Held during the week of 11 November 2025 at Curtin University’s Bentley Campus, the annual Indigenous Futures High School Challenge once again brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Western Australia for an enriching and creative learning experience.
Led by Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean of Indigenous Futures, the program invites High School students to explore their strengths, expand their aspirations and deepen their connection to learning through hands-on workshops and collaboration.
Throughout the week, students engaged with Curtin academics, community, industry mentors and creative practitioners across a series of practical, immersive sessions. These workshops introduced participants to diverse areas within the creative industries, showcasing future study pathways and the many career possibilities available to them. Participating students had the opportunity to explore Curtin University Bentley Campus, getting a feel for university life and recognising that they are worthy and capable of studying in higher education.
A central feature of the Challenge is its emphasis on collaboration. Students worked alongside peers from different schools, building meaningful connections and drawing inspiration from one another in a supportive, culturally grounded environment. The program encourages confidence, curiosity and self-belief, encouraging participants to see themselves as future leaders, creators and innovators.
The Faculty of Humanities is proud to host this important annual initiative, which continues to strengthen relationships between schools, communities and Curtin University while nurturing the next generation of Indigenous talent.
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For more information on Indigenous Futures Challenges please contact Humanities-Futures@curtin.edu.au
