Student leaders at Menindee Central School are using their voice to make a difference.
In a town of 540 people, around 80 students attend Menindee Central School — roughly one in every seven residents. But don’t let the size fool you. These students are stepping up as leaders in ways that are turning heads across the state.
At the heart of this is the school’s Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), a program empowering Aboriginal students to grow in confidence, leadership and cultural pride. It’s a reminder that you don’t need a big platform to make a big impact — you just need the courage to step forward.
And that’s exactly what Year 12 student Adeisha Gilby-Ryan did. At the AECG Annual State Conference, she delivered her very first public speech — a candid account of navigating loss, grief and instability — and received a standing ovation.
“I’m standing here because I didn’t give up and because I had people around me who didn’t give up on me,” she said.
Student Jaz Fusi didn’t wait to be handed an opportunity either. After advocating for Paakantyi language to be offered as a school elective, she’s now creating a series of books in language for younger students.
“Language gave me confidence, and it gave me a voice,” Jaz said.
Fellow student Israel Halls has found his path through the Junior Rangers program — a hands-on initiative run in partnership with National Parks and Wildlife — where learning culture means living it.
These students aren’t waiting to be told they’re ready. They’re leading now, in their communities, for their communities.
As Adeisha put it simply: “We can lead. We can achieve. We can succeed.”
