The exchange began as a response to the unrest experienced in Cronulla during December 2005. Students from both schools felt they were being misrepresented in the media and wanted to change perceptions and break down the stereotypes. As a result of this program, the very negative events at Cronulla have led to a number of very positive outcomes for students.
In May 2007, 15 students from Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre (IEC) travelled to Coonabarabran to meet local students and the local Gamilaraay elders. This is one of many exchanges involving the schools. The exchange began with Coonabrabran High School’s Aboriginal dance group welcoming Beverly Hills visitors with a traditional dance. Beverly Hills IEC students reciprocated with a tribal drum performance.
On Tuesday 16th May 2006, 15 students, three staff members, a parent and a community information officer made their way from Beverly Hills in south western Sydney to the airport to begin a four day visit to the Tweed Region of northern New South Wales.
In the History classroom at Evans IEC, two friends were re-united. The last time they had seen each other, they were in the sprawling refugee camp of Kakuma in Kenya. Before this exchange program, they had no idea what part of the world their friend had ended up in!