Our first students started attending Gawura School on Gawura First Nations Scholarships in 2007 and then continued their pathways into St Andrew’s Cathedral School for the senior years and beyond.
Founding Story and Evolution
The history of Gawura School and our Gawura First Nations Scholarships signifies sustained commitment, courage and conviction – the success of an educational vision that challenged deeply embedded assumptions about First Nations education in Australia.
Co-Founders, Pastor Ray Minniecon and Aunty Sharon Minniecon, alongside Phillip Heath, AM, the then-Head of St Andrew’s Cathedral School, supported by a taskforce, seed donors and community stakeholders, were pioneers in reimagining this opportunity for First Nations children and young people.
Motivated by their Christian faith, and with immense courage and vision, they were determined to change the conversation around First Nations education.
Born on the eve of ANZAC Day in 2007, the Gawura School founders were determined to make a positive, practical contribution to the lives of First Nations families in our midst, for this generation and the next.
Pastor Ray Minniecon shared that it was the educational system that needed to change, not the child, leading to the development of a new way of learning: small classes, cultural immersion, a care and understanding for the individual and wrap-around support for families.
This philosophy fundamentally shaped Gawura School’s approach. It rejected a deficit model of First Nations education and instead sought a new approach, grounded in respect for culture, identity, strength, community and aspiration.
Pastor Ray described the enormity of the undertaking as: “Like pushing a wheelbarrow full of people across a tightrope — and we made it across.”
From the beginning, a parents’ First Nation’s advisory committee was formed to ensure First Nations voice was embedded in school decisions.
Pastor Ray Minniecon and Aunty Sharon Minniecon were instrumental in shaping the School’s cultural vision and community relationships. Their commitment to First Nations education and restoration continues to influence direction.
Since 2007, Gawura School with the support of the Gawura Scholarship Fund, has helped secure the educational future of dozens of First Nations students, providing access to the extraordinary opportunities at both Gawura School and St Andrew’s Cathedral School.
Every student is supported through Scholarship funding. This educational journey for each student and their family is not a short‑term initiative; it is an enduring, long‑term partnership with students, families, donors and community.
The critical role of donors
Our vision was made possible by the generosity of our seed donors. These early benefactors provided the foundational support that enabled Gawura School to move from concept to reality, supporting the establishment of a culturally safe, high-quality learning environment for First Nations students.
From the outset, philanthropic support helped ensure stability during Gawura School’s formative years, including the ability to employ dedicated teaching staff and maintain small class sizes that prioritised individual literacy, numeracy and wellbeing outcomes. Early grants supported essential staffing and operational costs, helping to create the strong educational foundations upon which we continue to build today.
Early years: building trust and access
Gawura School opened as a 100% First Nations school with seven students in 2007, catering for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Its first community act, participation in the Coloured Diggers March through the streets of Redfern, signalled its commitment to restoration, truth-telling and shared history.
Early plans to locate the school in Redfern proved unworkable, and so it was established within the Sydney Square campus of St Andrew’s Cathedral School. As a ‘school within a school’ this location provided access to specialist facilities while remaining close to the communities in Redfern, Glebe, Waterloo, and nearby suburbs that it served.
Transport quickly emerged as a barrier to attendance. A dedicated bus service, supported through philanthropy, became foundational to student participation and remains a vital element of access.
Early challenges included funding, ensuring cultural education and safety, and changing perceptions of Aboriginal and Torres Islander children within an independent school environment. Trust was built through relationships, cultural respect and consistent engagement with families.
Source: Australian Education Research Organisation
“Research shows that First Nations students achieve better engagement, wellbeing and educational outcomes when learning environments are culturally safe and when teaching reflects and values their culture. Cultural safety builds trust, identity and belonging – all of which are essential foundations for learning – while culturally responsive curriculum and strong relationships with community further support student success.”
From the beginning, Gawura School placed culture at the centre of learning.
Language, dance, storytelling and cultural knowledges were always, and continue to be, the centre point of every day. NAIDOC Week celebrations grew into major annual events involving families, Elders and the wider school community. Cultural learning extended beyond First Nations students, strengthening understanding across the broader school.
Gawura School joined the Waratah Project in 2019, working alongside independent schools across NSW and the ACT to strengthen culturally responsive practice, improve academic outcomes and deepen relationships with families and communities.
Governance and cultural integrity were strengthened through representation on our School Council and Foundation, along with Elder guidance and active involvement of families and community.
Growth, influence and whole school impact
Pathways into secondary schooling emerged as Gawura School students reached Year 6, extending Gawura First Nations Scholarships into St Andrew’s Cathedral School’s Secondary School.
In 2018, immersive, experiential learning deepened cultural connections as annual On Country tours began, and continue to this day, where students learn directly from Traditional Owners, strengthening identity through On Country learning.
As a ‘school within a school’, Gawura School, has a long and lasting influence within St Andrew’s Cathedral School. Aboriginal Studies is now a secondary HSC subject available to all students. Cultural awareness training has strengthened staff capability and professional development, and partnerships with community organisations have expanded cultural learning experiences. Mapping work continues across the curriculum K-12 to strengthen the authentic inclusion of First Nations perspectives.
Our alumni community reflects the strength, potential and success of students supported by the Gawura Scholarship Fund.
Graduates have gone on to pursue university studies and careers across fields including medicine, law, social work, professional artists, business and construction, demonstrating the lasting impact of opportunity, education and community support.
Among these inspiring stories is Ivor Rigney Sebastian, who became the first Gawura First Nations Scholarship graduate in 2011. Ivor has since gone on to study Law and plans to work in social justice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
In 2019, his brother Izak Rigney Sebastian completed the first full Kindergarten-to-Year-12 journey, highlighting the long-term educational pathway made possible through sustained support, strong partnerships and a commitment to student success. Izak is currently studying medicine at UNSW with plans to become a Cardiologist.
Restoration, truth-telling and the future
In 2024, St Andrew’s Cathedral School and Gawura School launched a joint First Nations K–12 Strategic Plan.
This plan sets out a long-term vision to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary learning, and build confident young people grounded in culture and faith.
Today, across the two Schools, we have our largest cohort of First Nations students yet, with 38 in Kindergarten to Year 6 and 20 in Year 7 to Year 12.
Our history shows the power of commitment and courage to create change.
From Redfern to careers in medicine, law, social justice and the arts, our students are demonstrating what becomes possible when young people are supported to thrive academically and culturally.
This impact is only possible through the generosity of donors, partners and community who believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed without leaving behind identity, culture or community.
Find out how your support can help more First Nations students access life-changing education.