Our focus on culture and connection
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) recognises and respects the heritage, spirituality, cultures and deep connection to Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We are committed to creating inclusive and outstanding learning environments for all young people. Aboriginal education is incorporated on a daily basis into the curriculum of our 80 schools. Many of our schools have dedicated yarning spaces, cultural groups and inclusive Aboriginal Cultural Programs. An understanding of Aboriginal spirituality is incorporated into Religious Education programs, prayer and liturgy.
Our focus on culture and connection
Jarara Cultural Centre
The Jarara Cultural Centre is an integral part of how we share culture, build capacity and provide pastoral care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families. A vibrant hub of learning and connection nestled within the Aengus Kavanagh Centre in Mount Druitt, Jarara offers support across the diocese through a range of services and programs.
The mission of Jarara is to provide a culturally safe and welcoming environment where truth-telling, connection to culture, and reconciliation are not just ideals, but everyday practices.
‘Jarara’ is a Wiradjuri word meaning ‘water tumbling over rocks’.
Jarara Cultural Centre
Our Jarara Team
Our passionate and dedicated team, deeply connected to the community through personal ties, offers empathy, understanding and a steadfast commitment to fostering healing and resilience. We believe that all cultural differences are to be valued and are a rich resource to learn from. We are dedicated to creating pathways of understanding and respect through education.
We believe that high self esteem and sense of identity are vital for the effective learning and personal growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Our Jarara Team
What can Jarara help you with?
The team at the Jarara Cultural Centre run a wide range of enriching programs and services, including:
Student Learning
Student Learning
- Personalised Learning Plans for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- cultural workshops
- cross cultural curriculum planning
- Coordinating participation in Murama - an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Youth Ambassador Program
- Sky Country Dreaming - an innovative educational program that introduces students to traditional dance, music, art and language
Cultural Requests
Cultural Requests
- cultural competency school based projects (Mural, Yarning Circles etc)
- consultation and cultural connection around student wellbeing
- cultural immersion days for schools (students experience Aboriginal culture firsthand)
Teacher Professional Learning
Teacher Professional Learning
- Crossing Cultures Hidden Histories - Cultural Competency Training (6 hours total, focusing on the often overlooked aspects of Aboriginal history and culture)
- curriculum development - collaborating with educators to develop and implement accurate and respectful Aboriginal curriculum materials
Recommendations and Referrals
Recommendations and Referrals
- Water Blessing
- Welcome to Country
- Aboriginal Spirituality consultation
- Smoking Ceremony
- Elder Invitation
- Tools, technology and resources
- Digital resources - LEX Library
- Consultation and cultural connection facilities and environmental projects
Community Connections
Community Connections
Jarara acts as the bridge connecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and wider community, including to:
- Aboriginal Elders
- Baabayn Aboriginal Corporationdee
- Kildare Medical Centre (dedicated Aboriginal medical service)
- Muru Mittigar (Aboriginal Cultural and Education Centre)
- Bangarra Dance Theatre
- The Healing Foundation
- Dalmarri Indigenous Organisation
Fee and Uniform Advocacy
Fee and Uniform Advocacy
Jarara acts as the bridge connecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and wider community, working towards equal access to educational opportunities.
- Helping families navigate the financial aspects of education
- Ensuring all students have access to the necessary resources
Partnerships and Pathways
Partnerships and Pathways
- Creating educational and career opportunities for students in Years 10-12.
Truth-Telling Initiatives
Truth-Telling Initiatives
- Collecting and sharing Elder stories, accounts of the Stolen Generations and other significant narratives
- ‘For Our Elders’ student documentary project - training students in documentary filmmaking while capturing the stories of Elders.
Wellbeing Support
Wellbeing Support
- Offering emotional and social support to students
- Ensuring student mental and emotional health is cared for alongside their academic growth.
Request a service
Connect with the Jarara team today to discuss how we may be able to support your family or school. Call (02) 9840 5672 or email us today.
Request a service
Murama Youth Ambassador Program and Summit
Jarara is proud to participate in and support Murama, an Indigenous youth leadership program that has been delivered at Sydney Olympic Park since 2016. The Murama model involves a residential summit for emerging Indigenous leaders and unique opportunities for young people to exercise cultural leadership at events across the Park’s exciting calendar.
Backed by mentors, elders, community leaders and family, Murama sees young people journey through a deep cultural connection experience with a focus on healing and resilience. Murama includes workshops, cultural exchanges and leadership training.
Learning in action See more
08 Jul 2025
Stepping forward together at the Mount Druitt Reconciliation Walk
On the sunny Saturday morning of 7 June 2025, the Mount Druitt Reconciliation Walk brought together people from all walks of life.
03 Jul 2025
Jarara inspires student connection with culture
From immersive learning experiences to powerful acts of truth-telling and celebration, the Jarara Cultural Centre continued to provide students across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) with meaningful opportunities to engage with culture, identity and community throughout Term 2.
21 Mar 2025
Commitment to Close the Gap clear for Western Sydney Catholic schools
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) has released its first annual Closing the Gap report. This report outlines its contribution to improving socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly students and their families. CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot said the report reflects the dedication of CSPD’s 6 500 staff in fostering reconciliation and equity through the organisation’s 80 outstanding school across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
08 Jul 2024
St John Paul II student recognised at NSW Training Awards
Year 12 student, Tataya Curry-Jones was recently a finalist in the NSW Training Awards Regional Finals, going on to be named Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year (2024).
11 Jun 2024
Students commemorate Indigenous veterans
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) students, staff and members of the Jarara Cultural Centre gathered around Hyde Park’s Pool of Reflection for the 2024 Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service at Hyde Park.
21 May 2024
Culture and career in focus at First Nations Students Forum
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from throughout Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) came together in the Blue Mountains for the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior Students Forum at St Columba's Catholic College Springwood.
16 Nov 2023
Indigenous meeting event
Continuing to develop their Indigenous learning program, St Canice's Primary Katoomba will be holding a meet and greet event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families from Katoomba and surrounds.
08 Nov 2023
Students say YES to a sustainable Australia
Thousands of young Western Sydney students have declared a resounding ‘YES’ to ensuring a sustainable Australia for all after a successful three-day Youth Eco Summit at Sydney Olympic Park.
Jarara Gallery See more
What schools in the Diocese of Parramatta learn
Our schools include the following as the basis for learning and teaching programs:
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge, and pay respect, to the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land.
CSPD’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2027
As part of our ongoing commitment to justice for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, CSPD has developed its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) through Reconciliation Australia.
CSNSW Statement
Catholic education is committed to maximising learning opportunities for all indigenous peoples.
Gulyangarri Starting School
Getting your child/bub ready for school can be exciting and scary at the same time. Here are some great tips.