Snakes Ambassadors
BSSC Fire Snakes are aligned to three incredible Australians who embody the values, attributes and qualities of the students who belong to the Fire Snakes house. We acknowledge the contributions and lasting impacts these ambassadors have made to their local and national communities.
Respect
Oodgeroo Noonuccal, born in Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) was a prominent indigenous Australian with a strong connection to country and culture. Oodgeroo Noonuccal lived an incredible life, challenging barriers to leave a strong legacy as a woman, indigenous leader, activist, writer, poet, conservationist, artist and educator. In 1942 when Aunty Oodgeroo was 21, she enlisted in the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS). Following her military service, Oodgeroo Noonuccal began her long career in political activism and began to write poetry. In 1964, she became the first published Aboriginal poet in Australia, under the name Kath Walker. She played a leading role in the 1967 referendum where Australians voted to change the Constitution to allow Aboriginal people to be included in the census. Oodgeroo Noonuccal was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) which she later famously returned as a political protest. Her totem was Kabool the carpet snake.
“let no-one say the past is dead, the past is all about us and within”
Courage
Ahn Do empowers and inspires others through sharing his personal experiences as a refugee through his work as an author, tv presenter, actor, comedian and artist. Vietnamese born, Ahn Do arrived in Australia at the age of 3 as a refugee. Anh Do’s book The Happiest Refugee is based on his journey to Australia and childhood and has multiple won awards, including the 2011 Australian Book of the Year. Over his career in the entertainment industry, Ahn Do has written 18 books, stared in 12 professional movies and presented and acted in 18 television shows, as well as continuing to perform live stand-up comedy. As an artist, Ahn Do has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize in 2014, 2017 and 2019. He won peoples choice in 2017.
“always question your fear, there’s almost never a good reason to be scared”
Excellence
Ashley Barty demonstrates excellence in her dedication and success in sport while maintaining a humble down-to-earth attitude. She displays integrity in openly addressing mental health and well being, inspiring younger generations to live healthy and happy lives. From Ipswich, QLD, the former cricketer and teen tennis champion is ranked the world’s number one singles tennis player by the Women’s Tennis Association– only the second woman to achieve this ranking since Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Her contribution to the sport saw her win the Young Australian of the Year 2020. Well known for her humble, down to earth attitude ‘Ash’ Barty has openly discussed burnout and depression, highlighting mental health issues affecting professional athletes. A First Nations woman, Ash serves as the National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador for Tennis Australia.
“you have to go out believing you can win”