One of the most powerful ways we educate the whole person is by creating opportunities for students to step beyond the classroom and engage with the world around them. The Red Dirt Immersion provides exactly this opportunity, inviting students to learn through authentic relationships, deep listening and meaningful connection with Country, culture and community.
During the July school holidays, students from Years 9–11 travelled through Western New South Wales as part of the Red Dirt Immersion, alongside students from St Edmund’s College and Mater Maria Catholic College. The journey took students to Coonabarabran, Baradine, Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Dubbo – places chosen for their cultural, historical and spiritual significance and for Brigidine College’s longstanding relationships with these communities.
At the heart of the immersion is the belief that some of the most meaningful learning occurs through encounter. Students had the opportunity to walk on Country, listen to Aboriginal Elders and community members, visit local schools, and engage with communities whose stories and experiences offered perspectives that challenged, enriched and broadened their understanding of Australia. Through these experiences, students were encouraged to practise Dadirri, the Aboriginal concept of deep listening. They approached each interaction with respect, openness and a willingness to learn.
Visits to communities such as Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Coonamble provided students with a deeper appreciation of the richness of First Nations cultures and the importance of reconciliation, justice and respectful relationships. By listening to the stories of local people and spending time in places of cultural significance, students gained insights that cannot be replicated through textbooks alone. These experiences invited them to reflect on Australia’s history, consider contemporary challenges and celebrate the strength, resilience and wisdom of First Nations communities.
The immersion also offered students the opportunity to connect with Brigidine’s original community in Coonamble and to experience the unique beauty of the Australian Outback, from its vast landscapes and night skies to its diverse flora and fauna. A particularly significant part of the journey was visiting St Brigid’s School, Coonamble, the first Brigidine school established in Australia. This visit provided students with a powerful connection to the origins of Brigidine education in this country. 142 years ago, the first Brigidine Sisters travelled from Ireland to Coonamble and, with remarkable courage, faith and dedication, began the work of educating young people while becoming a cornerstone of the local community. Students paid their respects at the gravesite of these pioneering Sisters and reflected at the memorial created in their honour on the 140th anniversary of their arrival. Standing where this story began allowed students to gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring Brigidine values of strength, compassion, hospitality and service that continue to shape our College community today.
Learning experiences throughout the journey, including a visit to Siding Spring Observatory, helped students see the interconnectedness of science, culture and the natural environment.
Throughout the week, students participated in reflection, creating space to process their experiences and consider how they might apply their learning in their own lives. Many returned with a greater sense of gratitude, increased cultural awareness, stronger resilience and a deeper understanding of the value of community. The shared experience of travelling, learning and living together also fostered independence, empathy and leadership.
The students who participated in the 2026 Red Dirt Immersion wholeheartedly embraced every aspect of the experience. Whether engaging with community members, listening to stories from Elders, visiting local schools, participating in cultural experiences or representing Brigidine within regional communities, they conducted themselves with maturity, respect and enthusiasm. They were outstanding ambassadors for the College, demonstrating genuine curiosity, compassion and a willingness to learn from others. Their positive attitude and engagement were acknowledged and appreciated by many of the communities we visited.
The success of the immersion was also made possible through the dedication and support of staff. A sincere thank you is extended to Mr Brian Loughland and Mrs Simone Turkovic, whose generosity, commitment and care helped make this experience possible. Their willingness to accompany and support students throughout the journey ensured that every participant was encouraged, challenged and supported as they stepped outside their comfort zone and embraced the opportunities presented by the immersion.
The Red Dirt Immersion continues to be a transformative experience for our students. It reminds us that education is about far more than academic achievement; it is about forming young people who are curious, compassionate and courageous, who are willing to listen deeply, engage respectfully and contribute positively to the world around them. Through experiences such as Red Dirt, our students develop not only knowledge, but also the understanding, empathy and wisdom needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
“The Red Dirt Immersion is a powerful and transformative experience that consistently leaves a lasting impact on students long after the journey ends. With open hearts and minds, it offers students the opportunity to grow in faith, empathy and understanding.”
Mrs Kate Ryder
Year 10 Coordinator
