Stefan Bradley
THE Department of Education (DOE) and Maffra Secondary College say they are working to build the school’s understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal histories and cultures after two Indigenous students experienced racial abuse and bullying.
The two Aboriginal girls are aged 12 and 15 and have attended Maffra Secondary College since the start of the 2023 school year. The two sisters (who won’t be named in this story) say they have enjoyed their time at the school for the most part, and made good friends.
The sisters’ grandfather, Dave, who first spoke to this reporter earlier this year, says the girls have experienced bullying – often racially charged – about a dozen times, including at least one incident that led to a physical fight.
Dave told the Gippsland Times he’s had numerous meetings with staff from the DOE and the school. The bullies involved have also been reprimanded, which has included suspensions and handwritten apology notes, a number of which have been seen by the Gippsland Times.
Dave, however, feels not enough is being done.
“It’s not dealt with quickly enough, so even if they receive a written apology from the students, it arrives a few days or weeks after the incident. I’d like to see the racism and bullying dealt with right away if it happens,” he said.
Dave believes the best way to prevent racism is education for staff and students alike. He says getting non-Indigenous students involved with Koorie cultural inclusion programs would be a positive step.
Dave said the Koorie cultural programs are run at the school every two weeks, but only Koorie students are taking part. It’s understood the school is looking to involve other students soon.
“It’s good for the other kids, no matter their background, to get involved with these Koori groups. They can show the other kids what their culture is all about,” he said.
A DOE spokesperson told the Gippsland Times they were working with all involved in these incidents. This includes ensuring that Maffra Secondary College is making full use of programs and resources to address any instances of bullying and racism.
“Every Victorian student should feel safe and respected at school – and we have a zero tolerance for any form of racism or bullying,” the spokesperson said.
“Maffra Secondary College takes any complaint or incident involving racism extremely seriously and has responded promptly – the school runs a dedicated program to support Koorie students and build students’ understanding of our rich Indigenous history.”
Dave said he wasn’t happy with the DOE’s statement.
“They say they’re doing something about it, but it’s not enough. We’d like them to expand on the Koorie groups, rather than just tick boxes to say they are doing something,” he said.
“I said to them, their strategies aren’t working … otherwise my grandkids wouldn’t have been racially abused (numerous) times.
“I don’t think the local community knows the level of racism that’s happening at the college. I’m sure it happens at other schools, but my grandkids go to Maffra, so that’s what I’m focusing on.”
Dave has welcomed some progress that has been made, which includes a student being suspended on the same day they used a racial slur against one of his granddaughters.
But he hopes the incidents can be prevented, rather than responded to.
