George Huitker

Putting relationships front and centre of Service Learning activity.

After graduating from Marist College Canberra, George completed a Bachelor of Arts (Australian National University) and a Diploma of Education (University of Canberra). He took up a teaching position at Radford College, Canberra (1989-2020) - where he served as the Director of Service Learning for over a decade - until 2020.

George has been a dynamic figure in the arts scene in Canberra for a number of years, setting up theatre companies, writing plays and musical scores, performing with his bands Junk Sculpture and Murrigeejar Mob, authoring books of poetry and a number of memoirs. George has also kept active through coaching many football and futsal teams.

In his present role as a freelance service learning advisor, mentor and musician/recording artist, George has highlighted the absolute importance of selflessness in people’s lives. With a passion for working alongside and performing for rural communities, he has set up strong links with the Gamilaraay people of north western New South Wales.

From 2023, he has also taken on the challenge of promoting DreamCricket nationwide and encouraging inclusivity and empowerment at every opportunity.

Some of George’s Volunteers

  • Mary Brell (Dream Cricket/Advisor)

    Mary is the Director of Keys To Success, has been a professional educator, and learning and development consultant and trainer for a period spanning 30 years. She has worked, spoken and inspired educators, leaders and managers in Austria, Canada, China, South Africa and the USA. She was recently nominated in the Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards. Mary has led volunteer programs in Nepal under the banner of Rotary International since 2011.

  • TBA

    Anna Grace Cohen (G-Journeys/Myall)

    Anna Grace is a recent ANU graduate with a passion for people, art and long walks on the beach. She has recently traveled Australia and spent time living in Queensland and Tasmania but frequently returns to both Canberra and Gomeroi Country to work with the ACSL. She has a strong love for Tingha and its community, having returned to volunteer with Tingha Public School independently many times since her first G-trip experience in 2015. Now, she leads student groups into G-country and walks with them along their own service journeys.

  • Oscar Edwards (G-Journeys)

    Oscar is currently halfway through studying a double degree in Arts and Science at the ANU, majoring in English and Water Science. He has a passion for music, playing both the Piano and Saxophone. In 2018 he visited the Minimbah Aboriginal School in Armidale while with George Huitker on a G-Trip experience, where he fostered a strong connection to the region. He then returned the following year with a group of former-students on an independently run trip to Gamilaraay Country. He continues to do this into 2024.

  • Ben Garrett (Website/Dream Cricket)

    Ben is halfway through his Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media) degree at the University of Canberra. He is hoping that after his degree he can travel the country using his photography skills to capture the Australian landscape in a unique way. He has worked with the teamSUPPORT team throughout Year 10 and went on a Gamilaraay trip in Year 11. He is passionate to continue service-learning through his university degree and in the future. This website and the revamped Dream Cricket Australia one have been largely designed by him.

  • Sarah Kimball (Senior Advisor)

    Sarah Kimball – Sarah is an experienced not-for-profit specialist, currently working as Associate Director of Development for The Nature Conservancy Australia. Sarah has worked for leading Australian charitable and community-based organisations in executive roles responsible for partnerships and communications.

  • Matt Pye (Advisor)

    Matt is an inspirational educator of many decades and has similarly been an enthusiastic and active supporter of service learning in this time. He has worked and walked alongside George Huitker in past projects, particularly when his Crossing The Divide initiative operated in Gamilaraay country. His work inspired many when he spoke of the need for greater pathways for Indigenous youth at the annual Dirrum Conference in Canberra. He has been a keen follower of ACSL since its inception.

  • Paddy Walker (Dream Cricket/G-Journeys)

    Patrick has recently graduated from Radford College and has decided to take a year off school and make a positive impact somewhere in the world. Patrick is a keen individual who loves meeting new people. He is interested in anything sports related and loves sharing his enthusiasm with the people around him. One day he hopes to become a secondary school teacher where he can inspire Australia’s future stars and encourage others to explore their own horizons. Patrick is extremely excited to be working with ACSL and make a positive impact wherever the road takes us!

  • Jesse Wright (Music/Myall Creek)

    Jesse is currently studying R&D Engineering (Honours) and Advanced Science, majoring in Astrophysics. He is a gifted musician and often performs in and around service learning events. In 2018 he was part of Junk Sculpture Junior and was honoured to perform at a pre-180th Myall Creek Commemoration Concert at Bingara’s Roxy Theatre, which the band emulated in 2022. Jesse has a deep connection with and loyalty to Tingha Public School and in raising awareness about Indigenous issues and culture, often through song.

  • Oscar Wright (Admin/G-Journeys)

    Oscar is an Apprentice Electrician with Solar Hub. He has also been studying Engineering and Advanced Computing at ANU. He is a long time participant in RAID (Recreational Activities for people with an Intellectual Disability) Basketball, and has been heavily involved with the disabled community through programs such as teamSUPPORT and regular Black Mountain School (ACT) visits. After experiencing a deep connection with the Myall Creek commemoration and Gamilaraay country, he seeks to explore this further through the ACSL exemplified in his wholehearted involvement in the Myall Creek Commemoration and two reconnaissance trips in 2022.

Indigenous Advisor

Jackson Taylor-Grant

Jackson is employed by the ACT Government as Manager of Aboriginal Engagement for ACT Heritage. He also has experience in community development through art and creative expression. In addition to his broader role on the advisory committee, Jackson provides advice on Recognition and Reconciliation – values that are central to all of the Centre’s service-learning activities.