Polly Farmer Follow the Dream
Gunditjmara Camp- Learning, Culture and Connection
The Polly Farmer Follow the Dream – Northern Bay College camp to Warrnambool was an unforgettable experience that combined cultural learning, personal connection and inspiration for the future.
The camp began with a Gunditjmara (Worn Gundidj) cultural tour at Tower Hill, a significant former volcano with over 30,000 years of First Nations history. Students learned about life before colonisation, explored traditional tools such as boomerangs, and gained insight into how Gunditjmara people cared for Country. They also sampled bush foods, learned about traditional medicines, and spotted wildlife including emus, koalas and a snake. The tour provided an important opportunity to reflect on the impacts of colonisation.
That evening, students stayed at a caravan park, enjoying a BBQ dinner and time to relax, with highlights including the jumping pillow and activities that strengthened friendships.
On day two, students attended the Koorie Bog Day Out, hearing from inspiring speakers and connecting with university representatives to learn about pathways, courses and scholarships. Many are now eager to attend future university camps. The group also reconnected with former PC Kylie Clarke, shared lunch, and enjoyed some recreational time together.
Students highlighted making new friends and building connections as key takeaways—along with memorable moments like encounters with emus. Overall, the camp was a meaningful experience filled with learning, connection and inspiration.
‘Our Place’
is an on-site initiative of the Colman Education Foundation. Through the foundation’s ten-year partnership with the Victorian state government, Northern Bay College is one of only ten school sites across Victoria where Our Place has been implemented.
Our Place Northern Bay is located within the Korayn Birralee Family Centre, with a single entrance through to Northern Bay College (P-8 Wexford campus). Our Place is a holistic place-based approach to supporting the education, health and development of all children and families by utilising the universal platform of a school. Evidence indicates that education is the key to lifting the aspirations and improving the lives of children and their families. Our Place’s vision is that all children and their families succeed in life.
Hear first hand from Our Place on how their partnership has impacted on our work at the college LINK
To find out more information about Our Place Northern Bay, please visit https://ourplace.org.au/our-sites/northern-bay/
To see events and activities happening at Our Place Northern Bay visit https://ourplace.org.au/events/
Our Place Northern Bay is also on Facebook. Like or follow the page at: https://www.facebook.com/OurPlaceNorthernBay
The Our Place Northern Bay team can also be reached via email at northernbay@ourplace.org.au
Meli
Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) and the Bethany Group are now known as Meli and together form one of the region’s largest provider of kindergartens and vital community support services.
The Connect Up program supports parents and caregivers of children aged 0–12 to help their children thrive through a range of targeted services. For over 10 years, it has maintained a strong partnership with Northern Bay College, expanding across Junior Campuses and the Family Learning Centre.
Connect Up offers:
- Individual family support to assist with parenting challenges, establish positive routines, and connect families with additional services when needed.
- Supported playgroups, held weekly at each campus, providing engaging learning activities for preschool children and opportunities for families to connect.
- Parenting education and engagement groups, tailored to each school community, creating space for parents to share ideas, build connections, and access relevant information and support.
Parent Feedback:
- “Thank you for all your help and kindness. I’ll never forget the things we learnt.”
- “I am now looking for the reason behind my child’s behaviours, not focusing on the behaviour.”
- “The support from the worker was so helpful. I am so proud of myself.”
Call Meli on 03 5278 8122 or 0488 876 013 to speak to the Connect Up Team Leader.
State School Relief
are major providers of support to our college. Their funding raising and partnership with the state government ensures that families experiencing hardship have the possibility of accessing School Uniform Support through subsidies. Welfare staff at each campus can discuss this need with families.
Korus Connect is a Christian not-for-profit provider of School Chaplaincy, partnering with communities to build connection, support and wellbeing. They believe lasting change is driven by local people and work alongside schools, government, churches, organisations and businesses to strengthen communities.
Their key initiatives include:
- School Chaplaincy – providing holistic pastoral care to support the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of school communities.
- Community Connectors – working with local people and organisations to create positive, sustainable community change.