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    Easy Read

    Support for Aboriginal students

    An Easy Read guide about support for Aboriginal students at TAFE NSW.

    About this page

    TAFE NSW logo

    When you see the word we it means TAFE NSW.

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    We use big text to make it easier to read.

    We wrote some important words in bold.

    This means the letters are thicker and darker.

    We explain what these words mean.

    Summary of this page

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    This page tells you about

    • support for Aboriginal students
    • student support officers
    • study centres
    • how you can get help.

    Support for Aboriginal students

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    TAFE NSW is a safe and welcoming place.

    We respect who you are.

    We respect where you come from.

    A teacher points at a whiteboard while students, including one in a wheelchair, face him, some raising hands.

    We can help you learn and study.

    Person learning to use a tool with support from another person.

    We can help you build skills.

    Our support officers

    Two people reading a book together at a table.

    Our Aboriginal support officers help students.

    Hand holding a pen filling out an application form with sections for name, address, education, and work.

    We can help you fill in an application.

    An application is a form you fill in to ask for something.

    Australian banknotes and coins and an EFTPOS terminal crossed by a red line.

    We can help you apply for a fee exemption.

    A fee exemption means you do not have to pay money to do a course.

    Types of support we provide

    Mentors

    People sitting together and talking at an outdoor table.

    A mentor is someone who knows more than you.

    They teach you what they know.

    Counselling support

    Two women having a conversation, one in a wheelchair and the other on a chair, with a table and items between them.

    TAFE NSW offers free and private counselling.

    Counselling means talking with a trained person.

    You talk about how you feel.

    Man on phone with woman in uniform in the background wearing a headset.

    You can get counselling

    • over the phone
    • on campus
    • online.
    Person sitting outside at a table and talking with other people.

    They can help you find services for your wellbeing.

    Wellbeing means your health.

    It means how you feel each day.

    Tutorial support

    Two people are sitting at a computer. One person is showing the other person something on the screen.

    We can help with tutorial support.

    Tutorial support helps you learn faster.

    You do this in class with a tutor.

    A tutor is someone who helps you learn.

    Aboriginal study centres

    Three people working together in an Aboriginal study centre.

    Some TAFE NSW places have Aboriginal study centres.

    A study centre is a place where you can learn about Aboriginal culture.

    Culture is the way a group of people live, think and do things.

    People sitting together in a yarning circle and talking.

    At a study centre you can:

    • take a break
    • feel safe
    • join a Yarning Circle.

    A Yarning Circle is when people share stories.

    Laptop screen displaying an envelope with the word 'email' on a blue background.

    To find out if your campus has a study centre send an email to aess@tafensw.edu.au

    How to contact us

    Contact us by phone.

    You can call us to meet a counsellor.

    Follow these steps

    1. Call 131 601
    1. Press 5 for counselling and disability services
    1. Press 2 for student support
    2. Ask for an Aboriginal support team member
    Laptop screen displaying an envelope with the word 'email' on a blue background.

    You can email us at aess@tafensw.edu.au

    You can fill out our online form.

    Chat icon

    Chat online with our support staff.

    Chat with us online.

    Difficult word list

    This list explains what the words in bold on this page mean.

    Aboriginal study centre

    A study centre is a place where you can learn about Aboriginal culture.

    Applications

    Forms you fill in to ask for help or funding.

    Counselling

    Talking with a trained person.
    You talk about how you are feeling.

    Culture

    The way a group of people live.
    It includes their beliefs, traditions and values.

    Fee exemption

    You do not have to pay a fee.

    Mentoring

    Learning from another person who knows more than you.

    Scholarship

    Money that helps to pay for your study.

    Tutorial support

    Extra learning support to help you understand your work.

    Wellbeing

    Your health.
    Your feelings.
    How you are coping.

    Yarning Circle

    A group talk where people listen to each other and show respect.