NASCA Launches Young Women’s Academy in Casino

Casino High School has officially launched its new NASCA Young Women’s Academy, to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Running five days a week straight out of the NASCA room at Casino High School, the Young Women’s Academy gives students wrap-around support every step of the way. Through the program, students have access to daily transport, healthy meals, in-class study help, one-on-one and group mentoring, wellbeing workshops, cultural trips, and leadership camps.

The launch brought together local families, Elders, school staff, and community members to celebrate the rollout. The morning kicked off with NASCA leaders sharing what the Academy has to offer, followed by a student panel where participants spoke openly about how the program helps them build confidence and leadership skills.

A major highlight of the day was a performance by NASCA student Jillari Faulkner, whose rendition of “At Last” blew everyone away and showed off the amazing talent in the school. After the formal part of the morning wrapped up, everyone headed over to the NASCA room for morning tea before jumping into Casino High School’s NAIDOC Day celebrations.

Community Support

Aunty Liz, Aboriginal Education Officer at Casino High School and local AECG President, shared her support for the new partnership:

“As the Aboriginal Education Officer at Casino High School, and President of the local AECG, I am proud to support and endorse the introduction of the NASCA Young Women’s Program within our school community. This new initiative will provide our young Aboriginal women with strong cultural grounding, meaningful community support, and opportunities to strengthen their connection to culture, identity and leadership. Guided by the knowledge, guidance and protocols of our local community and Elders, the program aims to create a culturally safe and empowering space where our young women feel supported, valued and connected.”

Voices from the Team

The Casino High School NASCA team shared what drives their work with the students each day:

• Zoe Green Williams (NASCA Team Leader): “NASCA is about empowering young Indigenous students to thrive through culture, education, and community. It provides a safe and supportive space where young people can stay connected to their culture, strengthen their identity, and develop the skills and resilience to achieve their goals.”
  
• Alysse Deegan (NASCA Program Lead): “To me, NASCA is about empowering young Indigenous girls to know they are more than a statistic. It is about showing them that they have the ability to succeed, continue their education, advocate for themselves and others, and become positive role models.”
  
• Nina Crizzle (NASCA Program Lead): “NASCA means hope, opportunity, and creating brighter futures for Indigenous young people. Being part of NASCA means helping create those opportunities so young people can build strong, confident futures for themselves and their communities.”

With the Young Women’s Academy up and running, Casino High School and NASCA are excited to keep building strong connections with students, families, and the wider local community.

Check out our other NASCA launches in 2026: YMA in Ballina and YWA in Kanahooka.