This podcast was recorded on traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta People.

Reconciliation doesn’t live in a single day or week — it’s a daily practice of listening, learning and walking together.

In this episode of Catholic Education Matters, host Kimberley Furness, Marketing Coordinator at Catholic Education Sandhurst, sits down with the organisation's Aboriginal Education Lead Michael Chisholm and Aboriginal Education Officer Tanika Thornton to reflect on the meaning of Reconciliation Week, their personal career journeys, and the role of Aboriginal spirituality and culture within Catholic Education Sandhurst.

From classrooms to liturgies, from the FIRE Carrier program to the Reconciliation Mass, this conversation explores what it looks like to build a more inclusive, just and culturally safe school system that honours both First Nations identity and Catholic values.

In this episode, we explore:

• The role of Aboriginal Education Officers and why it matters in every school.
• The importance of embedding First Nations perspectives across the curriculum.
• How Catholic values and Aboriginal spirituality share deep connections through land, story and community.
• The story and impact of the FIRE Carrier Program.
• Practical ways teachers can move beyond tokenism to authentic action.
• How embracing First Nations identity lifts all students, not just some.

Whether you’re an educator, student or community member, this episode will deepen your understanding of reconciliation not just as a concept, but as a shared responsibility grounded in truth, respect and action.

Now join us as we explore what truly matters in education.

Mentioned in this episode:

• FIRE Carrier Program
• Gulpa Ngawal Lotjpa
• William Stanner
• Opening The Doors Foundation
• Reconciliation Australia
• NAIDOC
• Closing the Gap

ABOUT CATHOLIC EDUCATION SANDHURST 

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 55 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story. 

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.