BSSC Year 12 student, Terri Flaherty, is an actor, filmmaker, artist, and proud young Wurundjeri Woman aspiring to a career in the Law.
Her creativity and respect for Culture recently came together wonderfully when she entered a short film in the 2025 Central Victorian Koori Flick Fest.
This year’s theme was ‘My Mob, My Place’—and Terri’s film won equal first place.
As part of her VCE program Terri is enjoying Theatre Studies—and loving the challenges of authentically portraying a character.
“My family have always gone to live theatre and I initially dreamt of a career on stage,” she says. “But I think I will probably stay with community theatre alongside my main career.”
With regards to main careers, Terri suspects she already has some great skills to bring to a career as a lawyer, legal assistant, or paralegal role. Legal Studies is a favourite subject for Terri, and she’s looking forward to uni.
“My Mum says I’m naturally argumentative. I’ve always enjoyed debating and I’m passionate about social justice.”
Despite liking a good debate, Terri tries to stay away from the news, “because it just makes me angry”, however, she remains interested in Australian politics and concerned about the future direction of Australia.
“Pollies seem to be only in it for themselves, and while some are working to ‘Close the Gap’, most seem not to be. Closing the Gap is really—really—important.”
Bendigo’s Koori Court, which has been operating in Bendigo for a number of years, is an example of a system that respects the importance and influence of Culture.
“People who are willing to accept they have done something wrong can learn so much because traditional Aboriginal customs are part of the process. Koori Court makes you feel that all opinions are listened to—which is typical in Indigenous communities.”
She felt especially proud to be an Aboriginal woman watching the Welcome to Country at the Melbourne Anzac Day dawn service given by a man who somehow ignored the hecklers interrupting him over and over again.
“I think people forget that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders fought for Australia during wars—and when they came home, they got nothing.”
With strong connections to local Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, Terri is also a member of Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative Youth Advisory Group.
“On this committee we discuss what we want for local Aboriginal youth. I hope I will always be able to help my community and stand up for First Nations Peoples.”
Being a member of a First Nation is “really important” to Terri and her appreciation of her heritage is flourishing as she matures.
Her favourite place at BSSC is The Scholars Hut, describing First Nations Coordinator, Eboni, as ‘amazing’.
“She’s a great cultural coordinator—Susan and Shane are fantastic too—and there are lots of opportunities for cultural involvement.
“It’s so worth coming to this college which I’d describe as unique—even unconventional.
“Respect is also a big thing at BSSC—between students, and between students and teachers. My teachers at senior are very focused on those who really want to learn, and they challenge students who aren’t, to step up. Even in this there a freedom to choose your path!
“Prue makes learning fun, and really listens to you with a lot of empathy. Actually, most BSSC teachers seem to really understand that everyone learns in different ways.”
Terri found stepping up from Year 10 to Year 11 much more challenging than she had expected. Halfway through Year 11 she realised she’d missed some really important stuff and made the big decision to complete VCE over 3 years to ensure she gets the ATAR she needs.
It therefore meant a great deal to win a Year 11 award recognising how hard she had worked despite her initial loss of motivation and clarity.
“I’m a visual learner and like to use cue cards and acronyms; to draw and colour-code to help retrieve information. I love to ‘blurt’, and I take the study tips we get in Advisor seriously.”
Like all successful students, Terri understands the importance of de-stressing. She plays netball for Boomerang Orange and missed two weeks recently with a sprained Achilles tendon which also brought the disappointment of not being able to participate in BSSC’s Anzac Day ceremony.
“Being able to paint is so valuable for my wellbeing, and I love to chill out with friends,” Terri says. “But the best way to reduce stress is to keep on top of my homework. When I get it done I’m instantly okay.”
A good friend who dropped out of school recently returned to complete VCE. This has deeply impressed Terri.
“It shows such resilience and determination—she is such an inspiration for me,” Terri says.
Her mum’s support and encouragement also inspires Terri to be her best self.
Earlier this year Terri attended the Weenthunga Big Sis Retreat for young First Nations women held on Boon Wurrung Country. Here, she connected strongly with Aboriginal women from across Victoria, shared stories, and immersed in creative projects.
“While there I painted a story about life and the Ancestors. I called it, ‘Our way of Life’.”
While rapt her painting sold, the valuable connections she made and the beautiful women she still keeps in contact with, were the real highlight.
“Life feels more meaningful now I am taking my connection to my Culture more seriously. It has also given me a bigger family.
“I’m most grateful that I am able to live my life the way I want to. I’m able to go to a great school, I’m fit and healthy and can play sport. Maybe I could even be more grateful for the good things in my life—show my gratitude more?”
“If I could go back and give my 12-year-old self some advice I’d say, ‘take your time—it’s not a race to grow up as quickly as possible’. I’d also say, ‘You don’t have to be perfect, and everything will be okay’.”
