A school based First Nations Support Worker provides culturally appropriate support for students and their families to engage with their chosen educational setting. The First Nations Support Worker additionally supports schools in building cultural capability among staff through providing Cross Cultural Awareness guidance. First Nations Support Workers provide educational counselling and support services to ensure the best possible services are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities.
The role of the First Nations Support Worker at Marsden State School includes:
- Providing advice on cultural and social support on/to students.
- Acting as an advocate for students and their families.
- Providing educational counselling.
- Providing wellbeing support to students or linking in with the wellbeing team.
- Providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into school committees/programs.
- Facilitating the development of activities to enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' involvement.
- Accessing and providing opportunities for students to experience and get involved in cultural activities
- Providing parents and the community with opportunities to engage in the school.
- Participating in community events to develop respectful relationships.
- Providing advice on cultural and social perspectives.
- Facilitating links with Elders and key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community persons.
Meet our First Nations Support Workers
Jasmine is a proud Anaiwan and Wiradjuri woman who is passionate about supporting our jarjums through culture, connection, and education whether it is in the classroom or playground. Jasmine values creating safe and inclusive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and respected. Through her work as a First Nations Support Worker, she strives to celebrate First Nations culture, strengthen relationships, and inspire positive outcomes for future generations.
Jayden is a proud Gamilaraay man from Western NSW. He has been working in Education for the past 6 years across QLD and is passionate about helping others learn, grow, and achieve their goals. For the past 3 years he has been working alongside First Nations students building strong relationships and supporting them in reaching their full potential. As a First Nations Support Worker, Jayden is committed to sharing his cultural knowledge and strengthening connections to culture through his everyday practice. He strives to create meaningful relationships built on respect, understanding, and the values of community and Country.