Brisbane Grammar School has partnered with the Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) for the past 14 years. In 2007, the Year 8 Community Service Committee established a connection with Djarragun College, a school for Indigenous children 20km south of Cairns, fundraising for facilities and collecting second-hand sports gear. Students from both schools participated in exchanges. In 2009 they undertook a year-long major project, the design and construction of a shade house on the Djarragun campus, as a part of Brisbane Grammar School’s Public Purpose Program.
Hope Vale State School In 2017, a BGS staff member visited Hope Vale State School, a primary school approximately 370km north of Cairns, one of the schools that participate in the CYLP.
Since then a group of Year 6 students from Hope Vale State School visited BGS in the latter part of 2017. The students were guided through the School by two BGS students who had previously attended Hope Vale State School. These visits contributed towards the development of another strong partnership, between BGS and Hope Vale State School. The students particularly enjoyed the Indigenous artwork on display at the School and the Turrbal Garden, which was a gift to the School from the 2013 seniors. As part of this reciprocity, BGS Year 9 and 10 Drama productions in 2017 raised money to support the music and drama program at Hope Vale State School. During the students’ visit to BGS they displayed their talents in the drama space and in the music rooms. Visits to and by Hope Vale State School will continue in the future.
Michael Dingo ’21 with visiting Hope Vale State School students 9
