On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, Djarragun College officially opened Wanggulay, its new purpose-built boarding house for young Indigenous students.
Djarragun College opened the doors of Wanggulay, its new boarding house at Gordonvale, on Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji Country. More than a building, it was a statement of belief in young Indigenous men and the futures they are capable of building.
For students from remote Queensland, the Torres Strait and the Northern Territory, attending Djarragun means leaving Country, family and community. To make that possible without asking young people to sacrifice a sense of belonging, Wanggulay was built as a safe, welcoming place grounded in culture. It offers students a home where they can pursue a quality education, often not available in their home communities, while remaining connected to who they are.
The boarding house accommodates up to 77 students, each with their own room and ensuite, alongside common rooms, recreation spaces, games areas and an outdoor fire pit where students can gather, yarn and build friendships. Co-designed with Elders, families, students, staff and education specialists, it supports learning, wellbeing, culture and leadership.
Chair of the Board Dr Stephen Codrington said world-class education alone did not change the world. Real change, he said, came from investing in Indigenous young people, equipping them to walk confidently in two worlds, and supporting them to return home as leaders who created lasting change for their communities.
Believe in yourself, believe in your future, and believe in your capacity to reach the goals you set. The education of young Indigenous men is vital because they will leave this college to build strong families, respect the women in their lives, and help rebuild the strength of our people.Noel Pearson, Founder, Cape York Partnership
Djarragun College is one of only three Indigenous-owned and operated independent schools in Queensland. It provides education from Prep to Year 12, with culturally grounded learning, vocational pathways, boarding, wellbeing and leadership development.
Building on that foundation, Executive Principal Michael Barton said the single biggest difference the College could make for every community that entrusted it with its young people was to create a place where students belonged, grew as one family, and returned home as the next generation of leaders. While buildings mattered, he said, their true legacy was the young men and women they helped shape.
Group CEO of Cape York Partnership Fiona Jose said Wanggulay represented a belief in the potential of every young person and the conviction that success came from helping them stand strong in their culture while gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in two worlds. That, she said, was how families were strengthened, communities were built, and opportunities were created for generations to come.
That commitment is felt by students, too. Year 10 student Elson Wosomo, from Masig (Yorke Island) in the Torres Strait, said moving so far from family and the place he knew could be difficult. But, he said, no matter whether students came from the Northern Territory, the Cape or the Islands, Djarragun would welcome them with open arms.
ABC Far North Radio was also at the opening, speaking with student Ezra about what boarding life at Djarragun means to him. Click here to listen to Ezra.
The difference is felt just as directly by parents. Joanne Tyrie, whose son Jackson attends Djarragun, shared her experience.
Joanne Tyrie said Djarragun had been a fantastic experience for her son, Jackson, who loved the school and was always talking about his experiences. As a student on the autism spectrum, she said Jackson had not always received the understanding and support he needed at previous schools. At Djarragun, however, staff had taken the time to understand him. She said they were approachable, responsive, and quick to resolve any issues, creating a positive environment where Jackson could thrive.
The name Wanggulay means "white crested cockatoo" in Djabugay. It describes a place where young men are guided in their studies and in the values of respect, responsibility and relationships.
For the students who call it home, Wanggulay is where the future begins.
The project was made possible with funds from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and the Queensland Government.
FOR THE LOVE OF OUR CHILDREN
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