When Lesley Dunn began the Waranara Program at Corpus Christi College Maroubra in 2014, her goal was simple: create a space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students felt seen, safe, and proud of who they are.
A decade on, that vision has blossomed into what is now a nationally recognised success story, after the program was named as an Excellence Awardee for Best First Nations Education Program at the 2025 Australian Education Awards.
It’s a deserving accolade for both Lesley and the school community, who together have transformed the lives of hundreds of students by nurturing their academic success, wellbeing, spiritual growth and cultural identity.
An authentic approach
At Corpus Christi, seven per cent of the current student population is of Indigenous descent.
Lesley works full-time as the college’s dedicated Aboriginal Coordinator, overseeing the program and closely supporting the 53 First Nations students currently at the college.
The Waranara Program, which comes from a local work meaning ‘to seek’, looks to embed Aboriginal perspectives across all areas of school life.
Students engage in cultural practices such as walking on Country, language, art and dance workshops, and a range of collaborative projects with local Elders and organisations, including the La Perouse Land Council.
A key feature of the program is the Waranara Room, a culturally safe space where students receive weekly mentoring, tailored learning support, and access to wellbeing resources. This space, adorned with student artworks and cultural artifacts, serves as a haven for reflection, study, and community.
“The program has definitely evolved over the years,” said Lesley.
“It’s very much an authentic element of the school and its successes. It’s not just an add on. Everyone recognises that it’s part of the fabric of the school.”
Big change, real outcomes
One of the main strengths of the Waranara Program is the positive effect it continues to have on student achievement, engagement, and post-school pathways.
In the past two years alone, 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have graduated from Year 12, with many progressing to university, trades, and employment across a diverse range of industries.
The school has also seen increased enrolment, attendance and retention rates among students, together with improved wellbeing and behaviour outcomes.
It’s an impact that has been noticed beyond the school gates, with the college enjoying a growing reputation in the local area. Community elders, families, and organisations have all praised the Waranara Program and continue to reach out to partner with the college and provide opportunities for its students.
“We’ve had a lot of success in terms of students graduating and accessing pathways but I think the everyday wins are just as important,” said Lesley.
“It’s the small things that I’m hoping will change our students’ outlooks and give them something they can carry on throughout their lives.”
Empowering every student
For many of the students, the Waranara Program has become the driving force in their connection to culture and identity.
“I have learnt about previous events throughout Indigenous history as well as the continuing effects in which Indigenous Australians continue to be affected by,” says Year 12 student Aiden.
“Without the Waranara Program I wouldn’t have established my Indigenous culture and connection to community.”
For others, it’s also about the academic and emotional support they receive on a daily basis.
“The Waranara Program has really helped me with my time management, and wellbeing skills,” says Year 9 student Maddie.
“Ms Dunn is amazing to all her students and makes sure that we stay in line and get all of our work done. When I get a test back, all I want to do is go tell Ms Dunn because I know that she will be proud of me.”
A school united by culture
Paul MacGee, Principal at Corpus Christi, said the college has taken the learnings from the Waranara Program and applied those to the wider school community.
“As a college, we have a deep commitment to fostering a culturally inclusive learning environment,” he said.
“Our commitment to ongoing professional development and staff support ensures that every teacher has the knowledge and skills to create a positive and respectful school culture.”
All teachers have completed cultural competency training and trauma-informed practice workshops, while lesson planning is supported with expert guidance on embedding Aboriginal perspectives.
Each homeroom at the school has also been given a significant local Aboriginal name, with students creating artwork to reflect the meaning of those names.
“I think we’re an example of what education can achieve when it’s grounded in respect, inclusion and identity,” said Mr MacGee.
Corpus Christi is hopeful of being named the winner of the Best First Nations Education when the Australian Education Awards are held on Friday 8 August at The Star Event Centre in Sydney—though Lesley said the real reward is the impact she gets to see on a daily basis.
“I work with some amazing students and families, and I feel really positive that we’re making changes.
“These students are on a different journey to others and so it’s important that they’re given every opportunity to have an equal playing field.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of that.”
