MacKillop College lies within the lands of the Wiradjuri people and at the foot of the great mountain Wahluu. We acknowledge the Wiradjuri people as the traditional custodians of this land whose culture and customs have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. We honour and pay our respects to the Elders both past and present. May we tread softly on this land. 

MacKillop College has strong connections to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. For many years students and staff have participated in community events such as the combined Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) NAIDOC March and concert, as well as the end of year AECG awards. MacKillop College has enjoyed being a part of community strengthening activities such as the Chifley Police District NAIDOC Touch Football Knockout. MacKillop College works closely with organisations such as TAFE, universities and employment services to ensure that students are informed in regards to their pathways. 

Local community members such as Aunty Gloria Dindima Rogers are regular visitors to our school. Aunty Gloria advises our HSC Aboriginal Studies students as well as attending religion and food technology classes and officiating at functions such as NAIDOC assemblies. MacKillop College has hosted numerous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guests who have shared with us their cultural knowledge, talents and inspirational stories.

In 2017 in honour of the Wiradjuri people and in celebration of the year’s NAIDOC theme of ‘Our Languages Matter’, MacKillop College aptly decided to give three courtyards within the school Wiradjuri names. A special assembly was conducted with honoured guests The Most Reverend Michael McKenna Bishop of Bathurst and Leanna Carr-Smith, a member of the Bathurst Wiradjuri and Aboriginal Community Elders in attendance to officiate proceedings. 

With the Wiradjuri language and cultural guidance of Aunty Gloria Dindima Rogers the Hall Courtyard is now known as Nandhu Courtyard meaning; meet, to be close. The Chapel Courtyard is now known as Marambul Dhurany Courtyard meaning; Good News and the Bus Bay Courtyard is now known as Birrang Courtyard meaning; Journey to another place. 

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are well supported at MacKillop College. Our Aboriginal Education Worker (AEW) is a mentor and support for our students with the priorities of the role including transition and education support. Our AEW connects with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to ensure that students are involved in community events. They support the College to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander important dates such as Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. This state level committee discusses issues of importance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and decision making within Catholic schools. 

MacKillop College continues to foster positive relationships with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community whilst celebrating and appreciating the rich and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.