Our partners

Phase 1

CNS brings together partners from across education, government, philanthropy and the community – all working together to improve schooling engagement and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

In the Phase 1 program (2021-2024), there were Four Australian university partners– led by The University of NSW and including The University of Sydney, Griffith University and the Queensland University of Technology – who collaborated with eight schools and communities across urban, regional and remote parts of NSW. 

Phase 2

Phase 2 of the program (2025 – 2028) will introduce universities from South Australia and Victoria, nationalising the program’s partnership. Universities leading the South Australian project are The University of Adelaide, with partner universities including Monash University, Deakin University and The University of Melbourne. 

The CNS program is generously supported by the Paul Ramsey Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, in addition to monetary and in-kind contributions from university, school and community partners. 

The Connection & AVA

The Connection is a school leadership initiative working in partnership with Social Ventures Australia to support school leadership in low SES schools. It aims to support schools to better meet the needs of students by collaborating with school leaders to magnify best practice for their development and better student outcomes.  

In addition to our own work with school leaders, we are working with The Connection in support of the work of school principals, school based Aboriginal staff and the Aboriginal Cultural Mentors to construct closer relationships with families and communities. This work has been closely tied to the program of Micro-Treaty making – a process of deep and long-term engagement between schools and Aboriginal communities. 

The Aboriginal Studies Association (ASA) champions the CNS project across the state including showcasing CNS schools and team members at its annual Leadership Conferences. The ASA also provides financial and administrative support for CNS team members and Aboriginal visitors and speakers.