Ashley Duncan learned about the Bamara DLAP program, available in Moree.

“They help you get your driver’s licence. That was something new for me,” Ashley said.

Adam Cutmore, in Year 9, said staff from TAFE showcased further education.

“They showed how they can help you grow after school and the different opportunities available,” Adam said.

“There was also new agricultural sensor technology demonstrated by Hayes Spraying. That was probably the most interesting thing I hadn’t seen before.”

Year 9 student Brenda Flanders discovered she can start a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in Year 10.

“I didn’t know that before today,” she said.

Ashley Jarrett, in Year 7, tried out the virtual reality goggles with Local Land Services.

“I saw trees and rivers. It was cool. And Yulu talked about getting into a routine if you want to be successful,” Ashley smiled.