Co-hosted by La Trobe's School of Education and the La Trobe Rural Health School, the Billabongs Not Silos event was an inspiring gathering that showcased First Nations-led practices and knowledge, empowering communities and inspiring excellence across education, health and culture.
The event also provided a valuable space for collaboration, offering a unique opportunity to learn from holistic practices that uplift First Nations communities. Through yarning circles and collaborative sessions, Billabongs Not Silos facilitated meaningful pathways for change, strengthening partnerships to support the health and wellbeing of First Nations youth.
The keynote speaker was Eddie Betts, whose powerful story highlighted the importance of education in building a positive future.
"The Billabongs Not Silos symposium shows how meaningful change happens when we learn from stories like Eddie Betts' - revealing both systemic challenges faced by First Nations people and their resilience," says Professor Joanna Barbousas, Dean of La Trobe's School of Education.
"By bringing Health and Education sectors into genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, we're building the relationships and shared understanding essential to breaking down systemic barriers. Through genuine partnership with Community, we can ensure future generations of Indigenous youth have the support and opportunities they deserve”.
