Brisbane Water Secondary College

Our vision for reconciliation begins with a deep acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Custodians of Australia. We recognise that true reconciliation involves the authentic recognition and acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their culture, the oldest continuous culture in the world. We strive for a society that values, respects, and celebrates the First Peoples of Australia. We honour our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as emerging leaders, whose contributions will shape a self-determined, respectful, and prosperous future.  

Our vision is of a nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students fully benefit from the transformative educational opportunities available, ensuring their outcomes are as good as, or better than, those of the broader student population. We aim to create an educational environment that is culturally safe and inclusive—where the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and the wider community are heard and amplified, where their aspirations are nurtured, diversity is celebrated and genuine conversations about reconciliation are both ongoing and robust.  

We will work collaboratively to engage all members of our school community, maintaining a culturally safe space for all. Our goal is to build strong partnerships with parents, carers and families, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, engaging with AECG, Elders, and organisations to create shared learning experiences. By collaborating with community members, we ensure that our students learn directly from those with lived experience and cultural knowledge, deepening their understanding and respect for Aboriginal heritage. 

Our staff will participate in continuous professional learning, building their confidence and commitment to integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and ways of learning into their pedagogy, enriching the educational experience for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.