NSW Governor Maree Bashir made a surprise visit to the centre and the current students were more than happy to welcome her in traditional Aboriginal form.

After being welcomed to Wiradjuri country the students performed three dances for the Governor before displaying their newly learnt skill of didgeridoo playing.

The Governor was overwhelmed with the welcome she received and told the boys that she was honoured to be visiting the centre and witnessing the great achievements of the staff and students.

“You should be very proud of your ancestors,” Dr Bashir told the students.

“You should also be very proud of yourselves and what you are achieving at the centre.

“It is great to see the pride you show in your traditional culture and it is great to see a centre such as Tirkandi helping to instil this in young Aboriginal men.”

After the performance Dr Bashir was taken on a tour of the centre. Despite having management and staff on hand to conduct the tour, at the request of the Governor the boys took on the job and were obviously very proud to show her through the centre including the school and all of the work they have already completed in the six weeks that they have been there.

Tirkandi Inaburra is a residential educational centre for young Aboriginal boys. The boys stay at the centre for between three and six months and during that time not only attend mainstream school but are also taught traditional values and ways.