Punmu — RAWA Community School

Punmu, Pilbara, Western Australia
WAssup 108 Speakers Program: Confirmed — future allocation

RAWA Community School supports children to learn on Country while maintaining strong connections with Martu language, culture, family and community.

Punmu is the school’s larger campus, situated beside Lake Dora in Karlamilyi National Park. The school is entirely owned and governed by Martu people, with Elders and community members from Punmu and Kunawarritji represented on its board.

Learning, language and culture

Two-way education

RAWA’s approach brings together Martu knowledge, languages and cultural learning with English and broader educational opportunities.

Community involvement helps shape learning around students’ lives, families and Country. The school’s aim is for children to maintain their cultural knowledge and identity while developing the skills to participate confidently in the wider world.

Education on Country

The Punmu school opened in February 1983 as Martu families re-established their homelands communities.

Today, Elders, families and younger generations continue to contribute to the school’s multilingual learning environment. Its history is closely connected with the community’s determination to keep language, knowledge and education strong on Country.

Music, storytelling and creative expression

Punmu students have worked with Grand Trine Creative on We Stand Strong, a music-video project celebrating Martu identity, resilience and community.

Filmed beside Lake Dora, the project combines students’ voices, movement and creativity with their connection to Country. It is a practical example of the school’s two-way approach, bringing cultural expression into learning and giving young people opportunities to share their stories.

Watch Punmu students’ “We Stand Strong”

Community gatherings and cultural learning

The school also provides a setting for community participation and intergenerational learning.

When Punmu’s original school building reopened following renovation in November 2022, the celebration brought together Elders, children, families and teachers. Activities included storytelling, songwriting, dance, painting, weaving, basketball and shared food.

Donate and support the school

RAWA welcomes partnerships and contributions that support education for students in Punmu and Kunawarritji.

To arrange a financial donation, discuss sponsorship or offer useful equipment, resources or services, contact the school directly:

Email: admin@rawaschool.wa.edu.au
Phone: 08 9176 9022

The team can explain current priorities and provide payment or delivery details. If you would like your contribution to support the Punmu campus specifically, discuss this with the school before giving.

Support RAWA Community School

The school also identifies infrastructure redevelopment as a funding priority across its campuses, seeking improvements that support students’ learning and the school’s long-term needs.

Charity and DGR status

RAWA Community School is a registered charity, but donations made directly to the school under this ABN are not currently tax deductible.

View the school’s charity and DGR details on ABN Lookup.

WAssup’s connection with Punmu

RAWA Community School’s Punmu campus is confirmed for a future WAssup speaker-and-microphone kit.

The school will store and manage the equipment for students, school programs, performances and suitable community activities. Portable sound and two wireless microphones can support the music, storytelling and creative expression already evident in the school’s work.

Contact the school

RAWA Community School — Punmu campus
Punmu Aboriginal Community
Great Sandy Desert, WA 6753.

General enquiries
08 9176 9022
admin@rawaschool.wa.edu.au.

Principal: Robyn Pulu
0460 406 965
principal@rawaschool.wa.edu.au

Business Manager: Corrie Baxter
0421 312 267
accounts@rawaschool.wa.edu.au.

Visit RAWA Community School · Read the school’s stories · Discuss supporting the school