Georgia and Rachel Durmush represent the long-term impact of culturally grounded education, using their careers to advocate, lead and give back to community.
Twin sisters Georgia and Rachel Durmush (OA2015) were among the first students to graduate from St Andrew’s Cathedral School after beginning their journey at Gawura School in its founding year in 2007. Proud Wailwan and Gomeroi women, they credit Gawura School with helping shape both their academic ambition and cultural identity.
Their story reflects the long-term impact of culturally grounded education and sustained community support.
Early Journey & Opportunity
The Durmush twins commenced at Gawura School in Year 4 in 2007 after their family sought a School environment that valued both opportunity and Aboriginal culture. They began classes within weeks of visiting GawuraSchool and never looked back.
Small class sizes, strong cultural foundations, and exposure to future pathways helped build their confidence and aspiration from an early age. Experiences such as creative programs, overseas opportunities, workplace learning and university open days broadened their horizons and made tertiary education feel attainable.
Rachel later reflected that Gawura School provided opportunities previous generations of her family were denied.
“Gawura School gave us opportunities our family hadn’t had before, it changed what we believed was possible.”
Georgia has spoken about education as a turning point, creating opportunities that once felt out of reach and expanding what young people believe is possible for their futures.
More about their journey can be viewed here.
Identity, Belonging & Cultural Strength
A defining part of their experience was being supported to succeed while maintaining a strong connection to culture and identity.
Georgia emphasised that success was never about leaving culture behind, but about being supported to thrive while staying connected to who they are.
“We were supported to succeed while staying connected to who we are.”
This sense of belonging helped build confidence, resilience and pride – foundations that continue to shape their work today.
Dr Georgia Durmush (OA2015)
Academic, researcher and advocate
Georgia has built an outstanding academic career focused on First Nations wellbeing and education.
Key achievements and roles:
- Research Fellow, Institute for Positive Psychology & Education, Australian Catholic University
- Awarded PhD with Summa Cum Laude honours
- First Gawura Scholar to complete a PhD. Research focus: Indigenous youth wellbeing in higher education
- Mentor to First Nations higher-degree students
- Advocate for First Nations-led research and policy
- Won the Transgrid Indigenous NSW Young Achievement Award in 2023 recognising her leadership, academic excellence and commitment to community.
Her research centres on ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people define wellbeing on their own terms and shape the systems that support them.
Beyond academia, Georgia has worked to amplify First Nations voices, including co-presenting the Sydney Opera House Guwanyi Walama digital tour sharing Gadigal history and culture.
Georgia reflected: “We deserve to be in these spaces, not just participating but shaping them.
I want to keep creating spaces where First Nations voices and stories are heard and respected.”
Ms Rachel Durmush (OA2015)
Senior Solicitor, Civil Law Service for Aboriginal Communities, Legal Aid NSW
Rachel has built a legal career grounded in advocacy, justice and service to community.
Career pathway and impact:
- Previously a criminal defence lawyer, Aboriginal Legal Service
- Represented clients on parole and those facing serious criminal charges
- Now Senior Solicitor helping lead civil legal services supporting Aboriginal communities
- Works to improve access to justice and empower clients navigating complex legal systems
Rachel has long been driven by a desire to advocate for others. She described her work as deeply rewarding and grounded in real impact.
Rachel said: “I have always been passionate about helping advocate for people and giving people a voice. When people feel heard and supported, it can change everything.”
Giving Back & Leadership
Both sisters remain strongly connected to Gawura School and the wider St Andrew’s Cathedral School community, supporting younger students and sharing their journeys.
In 2024, Rachel returned to MC the Gawura fundraising evening, and in 2025 to support senior students as a featured panellist and industry professional at the Old Andreans Association’s Learning the Ropes careers event – the first Gawura School graduate to do so, where Old Andreans shared career journeys and insights to help students navigate post-school pathways.
Her participation reflects an ongoing commitment to mentoring the next generation.
“If sharing my journey helps one student feel more confident about their future, it’s worth it.”
Shared Impact
Together, Georgia and Rachel’s work spans research, justice, culture and community.
They represent the long-term impact of investing in First Nations education:
- First Nations-led research and scholarship
- Legal advocacy and access to justice
- Cultural storytelling and representation
- Mentorship and leadership
- Community empowerment
Why Their Story Matters
Their journey demonstrates what happens when young people are supported to thrive academically, culturally and personally.
“Gawura School didn’t just support our education, it helped shape who we are and how we give back.”
Their story offers a powerful example of the ripple effect created when opportunity, culture and community are woven together.
