Peter Finegan is not surprised that Australia is failing to reduce indigenous or socio-economic disadvantage at school. But, in his household, a good education is the greatest gift he will ever give to his six children. And he is doing everything in his power to make it happen.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Finegan said his Catholic school education in regional NSW showed him a life other than the systemic disadvantage indigenous children were exposed to.
His parents wanted him to break the cycle and he completed year 12 and even enrolled at university.
He did not complete his degree but he has always had a job and discovered - later in life - a passion for indigenous art.
While he has put paid work aside to be a stay-at-home single father to his brood, Mr Finegan volunteers at a number of schools, teaching indigenous and non-indigenous children about traditional ways.
He also plays an active part in his children's education, reading to them, discussing points of interest and supervising homework - even when it requires him to attend a parent's homework club so he can keep up with the maths.
His eldest daughter, Courtney, got a top academic achievement award from Macgregor Primary and ''all of them love being at school and are doing exceptionally well''.
''I've always known education was the key and I'm happy to sacrifice my job now to be a full-time dad and help my kids make the most of their education,'' Mr Finegan said.
''I want them to have every opportunity in life and every choice.''
Mr Finegan's childhood was not ideal as his father was a Korean War veteran who drank heavily. His mother was taken from her Murrawarri mob in north-west NSW and educated by Josephite nuns.
When she was returned, she wanted her children to have a good schooling and Mr Finegan has happy memories of his Catholic education.
Of course, his method of long division is now different to the one his daughters use, so he has spent plenty of time updating his skills so he can help at homework time.
He is also grateful for the continuing support of the Smith Family, which is helping the family meet education costs.
''Does is make me sad that indigenous kids are still behind the other kids? Of course it does,'' Mr Finegan said. ''But I don't think there is one answer to changing things. I just wish there was the will to make the big changes necessary to turn things around for the kids who suffer the most.''