First Nations Focus Story collection
TDA have curated a story collection called First Nations Focus to recognise and celebrate the vital work that members nationwide do with First Nations students and communities to help them achieve their goals.
Australia’s First Nations people are renowned as story tellers. The power of story has been used for over 65 000 years to share culture and the challenges and triumphs experienced.
Stories help to make a connection. They are seen in many forms including in song, art and drama. Indigenous stories are also being used more within the education sector itself to support learning.
TDA Members in every State or Territory of Australia have contributed to the First Nations Focus story collection. The stories represent just a taste of the important work TDA members are doing to support our First Nations people.
Past student continues as mentor and TasTAFE supporter – TasTAFE
Djuker Willis-Hart is a proud First Nations man who is using his experience and expertise as a walking guide to help his peers in his community build their own careers.
A guide by trade and a guide by nature, Djuker is a living example of this year’s theme for Reconciliation Week: ‘Be a Voice for Generations”.
Refreshing new career – TAFE Queensland
Refrigeration technician Jennah Halley is making her mark in a male-dominated industry. Jennah, a proud Aboriginal woman, accidentally fell in love with her trade. What began by helping her brother turned into a fulfilling career.
Carley’s journey to success – Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
Canberra Institute of Technology’s Yurauna Centre provides First Nations students with supportive teachers, a reassuring environment and on-site childcare. These proved vital to Carley, who has faced personal trauma, enabling her to access the education that helped her thrive.
Sea Rangers: Traditional knowledge and science working together – Central Regional TAFE WA
Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, 12 Indigenous Australians are embarking on a course this year that combines the knowledge of their elders and their connection with their country with the theory and science of conservation and land management.
TAFE NSW helps Kinchela Boys reclaim their education – TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW has helped Uncles from Kinchela Boy’s Home Aboriginal Corporation in Redfern reclaim their education through a landmark literacy program.
Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation was established by survivors of Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Training Home, a ‘home” run by the NSW Government for over 50 years to house Aboriginal boys forcibly removed from their families.
Targeted training helps Aboriginal women develop skills for mining sector – TAFE SA
A pre-employment training program customised and delivered by TAFE SA’s Aboriginal Access Centre has helped a group of Indigenous women gain work in the mining sector.
The training at TAFE SA’s Port Augusta Campus enabled the women to develop key skills and confidence to prepare them for roles at mine sites in the north-west of South Australia.
The Laverton story: Changing lives – Central Regional TAFE WA
The story of the collaboration between the Kalgoorlie Campus of Western Australia’s Central Regional TAFE (CR TAFE) and Laverton Training Centre (LTC) is about a beautiful and inspiring partnership that has helped change many lives over the years.
Family is at the heart of Lara’s art – TAFE Queensland
Badu Islander Lara Fujii blends family stories with natural elements to create acclaimed cultural artwork. Lara is from the Argan Tribe in the Torres Strait and recognises the Thupmal (golden horn stingray) as her Totem.
Desirae Kilduff is Victoria’s Koorie Student of the Year – Bendigo Kangan Institute
Named as Koorie Student of the Year at Victoria’s 2022 Training Awards, Bendigo TAFE student Desirae Kilduff has a passion for supporting First Nations Peoples into training and career pathways.
Defence industry training program boosts job opportunities – South Metropolitan TAFE WA
It is no surprise that South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) in Western Australia has cemented its position as a national leader and training provider in the defence industry.
In 2022 the college was named Academic Institution of the Year at the 2022 Defence Connect Australian Defence Industry Awards and also recognised as Western Australia Training Provider of the Year.
Start your healthcare career through the Aunty Fay Carroll program – TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW’s partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney is getting First Nations people into healthcare jobs through the Aunty Fay Carroll program.
Rangers gain vital skills to care for Country – Charles Darwin University
Ranger trainees from across the Top End are working to become certified through the ‘Ranger Ready’ program, combining traditional knowledge with conservation training.
