New ‘home away from home’ officially opens its doors

The final piece of the puzzle is now in place for Queensland’s first Indigenous co-designed, purposebuilt boarding house – the official opening of Djarragun College’s new boarding housing – Wanggulay.

Located in Gordonvale, on Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji Country, Wanggulay is dedicated to young Indigenous men from the Torres Strait, Cape York and other remote regions of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

It is here, where students practise cultural identity, while strengthening their education and leadership, in a focused environment, while being guided in their studies as well as areas of respect, responsibility and 
relationships.

The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) proudly invested more than $2 million into Wanggulay’s facilities, which today, opened to the community.

Djarragun College is one of only three Indigenous owned and operated schools in Queensland, and provides a holistic, culturally immersed learning environment for students.

The name ‘Wanggulay’ is fitting. Meaning ‘yellow crested cockatoo’ in Yidinji language, the parrot is prominent around the College. 

For some time, young men from the Torres Strait and Cape York had limited access to quality secondary education – meaning they would need to travel far from their Country and community.

But now, with the establishment of Wanggulay, this is no longer the case. The space acts as a ‘home away from home’ for young men, where they can feel a sense of belonging, and in turn, grow into adult leaders with true purpose. 

Community benefit is at the forefront of this project.

Today is a landmark moment for not only Djarragun and the local Dulabed and Malanbarra Yidinji peoples, but for Far North Queensland as a whole, as it will see Indigenous youths thrive through highquality schooling, vocational pathways and wellbeing support.

ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison, said the ILSC’s investment in Wanggulay is also an investment in equity.

“First Nations people are the rightful owners of Country. That is why the ILSC partners with Indigenous organisations, helping empower them to achieve their goals.

“There is no doubt Wanggulay is a long-term investment in the future of young Indigenous men.

“The opportunities it presents to its students, now and in the future, will dramatically impact the lives of First Nations generations to come,” said Mr Morrison.

At full capacity, Wanggulay, can board up to 77 young men, who each have individual rooms and ensuites. The boarding house also features recreational areas, games rooms and outdoor fire pits used for yarns – nurturing the boys’ spirit and mind.

This is reflected in the voices of Djarragun’s students – who have kindly shared testimonials below.

“My name is Elson Wosomo, I am from the Torres Strait Yorke Island. I am in grade 10 and I have been at Djarragun for one and a half years now, and I have just started my VET courses. When I first started last year, I thought to myself, what is this? As I looked at the old boys’ boarding. But ever since we moved into the new boarding – it has been amazing. We have privacy and safety. The new boarding has helped me make many new friends from all over Australia, such as Darwin and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, as well as Western Australia. I like spending time with the boys going swimming, fishing and even staying in watching footy, shooting hoops on the basketball court and playing touch. We have so many new common rooms and a fireplace where we can yarn. It can be difficult to move to a place that’s so far away from your family and the people and place you’re used to, but I encourage you no matter whether you’re from the Northern Territory, Cape or even the islands, Djarragun will welcome you with open arms”.

“My name is David Tomich, I come from Darwin in the Northern Territory. I’ve been at Djarragun College for over two years now. I am in year 11 and getting as many VET certificates as possible that the school can give me. When I first started back in 2024, it was a different environment for me since I was starting somewhere new and didn’t have as many friends as I used to. But over time I began to mingle within the boys boarding and built some good connections with staff and the other boys. The transition from old boys boarding to new boys boarding was bittersweet since leaving it meant we’d never step foot back in the old house, but the new boys’ boarding is great, it has new common rooms, new spaces, new everything. I love the new boys’ boarding cause brings the boys together stronger than before as now we all yarn by the fire getting to know each better. We love meeting new boys all the time, so we encourage anyone, whether they’re from the Cape, the Islands, or the Northern Territory, all communities are welcomed here”.

Djarragun College is set to be the school of preference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Far North Queensland.