“God gave us our law – not in the written form as with the Jewish people, but in the form of the land and the ceremonies and stories that go with it, which are written in our hearts and minds.”  Rev. Djiniyini Gondarra

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a unique and important place in the Australian church and society. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership fund supports institutions and initiatives which advance Indigenous education and self-determination.

This includes institutions like:

Nungalinya College

For 50 years Nungalinya College has been empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by providing education and employment pathways, supporting the development of Indigenous theological perspectives and encouraging the expression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and cultures.

Gawura School

Established in 2007 by St Andrew’s Cathedral School, Gawura is a highly regarded model for First Nations education and was named 2020 Australian School of the Year. Gawura offers students from Kindergarten to Gr 6, a supportive, nurturing space where they feel secure, are surrounded by culture and language and can learn at their own skill level.

Wontulp-Bi-Buya College

Wontulp-Bi-Buya College offered courses in Theology and Ministry, Addictions Management, Community Development, and Indigenous Mental Health. Sadly, the college was closed in 2024 due to insolvency. However, the need for Wontulp’s work and the impact on individual lives remains strong. ABM AID remains committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to support culturally appropriate, contextualised theology, ministry and community development education in North Queensland and the Torres Strait.

Donations to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership fund are allocated in consultation with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC).

Your gift to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership fund supports institutions and initiatives which advance Indigenous education and self-determination, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be leaders of churches and communities.