TAFE recognised for Koorie learning opportunities

FEDERATION TAFE has won this year’s Wurreker Award for innovative Koorie learner pathways.

The award is for new community-led or driven programs and initiatives which create improved career or employment outcomes for Koorie learners in Victoria.

FedTAFE was nominated for their Koling Wada Ngal Kurrung or Let us Walk Together junior university camp, and the Deadly As Day initiatives aimed towards years nine to 12 Koorie students.

“It is an honour to have Federation University formally recognised as a leader in providing Koorie learner pathways,” said Federation University Aboriginal Education Centre manager, Katrina Beer.

“Federation’s Aboriginal Education Centre strives to make a difference through developing strong working partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver programs based on self-determination which support and inspire Koorie youth to take their next steps.”

Koling Wada Ngal Kurrung was a five-day camp held on held on Wadawurrung country at Federation’s Mount Helen Campus and attracted a record number of participants in 2023.

The camp focused on what Federation University Australia has to offer, future career opportunities and cultural activities.

The 2024 camp will be held at the Churchill Campus on Gunaikurnai Country and has been named Werna Ngalu Wannik meaning We Walk Together.

The CSIRO will be on site providing sessions about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Deadly as Day is a Koorie aspirations day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from the Central Highlands region.

Held in partnership with the Department of Education and Training, Indigenous students can discover different educational pathways.

Indigenous role models also share how they have succeeded in their chosen fields.

“Thank you to the Aboriginal Education Centre staff for your passion, determination, and hard work in developing these innovative programs,” said Federation University provost Liam Sloan

“Improving access and aspiration for First Nations students is a top priority for Federation University.

“We celebrate diversity, champion equity, access, and equal opportunity for all, and strive to ensure all voices are heard.”