Campfire Conversations
A History of the Gathering
In 2023, schools across the Banyule/Nillumbik network in a series of Campfire Conversations. These gatherings of First nations students and families formed part of the consultation process for the Strengthening Aboriginal Self-Determination in Education Report (2024) by the Victorian Department of Education. The report, outlined a structural reform plan to empower Koorie students, families, and communities across Victoria. For families in the Banyule Nillimbik Network it provided the beginning place to dream of First Nations leadership, voice, and cultural safety in our local schools.
Throughout the Campfire Conversations, students and parents expressed a clear and consistent message: coming together across schools was vital for supporting children to develop cultural identity, connection, and belonging — particularly in schools with smaller numbers of First Nations students. Families wanted students to feel culturally safe, seen, and connected.
These conversations sparked a strong sense of purpose among parents, educators, and community members. The 'campfire' lit a fire that led to ongoing termly gatherings hosted at different schools, where students, families, and staff could share stories, experiences, and learning journeys.
At the same time, Banyule Council established the Barrbunin Beek Gathering Place, creating a culturally safe and welcoming space that enabled schools and community organisations to collaborate in centring student experiences. The space strengthened opportunities for connection — not only within schools, but also between students, families, and the broader Aboriginal community. It extended the spirit of the Campfire Conversations beyond individual events into an ongoing community presence.
Building on this momentum, Rosanna Primary School, in partnership with Barrbunin Beek Gathering Place, began coordinating a network-wide cultural learning initiative, sharing costs and resources across participating schools. A bus service now collects students from six to seven schools across the local area, transporting them to cultural learning experiences that stretch across the network and beyond, including participation across different education sectors.
Students engage in a diverse range of cultural experiences focused on storytelling, dance, visual arts, traditional games, and learning through culture and Country. These shared experiences have strengthened relationships between schools and built trust and connection among families and parents.
The next stage of this work is to deepen these relationships further, strengthen parent and community leadership, and continue creating culturally safe pathways where First Nations students can thrive with pride, belonging, and strong cultural identity.
Update of Campfire Conversations in 2026
In 2026, the Banyule/Nillumbik First Nations Student Network regularly engages more than 60 First Nations students from over 10 schools across the region. Through shared resourcing, coordinated transport and strong partnerships between schools, families and community organisations, students have regular opportunities to connect with culture, community and one another.
Termly gatherings at Barrbunin Beek Gathering Place bring together students, families and community members for cultural learning experiences led by Aboriginal educators, artists and cultural leaders. Most importantly, students are building friendships, strengthening cultural identity, and developing a stronger sense of belonging to a broader First Nations community.
Reports of the 2026 Campfire Conversations;
Term 1 Campfire Conversation Report
Term 2 Campfire Conversation Report
Term 3 Campfire Conversation Report
Term 4 Registration and Consent
Facebook Updates that provide a glimpse of the Campfire Conversation experiences;
What Students Think ...
I’ve really enjoyed meeting up with students from other schools and doing things with them. It’s good meeting every term, they are lots of different ages. I have really enjoyed making a poster of about our favourite Australian animal and writing indigenous stuff about them. Year 6 Student
I like making things, like the boomerangs. It was great to throw the boomerangs at the target and our group even won. Year 1 Student
The best things is learning about the Aboriginal culture. We learn knew things that we don’t know anything about. We usually get to play a bit with others. We saw some dancing when they were telling a story from the Gunditjmara people. That is where I am from. They are good dancers. Year 1 Student
I like getting together to do activities. I really liked the ochre stuff. We put water on the rocks and mixed it around and did some painting. I like meeting up with my mates and playing basketball. Year 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Campfire Conversations?
Campfire Conversations is a termly gathering for First Nations students at Rosanna Primary School. It provides a welcoming space for students to connect with one another, build friendships, share ideas and experiences, and celebrate their identities and cultures. The activity is designed to strengthen students' sense of belonging and connection to the school community.
Who can participate in Campfire Conversations?
Campfire Conversations is for all First Nations students enrolled at Rosanna Primary School and at neighbouring schools. We welcome families to connect with the school if they would like to learn more about the activity or discuss their child's participation.
