I was born out of the black dust of Walgett country, in far
north-western NSW, with a mostly indigenous population. There wasn't
much learning going on at school. Rather, like other kids in Walgett
and Dubbo, I learned how to smoke pot, drink, steal cars and wag
school. But through a cousin I learned about St Joseph's College, in
Sydney's Hunters Hill. With the help of my parish priest I was
sponsored and enrolled there. Before going to Joey's I couldn't read or
write. I had no idea of the rewards that come from learning - wisdom,
knowledge and an opportunity to serve my people - Craig Ashby
