Aboriginal student support

TAFE NSW is proud to offer a supportive and inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. We have dedicated resources to help you succeed in your studies.

From Bundjalung to Gadigal, Kamilaroi to Yuin, wherever you come from matters. What brings us together is a shared commitment to education, skills development and lifelong learning at TAFE NSW.

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Explore our Mob-specific support services and discover how we can help you succeed.

Mob supporting Mob

Discover the guidance, mentoring and cultural connections available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at TAFE NSW.

Aboriginal Student Support Officers

Our Aboriginal Student Support Officers assist with all study modes and experiences.

This includes if you study:

online
on campus
as an apprentice
as a trainee.

Our Aboriginal Student Support Officers can also help with:

advice about your studies
applications for fee exemptions and scholarships
access to mentoring support
discussing Cultural commitments that affect your study
finding services to support your wellbeing and success
arranging tutorial support to help you progress.

To learn more about the support available during your study journey, speak with an Aboriginal Engagement and Student Support team member. Email us at AESS@tafensw.edu.au.

Aboriginal Study Centres

TAFE NSW has Aboriginal Study Centres and Cultural Learning Spaces at select campuses. Here you can meet and chat with Aboriginal staff and students.

Our Aboriginal Study Centres let you:

engage in Yarning Circles
feel safe in a Culturally secure space
ask study questions
talk directly with Aboriginal staff and Aboriginal Student Support Officers
take a break and relax
connect with your Mob
learn to embrace silence
listen to and respect each other’s stories.

Find out if your campus has an Aboriginal Study Centre and what facilities it offers. Email us at AESS@tafensw.edu.au.

Counselling

TAFE NSW offers free and confidential counselling for your Mob. Our counsellors will listen and help you develop strategies for your wellbeing.

You can get help with:

mental health (anxiety, stress, depression)
alcohol or drug issues
conflict, violence or abuse
accessing financial and accommodation support
referrals to Aboriginal education programs
finding disability and multicultural services.

Counselling is available:

one-on-one on campus
over the phone
online.

When booking, speak to the administration team and choose the option that works best for you. Call 131 601 (press option 5, then option 2) to make an appointment.

Explore more

Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aims to build an environment of respect and diversity. It integrates fairness and Cultural safety.

Read our RAP

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan

We value diversity and inclusion to build belonging and spark creativity, innovation and collaboration. This is central to our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan (DIB).

Read our DIB

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

We created a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to ensure everyone feels respected and included, valuing dignity, trust, diversity and inclusion.

Read our DIAP