2025 | Term 3 | Weeks 3-4
The School of Isolated and Distance Education recently embarked on an exciting two-week tour through the Kimberley region. We had the absolute pleasure of bringing our Mini Industry Roadshow and our professional trainers to six communities within the region: Looma Remote Community School, Fitzroy Valley District High School, Wangkatjungka Remote Community School, Manjali Studio School, Purnululu Aboriginal Independent School, and Kalumburu District High School. This tour marked SIDE’s first ever visit to Manjali Studio School located on Bunbuba country, and our visit to Kalamburu took us to the most northernmost settlement in Western Australia, were the trainers worked on-Country with students from the community.
SIDE and the MiR had the privilege to embark on this extensive educational tour offering students unique hands-on skills sessions with our professional trainers Gianna Milano, Nathan Kell and Finnian Wrigley in the fields of Marine Biology/Tourism, Cabinetry and Plumbing.
Marine Biology/Tourism: Gianna who specialises in sharks, whale sharks, and orcas conducted a hands-on discovery sessions about what students can find on a beach and the importance of maintaining clean and healthy waterways for the benefit of all life on earth. The students explored how microplastics are a major concern for our environment and the impact the microscopic material has on our lives. The students contributed their ideas on how to reuse, reduce, recycle in their communities. Gianna’s workshops also gave students an opportunity to design and role play running a tour business, using their local region and knowledge. It was a fun and informative learning experience for the students.
Cabinetry: Nathan from Cabinetry-in-Schools ran inspiring sessions where he shared his expertise in working with wood and design while emphasizing the critical role of precision and accuracy used in the construction industry. The diversity of career opportunities available through this trades sector was highlighted in this fun and fast-paced workshop. Students left the session not only with a deeper understanding of the industry but also with a sense of accomplishment, having completed a personalised take-home project.
Plumbing: Finnian SIDE’s trainer provided an amazing hands-on workshop in the 'Basics of Plumbing' which enthralled and excited the students. They learned about essential plumbing tools, how to use them effectively, valuable tips and tricks they can use in their communities and gained insights on water conservation and other responsible practices. This workshop helped teach students to be independent, strong, and able to manage simple plumbing and water filtration issues that will be helpful for both now and in the future.
The Mini Industry Roadshow was able to spend time building relationships with young people, incorporate learning opportunities in social and community activities by acknowledging existing strengths and interests in the community. Thank you to the students from Looma RCS, Fitzroy Valley DHS, Wangkatjungka RCS, Purnululu School, Manjali Studio School, Purnululu Aboriginal Independent School, Kalumburu District High School, we thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting your schools, and offering an exciting look at different career choices and future pathways.
