Polly Farmer Foundation

🌟 Tom Price Follow the Dream Leadership Camp Adventures in Shark Bay! 🌟 14 students and 4 staff from Tom Price Senior High School Follow the Dream embarked on an unforgettable weeklong Leadership Camp on the lands of the Nanda and Malgana people in the stunning Shark Bay area last term. Thanks to the incredible team at Wula Gura Nyinda and the guidance of Darren Capewell, the group immersed themselves in the breathtaking wilderness of Point Peron National Park. From kayaking, fishing, and gathering oysters to learning leadership skills like teamwork, communication, and respect, the students truly stepped out of their comfort zones. They cooked, cleaned, set up and packed down camp, played beach cricket, changed tyres, and even learned to play the didgeridoo (Yidaki). Nights were spent stargazing and sharing stories about the land and waters—an experience rich in culture and connection. A massive thanks to partner Rio Tinto for their generous support, and a big shoutout to Capes and Mira from Wula Gura Nyinda for giving these students an incredible experience they’ll never forget! 🖤💛❤️ Tom Price Senior High School Follow the Dream is proudly partnered with Rio Tinto and Department of Education, Western Australia #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #pollyfarmerfoundation #dreambig

🌟 Exciting Day for Polly Farmer Karratha STEM Students! 🌟 Last week Karratha Follow the Dream STEM students had an incredible opportunity to meet with the Australian Border Force (ABF)! They discovered why Australia has one of the largest and most challenging border environments in the world. The ABF shared insights into diverse career opportunities across Maritime, Aviation, Inshore and Offshore Marine Patrol, Airborne Surveillance, Detector Dogs, and managing Baggage, Cargo, and Mail. 🚢✈️🐕📦 Students were captivated by fascinating facts, impressive statistics, and hands-on exploration of the advanced equipment and technology used by the ABF. A truly unforgettable experience! We also took a moment to celebrate and farewell our amazing Year 6 students as they embark on their exciting journey to high school. Congratulations and best of luck to the Class of 2024! 🎓🎉 Karratha STEM is proudly partnered with Rio Tinto #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #dreambig

During Term 4, Follow the Dream students from St Philip's College, Alice Springs participated in an exciting drone and photography workshop. Freelance photographer and drone operator Henry Simmons shared his journey into the industry, highlighting the variety of projects he works on and just how fun and creative the job can be. Students were treated to a live drone demonstration and even got hands-on experience flying drones, capturing incredible photos and videos. With Alice Springs’ stunning landscapes as their backdrop, the students embraced the opportunity to learn new skills and showcase their creativity. 📸🌟 St Philip's College Follow the Dream is proudly partnered with BHP Western Australia, Bengalla Mining Company Pty Limited, National Indigenous Australians Agency and MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd. #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #dreambig

Congratulations Taj Boyce from Merredin College Follow the Dream on being an ABC Heywire winner!🎉 Her story about the value of education and cultural identity is incredibly powerful and meaningful. 👏🏽✨ #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #DreamBig

Follow the Dream students from Centralian (Alice Springs), St Mary's (Broome), Fremantle, Governor Stirling, and Geelong programs had the trip of a lifetime, travelling to Melbourne for a Worley STEM Innovation Challenge. Students were joined by alumni Wendy Torres, Aaron Haji Ali, Brittney Andrews and Emily McGuinness. ✅ Challenge one: Students were hosted by Origin Energy where they enjoyed lunch with Origin employees and heard about their exciting STEM education and career journeys . Students were then engaged in building hands on, real-world renewable energy projects including a wind turbine and water filtration system. ✅ Challenge two: Students were hosted at Worley's Melbourne office, participating in a 'STEM Shark Tank' activity. Working in groups students investigated and developed solutions to real world environmental issues in different regions across Australia. ✅ Challenge three: INCO Academy invited students to become 'Solar Buddies' - working together to assemble portable solar power battery kits that will be delivered to developing communities in Papua New Guinea. Each kit has a 10 year portal light life span and will be gifted to school students who live with homes without electricity so they have light to study with. Students also wrote a personal letter of support to accompany each kit! There was also plenty of time to take in the sights of Melbourne including visiting Melbourne Zoo and of course the MCG where Polly Farmer's portrait hangs in the Hall of Fame, plus visiting Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology university. Fremantle Follow the Dream students also look the opportunity to visit their program partner Zenith Interiors Pty Ltd Sandringham factory to learn about career paths in interior and furniture design. Massive thank you to partner Worley for sponsoring this amazing camp for our students, and to INCO Academy and Origin for their inspiring challenges. Also many thanks to partners Rio Tinto, Zenith RBA and National Indigenous Australians Agency for contributing to travel and accommodation costs. #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #DreamBig #STEMInnovation

Last week, we had the pleasure of joining Newman Follow the Dream's primary and secondary programs for their end-of-year celebration and awards night at the Newman Golf Club. 🎉 It was wonderful to see so many students, families, and staff come together to celebrate the incredible commitment and success of our students and tutors throughout the year. 🌟 A huge thank you to special guest Rod Ballinger, BHP's Newman Operations Manager, for presenting some of the awards. Shout-out also to program coordinators Nicole and Robyn for organising such a fantastic event. The dedication and connection coordinators share with their students inspire them to aim high and reach their full potential. 💫 Newman Follow the Dream are proudly partnered with BHP Western Australia and Department of Education, Western Australia #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #dreambig

This term, eight St Philip's College, Alice Springs Follow the Dream students had the incredible opportunity to participate in art workshops at Tangentyere Art Centre. 🎨 Art is a meaningful career path for many of our students, and this experience provided a valuable insight into how community art centres operate, how to get involved, and what it’s like to create their own artwork. Over three weeks, students visited Tangentyere Art Centre every Tuesday to learn about its purpose, history, and the role it plays in the community. They met with talented working artists who shared their career journeys and passion for art. Students were taught how to prime a canvas before designing and painting their own 30x30cm masterpieces using acrylic paints. Many chose to depict stunning landscapes or native animals from Central Australia, showcasing their creativity and connection to the region. A big thank you to the National Indigenous Australians Agency and Mazda Foundation (USA) Inc. for their support of St Philip's Follow the Dream program. 💫 #PollyFarmerFoundation #PollyFarmerFollowTheDream #DreamBig

Proud to be a long term partner with BHP Western Australia, working together to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to follow their dreams 🖤💛❤️ #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #dreambig

Last week, Fremantle Follow the Dream students took part in an Innovation Challenge in Melbourne and made a special visit to our partner Zenith's Sandringham factory. 🎉 During the visit, they explored the world of interior and furniture design, manufacturing processes, showroom displays, and retail logistics. 🌟 This hands-on experience gave students an inspiring look at the diverse career opportunities in interior design, architecture, and related industries—some they may never have considered before! Opportunities like this highlight the power of exploring different workplaces to dream big and discover new possibilities. 💭✨ #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #dreambig

Shoutout to Northam Follow the Dream alumni Molly West and Rishaye Shaw, now proud Kepa Kwab Youth Ambassadors! 🌟 Inspiring the next generation with their leadership and dedication. ✨ As featured in The Indigenous Business Review. #pollyfarmerfoundation #pollyfarmerfollowthedream #dreambig #YouthAmbassadors #IndigenousExcellece