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.”  …