Academy girls dine with State’s governor

Not many people can say they’ve had lunch with the governor of WA, but a group of young women from the Kimberley can add their names to the elite list.

Almost 20 bright minds from the Derby Girls Academy sat down with Kerry Sanderson in Perth last month to raise a number of issues that indigenous youth face in the State.

The Derby District High School students were in the city for the Kartagup Djinda Ngardak masterclasses, which included sessions on cooking, traditional culture, artwork, dance, history and agriculture.

They had the chance to work with a number of experienced chefs and speak with Education Minister Sue Ellery andRegional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

DGA program manager Jane Edwards said the classes were a great learning experience for the students.

“They enjoyed working with the chefs, as well as meeting the governor,” she said.

“Our students are looking forward to attending again next year.”

The DGA is one of 32 sister academies across the nation, focusing on improving academic performance and promoting health, wellbeing, community leadership and cultural connection.