Inspiring stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students – TAFE Qld

TAFE Queensland has a proud history of delivering VET to disadvantaged learners, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people, which will often result in a life changing ability to participate in the labour market. TAFE Queensland’s delivery to ATSI students is enhanced by Indigenous Student Support Officers that work across a number of locations to assist students and their progression.

TAFE Queensland shares the stories of three of its ATSI students, all on very different career pathways, yet all united by their determination to succeed.

Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Levina Dixon, Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice

Levina Dixon is a descendant of the Kunja and Wangkamurra people of South West Queensland and a passionate health worker at Mulungu Health Service. Levina is on the frontline helping to close the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health gap. Read Levina’s story here.

Jarrah Flinders, a Dharraba Warra and Yiithu Warra woman is studying through TAFE at School to get a head start on her trade career while still at school. She is hoping to get an apprenticeship and wants to work as a plumber for the army when she is fully qualified.

“My advice to other girls thinking about plumbing as a career is just give it a go, don’t think it’s just for boys, girls can do whatever boys can do.” Read Jarrah’s story here.

Jarrah Flinders, TAFE at School
Kapue Gutchen, Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts

Through his cultural art studies, Darnley Island community elder Kapua Gutchen (Snr) is sharing the stories of his people.

“My artwork depicts a very powerful sorcerer named Saiid who took the form of a waumer (frigate bird). Saiid, also known as Sido, originally came from Kupamar (Kawai Island) south of the mouth of Dodogab Kusa (Fly River) in Papua New Guinea,” he said. Read Kapue’s story here.