As I reflect on 2024, my first year as Director of Djoowak: The Beyond Boundaries Institute (BBI), I am proud of how we have embraced an expanded vision for our work. We have reinforced the BBI as a collaborative hub for educational innovation, working alongside others to pilot and showcase transformative practices that can benefit all learners, regardless of their school's location, demographic or resources.
Our Beyond Boundaries Advisory Group (BBAG) has demonstrated the power of radical collaboration through thought-provoking discussions on emerging trends in education. In 2024 we welcomed the following new members to our group: Louka Parry, Ernie Dingo, Kwaku Anning, Josh Byrne, Dave Runge, Michelle Green and Shane Glasson. We benefited from rich insights shared by our advisory members who attended SXSW 2024, bringing back valuable perspectives on artificial intelligence, connected ecosystems and biotechnology's impact on learning. We also heard from guest speakers including Kate Kirwin, 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year, who challenged us to consider how we might better combine education with industry to improve experiences for young people.
Under our renewed strategic direction, we've focused on three key pillars: fostering professional growth among educators, elevating the teaching profession, and contributing to systemic change. We were pleased to welcome Alex Jenkins, Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub, for a Djaaliny event on ‘Educating in the AI Age.’ Alex spoke to educators, parents and other education stakeholders on the topic of Artificial Intelligence, sharing case studies on the evolution of AI and how it is currently transforming education. Alex explored why it is important that we upskill and develop digital and AI literacies across all aspects of community. This program exemplifies our commitment to not just thought-provoking conversations, but to grounding innovation in practical applications that benefit educators and students alike.
One of our major highlights has been laying the groundwork for ReimaginED Fremantle 2025, an innovative conference in collaboration with The Woodleigh. Moving beyond traditional formats, we're transforming Fremantle itself into a learning space, utilising the city's diverse resources, cultures and experiences. The conference embodies how education can transcend traditional boundaries and embrace community-wide learning opportunities.
Throughout the year, we've remained true to our foundational principle of "beyonding education", moving beyond traditional content to embrace 21st century skills, beyond local perspectives to global understanding, and beyond academic engagement to personal significance. Looking ahead, we stand ready to support educators in navigating an increasingly VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) world, continuing our journey as a practitioner-led hub of innovation and research while maintaining a deep commitment to equity and excellence in education for all. This commitment to transformation, grounded in practical application and collaborative innovation, positions us to continue our vital role in co-creating the future of education with our partners and community.
Cameron Thorn
Director of The Beyond Boundaries Institute
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