For Shane Evans, Melbourne Grammar’s new First Nations Program Manager, First Nations history is everyone’s history. “It’s important to embrace Australia’s history in its entirety,” he says. “The richness of our culture is everyone’s to share.”
Descended from the Gunditjmara, Keerray Woorroong, and Bundjalung peoples, Shane has worked extensively with First Nations youth in previous roles. He is nephew to Senior Songman Gunditjmara Bundjalung Elder Uncle Archie Roach AC and Auntie Ruby Hunter, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman, and he brings a wealth of cultural knowledge to the School. Shane is also currently Chair of the Archie Roach Foundation, which nurtures opportunities for First Nations artists across all creative platforms.
As Manager of our First Nations program, Shane says he hopes to empower all Melbourne Grammar students through an exchange of cultural knowledge.
How our First Nations program supports students
By means of scholarships, cultural events and other activities, and student pastoral support, Melbourne Grammar’s First Nations program helps ensure that our First Nations students feel a sense of belonging at the School, and fosters respect for and understanding of First Nations culture across all those in our School community.
“I see Melbourne Grammar making a concerted effort to support First Nations students in a way that is authentic and respectful,” Shane said. “In this role, I’m able to foster cultural connectedness and safety, and provide an Aboriginal Black lens when I report back to the First Nations Program Steering Committee. There’s still a lot of work to do, and we’re taking that very seriously, but I can already see how hungry all students are to have a deeper engagement with First Nations students and our culture.”
Creating future agents of change
Shane emphasises that having a dedicated First Nations program enriches our School in many ways. “The legacy of this program stretches way back to Charles Melbourne Johnston (OM 1911) who became the first Aboriginal student to attend Melbourne Grammar in 1907,” he says. “Today, it’s a powerful reminder to have First Nations students being able to share their culture and stories with each other, support one another, and include the School community in a journey of reflection and cultural understanding.”
“When our First Nations students I’ve worked with leave this School, I hope they’ll have a stronger connection with their own history, and a passion to keep moving forward,” Shane adds. “In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve been really impressed with the students, and I believe they’ll go on to become the agents of change and foster healing in this country.”
Shane was the driving force behind the 2025 Reconciliation Ceremony. Read more about this outstanding event here
