St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa

A Worimi School immersed in culture and language.

St Philip’s Christian Education Foundation has made a commitment to prioritise our efforts toward our Aboriginal community by providing an educational environment known as St Philip’s Christian College Gilibaa.

In partnership with the Worimi community and its organisations, the aim of this school is to develop cultural confidence and strong foundations in literacy and numeracy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary students.

Discover our School More about our story

Meet our College Principal

It is my pleasure to announce our plans to launch St Philip’s Christian College Gilibaa in 2024. The vision for this school originated from the Yadha Muru Foundation, led by prominent Aboriginal community leader, Sean Gordon and UNSW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Prof Leanne Holt.

Meet the Principal

Meet our Director of Aboriginal Education

Gilibaa – ‘The Place of Light’ will be a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will have the opportunity to develop not just in education but in local Aboriginal culture founded on a Christian ethos. Gilibaa is focused on developing students who will in turn grow families and communities.

Meet the Director of Aboriginal Education

One or two generations back the Worimi people of Port Stephens, under the Aborigines Protection Board, were restricted to primary level education only. Not to mention our traditional language was prohibited. Aboriginal history and culture was not taught in schools until recently. Now we are discussing bilingual education. This is an amazing development. Local Worimi Elders will be thrilled to know that their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have the opportunity to learn in a first class environment.

Well done and congratulations for being bold enough to bring this exciting project to our community.

Worimi Elder Aunty Lorraine Lilley

This is a great thing for our community. Our kids will be receiving the best of both worlds. To be able to learn in both English and our Gathang language is truly special.

Our kids will grow up speaking our language and then teach their family at home, our language begins to thrive again. My hope for this school is to instil in our kids the sense of Cultural strength and high educational morals. We are teaching the next leaders in our community and I fully support what they are trying to achieve. I know our old people would be proud.

Nadine Russell
Worimi Registered Owner, Worimi LALC Board Member and Knowledge Holder

I am thrilled to see Gilibaa –‘The place of light’.. come to light; after years of discussion, faith and hope. Martin’s enthusiasm for Gilibaa is infectious and his commitment is reflected in the excellent foundation now being formed.With Jonathan at the helm and the support of local community; I’m excited by the joy that will be experienced by the Students and all involved, as they walk and talk in two cultures.

Andrew Smith | Chief Executive Officer
Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council