A Home Away From Home

Being away from family and Country to study at university has its challenges for Curtin University students Jasmine John and Jai Spencer, but our Dandjoo Darbalung Indigenous Access Program is making sure they feel supported.

Dandjoo Darbalung provides culturally relevant support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are studying at TAFE or university in Perth. The program’s name means ‘mixing together’ in Noongar and relates to the way fresh water and saltwater mix in the Swan River.

Jasmine John is a Nyikina woman from Broome studying occupational therapy. Dandjoo Darbalung was a key reason she chose to reside at St Catherine’s College. She said the program has been instrumental in helping her settle into Perth and find her confidence.

“Dandjoo Darbalung has provided many opportunities. I’ve participated in creating canvas artworks, as well as weaving and cultural practices, which have helped to shape my identity as an Indigenous woman away from home.

“I’ve also met other young Indigenous women and we’ve been able to sit and yarn about our ambitions and futures.

“Dandjoo Darbalung provides me with a sense of home and I have made life-long connections with people who I now consider my family.”

Ms John is a keen artist and through Dandjoo Darbalung, was selected to paint a design on a ceremonial glass shield that was gifted to the Western Bulldogs in this year’s AFL Indigenous round.

“This opportunity has been very special and brought recognition to my artwork,” she said.

Like Ms John, Jai Spencer understands what it means to miss home. A young Barkindji man from the Murray-Darling area in NSW, Spencer headed to Perth to study a Bachelor of Science at Curtin.

“St Catherine’s provides me with a sense of home and I have made life-long connections with people who I now consider my family.”

“Being away from family is challenging but also being away from my Country takes a toll,” he said.

“But learning about and being accepted into Nyungar culture since moving to WA has really helped with the transition.”

For Mr Spencer, highlights of Dandjoo Darbalung included tutoring Indigenous high school students and participating in cultural dance events.

“The people are friendly. We’re always there for one another if we need to talk because we see each other as family,” he said.

Mr Spencer would like to transition into one of Curtin’s engineering courses but is keeping his graduate options open.

“I would like to find stable work somewhere and save until I’m ready to settle down. But you never know where life will take you, so we’ll have to see!”

Ms John would like to return home to the Kimberley and give back to her community as a qualified occupational therapist.

“I would love to provide that opportunity for Indigenous people to receive services from a fellow Indigenous person, so they feel safe and comfortable,” she said.

Click here to find out more about Dandjoo Darbalung.

This article appeared in The West Australian on Friday 1 July, 2022.

St Catherine’s College residents Jai Spencer and Jasmine John

Photo credit: Sam Proctor