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Kristy helping to close the gap through education

Kristy Perkins is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman who works on Bundjalung Country as an Aboriginal Education and Engagement Coordinator at TAFE NSW.

She is passionate about Closing The Gap (CTG) through education and Aboriginal economic development opportunities, something she sees as a benefit to both the communities she works with and the TAFE NSW community.

“My role is to engage and walk alongside communities, organisations, and local services, as they navigate the many opportunities TAFE NSW has to offer.

“The TAFE system can appear complex to those who are not familiar with it, so I act as a conduit between communities and TAFE NSW to provide cultural safety, answer questions, solve problems, and create access to funding, education, and training.”

Kristy travels to regional and remote communities across Northern NSW where there is strong demand for off-site delivery.

“I go where I’m needed, and that’s what I love about my job. I get to connect with my People, and build rapport and trust with communities and organisations, which has a positive flow on effect.”

“It’s not always easy, in fact some days can be a real challenge, but I always try to find a way to deliver education and training opportunities where they are needed.”

Kristy has achieved a lot for TAFE NSW, from coordinating non-accredited courses that create a pathway back to education, to seeing students from her communities graduate with Diplomas. Every milestone is a win, not matter the size.

She is particularly proud of the delivery of a customised Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

“We had put a call out in the North Region for anyone interested in doing their Certificate IV to become a teacher, and the community responded. I had 26 learners keen to engage with the course; I had funding, things were looking good until… I couldn’t get a teacher.

“The problem we were trying to solve through this course, was the same problem preventing us from delivering it.

“The course was eventually delivered via Away From Base at TAFE NSW Kingscliff by a teacher from Southern NSW.

“It was the perfect example of a one TAFE NSW collaboration.”

“By the end of the course, TAFE NSW had already employed a number of the learners in various capacities, such as teachers and Education Support Officers.

“I am so proud of this cohort, and the teachers that made it possible. Not only did it create amazing job outcomes, it also filled a need within TAFE NSW and has helped make it possible for us to continue to deliver a variety of courses to our communities.”

When speaking with Kristy, her passion for her work is palpable.

“I love making connections and working with my People. I know education can make a real difference. We really are helping to Close The Gap through education and Aboriginal economic development opportunities to our more remote communities, as well as responding to local community and organisation needs.”

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