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Due to significant demand, we strongly encourage current and future families interested in joining Bunbury Catholic College to apply now to be considered for Year 7 2026.

For further information please contact our Registrar Geraldine Bowman on 9721 0019 or visit Enrolments – Bunbury Catholic College to enrol now.

Interviews for Year 7 2026 have commenced in Term 3 2024.

The CDF Wardandi Gift

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bunbury is the winner of the CDF Wardandi Gift relay race which was run on the Bunbury Catholic College oval on May 9 as part of a day celebrating Aboriginal cultural and heritage.

Teams from five primary schools located in the South West region competed for the prized trophy—St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary Schools in Bunbury, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Dardanup, St Mary’s Primary School in Donnybrook and Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School in Bunbury took part in the event.

Approximately 200 students gathered on Albert Oval for a day of activities which began with a Welcome to Country by Cultural Custodian Troy Bennell, who shared kaartdijin (knowledge) with the students’ thought Noongar storytelling.

Many of the sports and arts and craft activities the students were able to enjoy were provided through the Stephen Michael Foundation—and the Football legend whose name is behind the foundation was a special guest at the event.

Principal Michael Pepper thanked everyone for coming to celebrate Aboriginal languages and culture at the College, which stands on beautiful Wardandi country.

“This year’s CDF Wardandi Gift was coordinated by Teacher Michael Chappell with assistance from our Indigenous Students Coordinator Tobie Watson, along with a team of staff and students from our College,” he said.

Catholic Development Fund (CDF) was the major sponsor of the event and also provided a barbecue lunch for everyone.

CDF Relationship Manager Ella Valois said that sponsoring the CDF Wardandi Gift had allowed us to collectively deliver a united day for all cultures and community.

“Hearing the students embrace Aboriginal culture on Country and enjoy each other’s company has made the event a valuable day,” she said. “CDF looks forward to the next CDF Wardandi Gift.”

“It’s been a great day!”

The Wardandi Gift was first run in 2023 for the Bunbury Catholic College 50^th Anniversary celebrations, when St Mary’s Primary School Donnybrook took home the trophy.

What the Primary school students thought:

Ethan Dix, aged 8, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, representing Bibbulman.

“It was fun, exciting and amazing. The best thing I would say was making the bracelets.”

Ruby Watt, aged 9, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, representing Badimaya.

All students wore t-shirts showing artwork associated with the Aboriginal language group they had been learning about and Ruby was referring to the image on her t-shirt when she explained, “The emu is based on our knowledge; I did the pattern around the edge.”

“I liked the sausage sizzle and face painting best,” she said.

Harper Eastcott, aged 9, from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, representing Ballardong.

“I’ve had a wonderful time here,” she said.

“I really appreciate what everyone has done and I’d really like to thank Troy Bennell for explaining the story for the painting and for the big welcome.”

Lachlan Marwick, aged 10, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bunbury, representing Ngarinyin.

“The running races were the best,” he said.

“It was fun to come and do the activities—my brother goes here (Bunbury Catholic College).”

Leah Wringe and Allyiah Offer, aged 11, both attend St Mary’s Primary School in Donnybrook an represented Kaneag.

“The Wardandi Gift is a good day for schools to get together and celebrate Aboriginal culture,” Leah said.

“I liked how everybody competed today and everybody showed good sportsmanship,” Alliyah said.

Noah Blurton, aged 11, Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School, representing Martu Wangka.

“It was good for the St Mary’s (students) to come out and do sport activities with us,” he said.

“I liked the storytelling.”