Murlpirrmarra Connection grew organically, beginning in 2010 with the initial support of three young Martu men from Wiluna, who wanted to pursue educational opportunities outside of their community. These young men and their parents requested the help of Darren Patten (CEO), who provide unprecedented pastoral care, enrolling them at their chosen school, supporting with wellbeing (and rehabilitation) needs, and advocating for them through to graduation and onto employment.
Word spread along this journey and between 2010 – 2021, Murlpirrmarra Connection worked with around 95 Martu young people from Wiluna and the Murchison area, replicating this level of support. Our services enabled the community to celebrate for the first time, young Martu men and women from Wiluna graduating school and being work ready.
In 2022, Murlpirrmarra Connection received support from the Australian Government to pilot an Indigenous Tennis & Learning program, which enabled us to expand our services across the Mid-West, Kimberley, Goldfields, and Pilbara. The program has led to exponential growth in the number of students we are supporting with their educational endeavours, with 47% of the cohort originating from the Indigenous Tennis & Learning program
78
Supported
Students
26
Schools Engaged
Across
80%
Graduation
Rate
Our alumni program has 39 alumni (predominately Martu men and women), who we assist with their post-school aspirations.
Alumni Stories
Murlpirrmarra Connection is proud to celebrate the unique journeys of our graduates and are committed to continuing this endeavour.
2012 Graduates:
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| Alan Ashwin | Leithan Williams |
2013 Graduates:
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| Ada Ashwin | Braden Gilbert | Duran Patch |
2015 Graduates:
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| Brogan Ashwin | Graham Lane | Lizzy Minor |
2016 Graduates:
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| Ashlee Gilbert | Shequiel Patch | Joshua Simpson | |
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| Isaac Mann | Shaquille Morton | Clintisha Wongawol |
2017 Graduates:
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| Rachel Newberry | Terrance Callow | Lucinda Ashwin |
2018 Graduates:
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| Cleveland Callow | Sian Ryder | |
2019 Graduates:
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| Cassiopiea Middleton | Juanita Callow | Tamisha Newberry | |
2020 Graduates:
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| Alidea Stack | Evette Ashwin | Shania Cross |
2021 Graduates:
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| Bee Ashwin | |
2022 Graduates:
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| Adrienne Gilbert | |
There are several additional Murlpirrmarra supported students who are expected to graduate from secondary school this year.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU.