News edition for 17 October 2026. Added to Nungya on 22 October 2026 as part of our retrospective news archive. Reporting reflects information available by the edition date.

Language, culture, history and a strong sense of belonging were among the priorities raised by students at the first Aboriginal Student Voice Symposium run by the NSW Department of Education. The two-day event brought 39 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into direct conversation with senior education leaders.

The department’s 16 October report includes students from government, Catholic and independent schools, as well as TAFE NSW. Participants described the support that helps them stay engaged and the changes they want to see.

Their recommendations included more First Nations language, culture and history in the curriculum, and teaching by Aboriginal educators. Students also spoke about racism and the need for safe school environments. Examples from Airds High School highlighted the value of Aboriginal education staff and programs that support learning and attendance.

Department secretary Murat Dizdar said he would take the students’ ideas to the next executive meeting and report back about the work to pursue. That promised return conversation is a detail worth following. It creates a link between the students’ contributions and the decisions made afterwards, allowing the young people who spoke to hear how their ideas are being considered and what happens next.