Students and staff from all over Victoria joined BSSC at the Ulumbarra Theatre today, for the annual Central Victorian Indigenous Careers Expo.

Following a smoking ceremony on the front steps of Ulumbarra, a warm and optimistic atmosphere was pervasive as participants explored the huge number of stalls offering many exciting opportunities and pathways—and included industry vehicles parked beside the Ulumbarra courtyard.

BSSC alumni, Leroy Miller and current Year 11 student, Ayva Ryan, did a fantastic job emceeing the event—and it was great to have Leroy back at the college.

A memorable highlight was a performance and presentation from the one-and-only proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch Tambo.

An incredibly engaging and inspiring speaker—and not to mention outstanding performer—Mitch brought an electric energy to the Ulumbarra Theatre.

He spoke of candidly of past struggles but focussed on the importance of holding to your own path regardless of what your friends were doing. He began to make positive choices.

“It was really all about saying ‘yes’ to good things and ‘no’ to bad things,” Mitch says.

He shared the powerful impact of his teenage realisation he was part of something huge—the world’s oldest living culture—and began to share, understand and respect that Culture.

“That young man saved my life, because he fell in love with his Culture,” reflects Mitch.

Distancing himself from things holding him back, his choices led him towards a life he hopes his ancestors would be proud of.

Culture was central to everything.

It was a hard act to follow, but Hayley Mansfield – Director of BDAC, and a panel of First Nations people discussing their pathways and lessons, were very inspiring.

The audience of young First Nations students also received words of encouragement from former BSSC students via video message.

BSSC students who weren’t at the expo had the opportunity to hang off Mitch’s every word in the James King Hall during period three.

To them he also said, “I want you to know that you deserve the best. Never count yourself out—you are worth it: you’re worth more than you’ll ever know.”

Thank you to all the stallholders, students, staff, presenters and special guests for making today so deadly!

Check out all the photos on Facebook.