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ATSIMA’s BHP Foundation funded project, Culture Counts: A Community Led Mathematics Initiative, is now well underway with the appointment of Project Manager Kym Oakley, supported by Project Officer Krystle Devine.


In May, Kym and I visited Purnululu Community and School, Yirrkala Community and School, and Laynhapuy Homelands School to begin working alongside communities as the project progresses. We look forward to sharing more about this exciting initiative and its impact in future editions of the newsletter.

Planning for the ATSIMA 2027 Conference is also progressing well in collaboration with Maam Giingana Gumbaynggirr School and Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC).

We are honoured to feature the official conference artwork, created by Alexis, a 16 year old Wailan and Gamilaroi woman who was born and lives on Gumbaynggirr Country. We sincerely thank Alexis for sharing her creativity, culture and story with the ATSIMA community.

The ATSIMA 2027 Conference Prospectus is now available, and we are inviting organisations and individuals to partner with us in delivering this important event. You can support the conference by sharing the prospectus through your networks or by exploring partnership opportunities.

To learn more about the conference, including the prospectus, Alexis’ artwork, the conference themes and the conference location, see the update below.

Prof. Chris Matthews 

   

ATSIMA 2027 Conference Artwork
created by Alexis, a 16-year-old
Wailan and Gamilaroi woman 

A big thank you to Darius Samojlowicz for delivering such an informative opening session of the ATSIMA 2026 Webinar Series, exploring how the Mathematical Association of New South Wales is bringing the ATSIMA Commitment Statement to life.

We are now looking forward to Session 2 of the series with Dr Amber Hughes and Associate Professor Ed Doolittle, who will present Mathematics Bundle 2025: It Takes a Village to Make a Bundle. See below for more information, including registration details.


I have continued working with Communities and education systems across Australia, including delivering the keynote presentation, Mathematics and Culture: A Way Forward in Indigenous Education, at the 2026 Aboriginal Independent Community Schools (AISWA) Conference in Broome. The presentation explored how stronger connections between mathematics and culture can transform learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. During the conference, I also facilitated a workshop using the Goompi Model, exploring the importance of creativity as a form of self expression to strengthen relationships with students, better understand their interests, and gain insight into how they see the world.

More recently, I travelled to the Australian Capital Territory to deliver a professional learning workshop at Melba Copland Secondary School. The workshop brought together Indigenous Education Officers and secondary mathematics educators from Years 7 to 9 to explore culturally responsive approaches to mathematics teaching and learning.

ATSIMA remains deeply committed to walking alongside schools, Communities and education systems in this important work. We look forward to continuing to strengthen these partnerships and supporting many more educators and Communities across the country.

Planning is well underway for the ATSIMA 2027 Conference 13-15 July 2027, to be held on Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Country between Coffs Harbour and Grafton, NSW, in partnership with Maam Giingana Gumbaynggirr and Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation (BMNAC).


Giingana Girrwaanbi-gundi Freedom of the First Peoples is a powerful call to action to honour culture, protect Country, and contribute to a more inclusive future.


The theme acknowledges that the freedoms we enjoy today have come at a significant cost, contributing to the erosion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, knowledge systems, and cultural authority. It recognises that true freedom begins with reclaiming our voices in education and restoring our cultures to their rightful place at the centre of education.

Giingana Girrwaanbi-gundi reflects a collective vision for a future where Indigenous knowledge systems are not only respected but lead the way, ensuring our children grow strong in who they are and remain deeply connected to where they come from.

Across the three days of the conference, this journey will be explored through a series of interconnected daily themes. Together, they tell the story of where we have come from, where we are now, and where we are heading as we work towards a future shaped by truth, strength, and freedom.

PROSPECTUS

We are pleased to announce that the ATSIMA 2027 Conference Prospectus is now available.

The prospectus outlines the many opportunities for organisations and individuals to support this important event through sponsorship, partnerships, and in-kind contributions.

The ATSIMA Conference brings together educators, Community leaders, researchers, and organisations committed to improving mathematics outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. Your support will help create a meaningful and lasting event that celebrates Indigenous knowledges, cultures, and excellence in mathematics education.

