In a town of 540 people, around 80 students attend Menindee Central School , that is, about one in every seven residents.

It means the school, on Barkindji land, is more than a place of learning, it is a hub for culture, connection and community voice.

That voice is strengthened through the school’s Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), which is helping Aboriginal students grow in confidence, leadership and cultural pride.

“It’s about kids being proud of who they are and seeing their culture around them every day,” Executive Principal Fiona Kelly said.

For Ms Kelly, that mission is personal.

“(When I was growing up) I was always too shy to talk,” she said. “I don’t want kids to be like that. I want them to feel confident, know that they are good and worthy, and that they’ve got a story to tell.”

That confidence was on full display at the AECG Annual State Conference, where Junior AECG students took to the stage, speaking passionately about their culture and performing in language to a captivated audience.

Year 12 student Adeisha Gilby-Ryan received a standing ovation for her first ever public speech, where she spoke candidly about addressing significant loss, grief and instability. She credits the school, in particular Ms Kelly and senior engagement officer, Daniel Fusi, for unlocking opportunities and putting her on a path to leadership.

“I’m standing here because I didn’t give up and because I had people around me who didn’t give up on me,” Adeisha said.

Through the Junior AECG and broader school programs, students are not only supported academically, but as individuals connected to culture, community and future career pathways.

The Junior Rangers program is one example. Delivered in partnership with National Parks and Wildlife, NSW Fisheries and the Menindee Aboriginal Land Council, it gives students hands-on opportunities to learn on Country and explore future career paths.

“The program lets us kids connect with Country, culture and community through hands-on learning,” student Israel Halls said. “I appreciate not only learning about my culture but also living my culture through this program.”

Language is another powerful driver of engagement. Student Jaz Fusi described how learning Paakantyi has shaped her identity and is now helping her give back to others.

“At the moment, I am creating a series of books in language for early primary students to use, so that younger kids can grow up with language the way I did,” she said.

“Language gave me confidence, and it gave me a voice.”

After advocating for language to be offered as an elective, Jaz credits the school’s leadership for backing her vision.

The success of these initiatives reflects the strength of the partnership between the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc..

Midway through the current 10-year agreement, extensive consultation with around 850 participants has reinforced the value of co-design, ensuring Aboriginal voices lead education initiatives, strengthen cultural identity and improve student cultural connections and outcomes.

At Menindee, that partnership is lived every day, creating a school where culture is strong, students feel they belong, and young people are empowered to lead.

As Adeisha told the audience: “We can lead. We can achieve. We can succeed.”