A group of our Year 11 and 12 students from our incredible college recently embarked on a transformative journey to Singapore as part of the Polly Farmer Follow the Dream STEM & Leadership Tour. The week-long experience was rich with academic exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth – bringing to life the core mission of the program: to support First Nations youth in unlocking their potential, broadening their horizons, and building confidence as future leaders.
The tour was led by three dedicated St Mary’s College teaching staff: Wendi Torres, Follow the Dream Program Coordinator and FTD alumni; Aaron Haji Ali, also an FTD alumni; and Zoe Court, Director of Academic Extension and Innovation. Their leadership and mentorship ensured students were supported, challenged, and inspired at every stage of the journey.
Guided by the values of the Polly Farmer Follow the Dream initiative, the tour empowered students to see themselves in new contexts – connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities and igniting a deeper sense of purpose, pride, and possibility.
Teacher and FTD Program Coordinator Wendi Torres—reflected:
“Seeing the journey through the eyes of current students reignited the excitement, curiosity, and growth that the program once sparked in me—and continues to inspire in others. Watching students engage with real-world STEM topics like innovation and renewable energy was truly inspiring. It was clear these experiences were igniting new ideas and ambitions.”
Academic Exploration: Innovation in Action
The trip offered rich and varied academic learning opportunities, particularly in the areas of STEM, design, and sustainability. Across the week, students encountered how innovation is embedded in every aspect of Singapore – from its history and infrastructure to its future-focused approach to art and environmental design.
At Fort Siloso on Sentosa Island, students explored Singapore’s World War II history and Australia’s involvement in the Pacific conflict. Zane was fascinated by the engineering techniques used to construct the fort, especially the parbuckling system – manual hauling method used before roads existed. This hands-on exploration of wartime innovation provided insight into how historical challenges were met with engineering solutions.
At the Art and Science Museum, students were immersed in futuristic thinking at the Future Fashion exhibition featuring Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen. Her work pushes the boundaries of what clothing can be, drawing inspiration from biology, physics, and architecture. By combining art and technology through the use of 3D printing, algorithmic design, and biomaterials, Van Herpen creates wearable sculptures that are both innovative and thought-provoking. Many of her pieces are created in collaboration with engineers and architects – demonstrating how design thinking and STEM disciplines intersect in unexpected ways.
“It showed us how science and art can work together to tell a story,” Mahlena reflected. “It made me think about careers where design and innovation meet.”
The students also engaged with interactive exhibits on environmental responsibility, sparking conversations around Singapore’s commitment to sustainable living. From recycled materials in hotels to paperless ticketing systems, students noticed how even small details reflected a city-wide commitment to green practices.
Singapore’s public transport system stood out as another example of innovation in action. Clean, efficient, and easy to navigate, it served as a living case study in smart infrastructure. Students were particularly impressed by how seamlessly sustainability was integrated into everyday systems – offering real inspiration for how similar strategies could benefit communities like Broome.
Across all sites, students were encouraged to think critically about how STEM, design, and innovation can be harnessed to improve the world around them – and how their own future pathways might connect to industries shaping that change.
Aaron Haji Ali reflected:
“Students engaged with technologies and infrastructure that demonstrated sustainability in action. From clean streets and rooftop gardens to the daily light shows, Singapore’s innovation was everywhere. These experiences helped students connect classroom learning to global applications, especially in areas like smart infrastructure and renewable energy.”
Cultural Understanding: Respect, Identity and Belonging
The group explored Singapore’s cultural heartlands, including Arab Street, where students witnessed the beauty of Islamic architecture and the importance of communal prayer. Mitchell noted how public announcements in multiple languages and inclusive signage showed how well Singapore embraces diversity.
For some, the trip also offered the opportunity to connect with their heritage and feel a deep sense of pride.
“It was moving to see students embrace diversity, reflect on their own heritage, and engage with different cultures. For many – especially those with family ties to Singapore – it was a chance to connect with their roots and feel pride in their identity,” the alumni teacher shared.
