Helping Queensland Catholic school students and staff is a passion for Eric Ellis

27 January 2022

Helping students and staff from Catholic schools gain a better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures is a passion for Eric Ellis.

Eric was named a dual recipient of a Spirit of Catholic Education Award and the Aunty Joan Hendriks Reconciliation Award in 2021.

Eric was recognised for his role as a tutor and groundskeeper at the Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies Centre at Inala.  Eric’s official role is as a groundskeeper at Ngutana-Lui Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, located in the Brisbane suburb of Inala and operated by Brisbane Catholic Education, but his commitment to education goes much further.

Eric shares his knowledge and wisdom with students and staff as part of a community effort to achieve a reconciled Australia.

Eric is brave enough to create change. In the last year Eric has been helping coordinate and present at the office staff Cultural Awareness Days. During these days Eric presents on intergenerational trauma, sharing his personal story of the Stolen Generation which is very emotionally draining. He presents these sessions so that staff can connect and understand cultural differences and intergenerational trauma.

Eric also often presents Cultural Knowledge to students at the centre. He is often called out to schools to share his knowledge and be involved in cultural programs.  He also helps the Catholic Identity team to respectfully incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures into Liturgy, including through painting scripture and singing and playing the didgeridoo.

Eric is currently developing a Ngutana-Lui Horticultural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traineeship where he would mentor and supervise a BCE student to get their certification. This has opened the possibility for other opportunities for First Nation identified traineeships which are currently being explored.

Selflessly, Eric has used his artwork to raise money for Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation. This charity is close to his heart as his father and uncles are survivors of the Stolen Generation who were at Kinchela. All he does outside of his official role as groundskeeper speaks volumes about what Eric stands for. He works humbly and tirelessly behind the scenes to try to create equality. He never expects to be recognised or rewarded for all he does – but he deserves to be.

Hear what Eric has to say about his role with Catholic education in Queensland and what he hopes to instil in the younger generations in the video here. For a more in-depth discussion with Eric listen to QCEC’s podcast here.

If you would like to find a Catholic school in Queensland near you, visit the school directory on the QCEC website.