If your organisation, or another organisation, business, or philanthropic partner within your network may be interested in supporting the conference, we would love to hear from you.

You can also help by sharing the Conference Prospectus with your networks. Every introduction and conversation helps us build the partnerships needed to make the ATSIMA 2027 Conference a success.

Thank you for helping us create an inspiring and impactful event for educators, Communities, and learners across Australia.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST STILL OPEN

Expressions of Interest for the ATSIMA 2027 Conference are still open.


If you haven’t already registered your interest, now is the perfect time. By submitting an Expression of Interest, you’ll receive the latest conference updates, program announcements, and important information as planning continues.

Conference registrations will be opening soon, with Expressions of Interest receiving advance notice when registrations go live.

We look forward to welcoming you to Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Country for what promises to be an inspiring and memorable ATSIMA 2027 Conference.

ATSIMA webinars continue throughout 2026, bringing together leading educators and researchers to share ideas, experiences, and innovative approaches to culturally responsive mathematics education.

SESSION 1

Our first webinar, presented in late July by Darius Samojlowicz, President of the Mathematical Association of New South Wales (MANSW), explored Our Commitment: Bringing the Commitment Statement to Life at MANSW.


A recording of the webinar is now available to ATSIMA Partnering Members via the Resources section of the membership portal on the ATSIMA website. Non-members can also access the recording through the Resources section of the ATSIMA website.

UPCOMING - SESSION 2

Dr Amber Hughes and Associate Professor Edward Doolittle

Mathematics Bundle 2025: It Takes a Village to Make a Bundle
📅 Tuesday, 25 August 2026
🕓 4:00 pm AEST

Building on the success of previous webinar series, the 2026 program provides valuable opportunities to hear from leading voices, share knowledge, and explore effective practices that centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in mathematics.

We encourage everyone to join us for this exciting webinar and be part of the conversation.

ATSIMA Education Specialist Dr Caty Morris has made a significant contribution to our professional learning program through the Adelaide University Maths in Schools project, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education. Her recent work has included two presentations at the national ConASTA conference in Brisbane: a co-presentation with Dr Rebecca Vivian exploring the 8 principles of inclusive STEM education, and a session showcasing the lessons Where’s the mankarr (bilby)? (acknowledging the Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa and Martu Peoples as developers of the source material used in the creation of the lessons).

 Caty also delivered a keynote at the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers annual conference, facilitated a session on patterns on Country at the Mathematics Association of South Australia annual conference, and led two full-day workshops for teachers in Adelaide.


Through a collaboration between ATSIMA and the Mathematical Association of Victoria with the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, Caty also presented online as part of a series of conferences across Victoria.


Each of these presentations explored different aspects of culturally responsive mathematics education and featured practical examples for the classroom. More examples and resources are available on our website.

Dr Caty Morris presenting at ConASTA conference in Brisbane

In this newsletter, we are highlighting a selection of engaging Ngarrngga resources designed to support the integration of First Nations perspectives into the mathematics classroom. These resources from the Ngarrngga website provide meaningful opportunities for learners to explore connections between culture and mathematics, while strengthening understanding across year levels.

This professional learning opportunity from the Ngarrngga website offers practical guidance for educators on respectfully showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, histories and cultures in their teaching. Featuring Professor Melitta Hogarth, Joe Sambono and Benny Wilson, the session provides valuable insights to help educators build confidence and deepen their understanding of culturally responsive practice.  

Image sourced from the Ngarrngga website

ATSIMA’s vision is that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners are successful in mathematics. Your support helps create equitable opportunities and strengthens culturally responsive mathematics education for learners across Australia.

Become a member of ATSIMA and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners to access culturally responsive mathematics education and thrive in mathematics.

ATSIMA acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians on the lands on which we work. ATSIMA acknowledges the Countries and ancestors of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who partner with ATSIMA to transform mathematics education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. We acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past and present.

Our mailing address is: ATSIMA, PO Box 102, Ingle Farm, SA 5093

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