Visits to places like the War Museum and Haji Lane sparked meaningful conversations about history, resilience, and global citizenship. As Aaron noted:
“The War Museum prompted powerful discussions about identity and heritage. For a relatively young city, Singapore holds a deep sense of history and community spirit that resonated with our students.”
Leadership in Action
For many students, this was their first international trip—an experience that pushed them out of their comfort zones and into real-world responsibilities. The Singapore tour was intentionally designed to give students meaningful opportunities to take on roles and develop real-world leadership skills. From the outset, students were placed into rotating teams responsible for different tasks – such as navigating the train system, budgeting for meals, leading daily reflections, managing time, and supporting peers during group activities. These roles were not just symbolic; they were essential to the smooth running of the trip.
This structure helped build confidence, foster independence, and promote teamwork. Tyler and Mahlena both shared how these moments helped them see the world differently—and imagine themselves more confidently in it. “We weren’t just told what to do – we were trusted to figure things out and help each other.”
“Throughout the tour, students stepped up in remarkable ways – leading activities, representing their school and culture, and supporting one another. With each challenge, their confidence grew,” Wendi said. “Witnessing their transformation reaffirmed the strength of the Polly Farmer Follow the Dream program in building capable and resilient leaders.”
A Shared Vision: St Mary’s College, Follow the Dream, and Industry Partnership
This transformative learning experience was made possible through the strong collaboration between St Mary’s College, the Polly Farmer Foundation’s Follow the Dream program, and valued program partner Rio Tinto.
At St Mary’s College, we are deeply committed to providing holistic, future-focused education that supports academic excellence, cultural identity, and student empowerment. The Singapore STEM & Leadership Tour was a clear reflection of these values in action – challenging students to grow in confidence, explore the world, and develop real-world leadership and learning skills.
The tour was delivered through the Polly Farmer Foundation’s Follow the Dream program, a nationally recognised initiative that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue their goals and broaden their aspirations. The program’s commitment to excellence, cultural pride, and long-term success was at the heart of every experience on the tour.
This opportunity was made possible thanks to the generous support of Rio Tinto, a proud and inaugural partner of the Polly Farmer Foundation. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and educational opportunity. During the tour, students engaged with real-world examples of these themes – from Singapore’s water recycling and waste systems to its smart infrastructure and sustainable design. These experiences helped students make meaningful connections between their STEM learning and the kinds of industries shaping our future.
Together, St Mary’s College, the Polly Farmer Foundation, and its partners are helping to create opportunities that support long-term success, leadership, and aspiration for Indigenous students—at school, and far beyond.
Inspired futures and a lasting impact.
Throughout the trip, students made meaningful connections between what they saw in Singapore and their lives back in Broome. Exposure to global industries—tourism, sustainability, engineering, design, hospitality, and the creative arts—ignited new interests and ambitions. They began to see how their local knowledge, cultural identity, and personal passions could have relevance and value far beyond their home town.
“The links between Singapore’s tourism industry and Broome’s were especially powerful,” noted Aaron Haji Ali. “Students could see how their local knowledge and skills could have international relevance—and how their dreams could grow beyond what they thought possible.”
For Mahlena, the experience opened her eyes to global possibilities in creative industries like photography and film. For others, simply navigating international travel, seeing sustainable design in action, and meeting people from diverse backgrounds helped unlock a bigger sense of what’s possible.
The Follow the Dream program played a powerful role in this transformation—not only by providing the opportunity, but through the guidance and lived experience of staff who once stood in the students’ shoes.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Polly Farmer Foundation for continuing to provide opportunities for alumni to stay involved and give back. Being part of this journey again reminded me of how deeply the program has shaped my life—and how it continues to empower the next generation.”
For students and staff alike, the experience was a reminder that with the right support, identity, and aspiration, anything is possible.
As Zane reflected, “Being there in person – to see it, touch it, walk it – it makes everything real. I can see myself doing more, going further.”
