Broome / Melbourne Cultural Immersion Programme
This annual Immersion program was initiated in 1988 as a collaborative effort between Nulungu College (now St Mary’s College in Broome) and Xavier and Genazzano FCJ Colleges in Melbourne.
It aims to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural diversity present in Australia. Through this initiative, students over many years have successfully had the opportunity to immerse themselves in different lifestyles, whether that be in the vibrant city of Melbourne or the stunning and remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Over the years Xavier College, Genazzano College, and St Mary’s College have been actively engaged in a meaningful journey toward reconciliation, allowing students to experience and embrace various cultures and lifestyles in distinct settings.
Selected students from St Mary’s College play a vital role in this immersion experience. This program not only fosters lifelong friendships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous families but also serves as a powerful platform for nurturing young Australian voices advocating for social justice and reconciliation.
It’s noteworthy that in 2008, two decades after the program’s inception, the Prime Minister of Australia delivered an impactful apology to the Indigenous people of Australia. This program has enabled hundreds of students from these three colleges to make meaningful contributions toward reconciliation well before 2008.
In March 2025, St Mary’s College students will once again have the exciting opportunity to engage in classes at large urban schools, participate in career pathway sessions, and join a variety of enriching excursions in both Melbourne and regional Victoria. Students who have participated in this program often return to their families and communities with increased confidence, a broader perspective on opportunities beyond the Kimberley region, and a deep-sense pride in their cultural heritage.
Applications in 2025 will be open to First Nation students in Years 9 and 10, with a selection process based on specific criteria and conditions to ensure fairness and inclusivity. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about this transformative program, we invite you to contact the Principal’s PA, Ms. Anthea Demin. Anthea has been familiar with this program since its beginnings in 1988 and will be able to answer any inquiries you may have.
Broome / Taiji Cultural Immersion Programme
Our Broome community shares significant historical and cultural ties with Taiji Town in Wakayama, Japan, particularly related to the early days of Broome’s pearling industry.
In 1981, a formal civic agreement was established between the Shire President of Broome and the Mayor of Taiji Town Council, officially designating our towns as sister cities.
St Mary’s College also holds meaningful connections with Taiji that have evolved over the past century. In 1908, the Japanese families residing in Broome played an instrumental role in supporting the Sisters of St John of God in the establishment of St Mary’s School, leading to a notable number of Japanese students among its first enrollees.
Today, our students at St Mary’s College continue to cherish strong historical ties and familial connections with the Japanese community, especially with those from the Wakayama prefecture, from which many of the pearl divers and crew members hailed.
The exchange program between St Mary’s College, Taiji Junior High, and Taiji Elementary Schools presents a valuable opportunity for students to act as ambassadors, representing their schools, towns, and countries. Each visit, whether by Taiji students to Broome or by our students traveling to Taiji, allows them to immerse themselves in a different culture and enhances their understanding of the importance of preserving and strengthening our shared historical links.
Looking ahead, St Mary’s College is excited to announce plans for a group to travel to Taiji once again in April of 2025. Applications will be open to students in Years 10 to 11 2025, and a selection process will be implemented with specific criteria and conditions. Should you have any questions or wish to learn more about this enriching program, we invite you to reach out to the Principal’s PA, Ms Anthea Demin. Anthea has led this program since its beginning in 2007 and will be able to give you further insights into this unique experience.
