Since 2009, Sacred Heart College has shared a special relationship with the Jarlmadangah Burru community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Each year, eight students have the opportunity to walk gently and justly alongside the community, learning about Country, culture and the deep wisdom of First Peoples. The 2027 immersion will take place from 25 June to 4 July 2027.
This year’s participants described the immersion as a life-changing experience. Students who began the journey knowing one another mainly as peers from the same year level returned with deep friendships.
They reflected on the importance of learning about First Nations culture through relationships and on the differences between daily life in Jarlmadangah and their own lives in the Macedon Ranges. Some of their most significant learning was also uncomfortable: recognising their own privilege and reconsidering what matters. Concerns that once seemed important now felt less significant. Their reflections spoke of an experience that continues to shape how they understand themselves, others and the world.
During the immersion, students plan and lead classroom activities for the local primary school, take turns cooking for the group, and share in community life. The experience forms part of our College’s enduring commitment to Mercy Justice and the work of reconciliation.
Applications are now open for current Year 10 students and close at 11:00 am on Monday 16 November 2026.
While the College continues to work to keep costs down, families should anticipate an increase, with the cost currently estimated at $3,750.
Families are encouraged to discuss and reflect together on this opportunity and support their child’s application if they wish to apply. Further information will be provided to students shortlisted for the 2027 journey and their families.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.