Why is Rosanna Primary School offering Campfire Conversations?
We want every student to feel a strong sense of belonging at school and to know that their identity, background, culture and experiences are valued. Campfire Conversations provides an opportunity for First Nations students to build relationships with peers, strengthen connections and contribute their voices and perspectives to our school community.
It is one way we aim to support a culturally safe environment where students feel respected, connected and proud of who they are.
How often will Campfire Conversations take place?
Campfire Conversations will take place once each term. The school will communicate the dates, times and arrangements to participating families ahead of each gathering.
What happens during a Campfire Conversations session?
Each gathering will provide opportunities for students to connect, talk, listen, participate in activities and learn from one another in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Depending on the session, activities may include:
- Sharing stories, ideas and experiences.
- Building friendships and connections across year levels.
- Exploring identity, belonging and culture.
- Participating in creative, collaborative or reflective activities.
- Celebrating student voice, strengths and achievements.
Activities will be planned with consideration for students' ages, interests and needs. Students will be encouraged to participate in ways that feel comfortable for them.
What Happens with Transport?
Students may wish to join a bus that picks ups students from a range of local schools. parents are asked to pick there child up at 3:30pm at the Barrbunin Beek Gathering Space at 55 Catalina Street, Wurundjeri Country
Heidelberg West.
Does my child need to share personal stories or speak in front of others?
No. Students will never be expected to share personal or family stories, cultural knowledge or experiences they would prefer to keep private. Campfire Conversations is intended to be a safe and respectful space where students can participate in different ways, including listening, observing, creating or contributing to discussions when they feel comfortable.
We respect each student's individual circumstances, identity and choices.
Who will facilitate Campfire Conversations?
The gatherings are facilitated by Rosanna Primary School along with leadership at the Barrbunin Beek Gathering Space as well as leadership in neighbouring schools. Where appropriate, Rosanna Primary School may also seek opportunities to involve First Nations staff, community members, families or cultural educators to strengthen the cultural relevance of activities and ensure First Nations perspectives are respectfully represented.
Will the activities include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives?
Yes. Campfire Conversations aims to recognise and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, histories, identities and contemporary experiences.
Activities will be approached respectfully, recognising the diversity of First Nations peoples and communities. Where cultural knowledge or specific cultural practices are involved, the school will seek appropriate guidance and permission rather than assume that all knowledge or practices are appropriate to share.
Does my child need to identify in a particular way to participate?
Campfire Conversations is intended to support students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
We recognise that students and families may have different experiences of identity, culture, family history and connection to community. Families are welcome to speak with the school if they have questions about participation or would like to discuss their child's circumstances privately.
Will my child be singled out or treated differently because they participate?
No. Our intention is to strengthen students' sense of belonging and connection, not to make anyone feel singled out.
Participation will be handled sensitively, with respect for students' privacy and individual preferences. The school will work to ensure that Campfire Conversations is a positive experience that supports students to feel valued as members of the Rosanna Primary School community.
Do parents and carers attend the sessions?
Campfire Conversations is planned as a student gathering. If there are opportunities for parents and carers to participate in particular activities or events, the school will communicate these arrangements in advance. Parents are welcome to attend the event of join in with students for a very early dinner at 3:30pm. Families are encouraged to share their ideas and feedback with the school as we continue to develop the activity.
We value the knowledge, perspectives and experiences of our First Nations families. Parents and carers are welcome to contact Rosanna Primary School to share ideas, suggest activities, ask questions or discuss ways to strengthen the program. We are committed to listening to families and continuing to build respectful partnerships with our community.
Is participation compulsory?
Campfire Conversations are not compulsory. It is intended to be a positive opportunity for connection and engagement. Families will be provided with information about participation arrangements before each session. Please contact the school if you have any questions about your child's involvement.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you would like to learn more about Campfire Conversations, discuss your child's participation or share an idea for a future gathering, please contact Rosanna Primary School through the school office. We look forward to building a welcoming space where our First Nations students can connect, grow, share and celebrate who they are.
At Rosanna Primary School, every student's story matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and every student deserves to feel a strong sense of belonging.
© Rosanna Primary School