Dhupuma Barker receives $2.2m infrastructure boost

A remote school famous for its international robotics achievements has received a $2.2m infrastructure boost from the federal government. Read the details.

Dhupuma Barker’s curriculum has a focus on on-Country learning. Picture: Supplied

A remote Arnhem Land school famous for its international robotics achievements has received a $2.2m infrastructure boost from the federal government.

Dhupuma Barker, a school for Yolŋgu children in the remote community of Gunyangara, will use the funding to build an Assembly Hall.

The independent school is run by the Yothu Yindi Foundation and Barker College, a private school from Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

Opened in 2021, the unique school focuses on bilingualism, on-Country learning and a blended Yolŋgu and Australian curriculum.

Labor’s Indigenous Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said the $2.2m Assembly Hall would better facilitate this learning.

The Assembly Hall will assist Dhupuma Barker students to continue their on-Country learning. Picture: Supplied

“This building is a central part of the school’s design for facilitating community participation and cultural engagement in their children’s education,” Ms Scrymgour said.

“I am pleased to have been able to support Barker College in this project and see the construction of the Assembly Hall as an important addition to integrate culture and Country into the functionality of this school.”

“Dhupuma Barker has shown the incredible impact of on-Country, bilingual education with significant improvements in school engagement and attendance,” Ms McCarthy said.

Dhupuma Barker teachers standing on the slab where the Assembly Hall will be built. Picture: Supplied

“Having fit-for-purpose facilities, including a new Assembly Hall, will contribute to students’ positive experience of school.”

The principal of Barker College and Dhupuma Barker thanked the government for the funding.

“The generous support being provided by the Commonwealth Government to assist with the construction of the school for the families of Dhupuma Barker and of Gunyangara, will help us realise the vision of Dr Yunupingu for Yolŋgu led education on Country for our children,” he said.

“The community are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact that this school and community space will have for generations to come.”

Originally published as Dhupuma Barker receives $2.2m infrastructure boost