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    Aboriginal community initiatives

    At TAFE NSW, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in Aboriginal communities through strong partnerships and collaborative initiatives. 

    Our engagement efforts focus on addressing social challenges and providing inclusive, educational solutions that promote equity and cultural preservation.

    By working closely with Aboriginal communities and leaders, we create culturally relevant programs that bridge skills gaps and support self-determination.

    Creating social impact

    To create social impact, we unite diverse stakeholders including:

    • Aboriginal leaders
    • Community and Cultural leaders
    • educators
    • industry experts
    • government agencies.

    Working with stakeholders from various areas means we’re able to address social challenges and develop equitable, inclusive educational solutions.

    Our initiatives aim to:

    • positively impact Aboriginal individuals and communities, and
    • foster a fairer and more compassionate society.
    A group of Aboriginal people people gathered outdoors, smiling and posing for a group photo. One person is extending their arm to take the selfie, capturing a sense of togetherness and joy.

    Collaborative co-design

    To develop culturally inclusive pathways, we actively collaborate with various stakeholders, including:

    • Aboriginal communities
    • educators
    • cultural advisors
    • industry partners.

    By working together, we co-design contemporary, tailored and flexible education programs that:

    • address skills gaps
    • support cultural revival and preservation
    • prioritise shared decision-making through active Aboriginal community participation.
    A panel of Aboriginal men and one women sit at a table with pencils in their hands.

    Co-delivery with experts

    We collaborate with:

    • peak Aboriginal bodies
    • subject matter experts
    • industry leaders.

    By working with these experts, we ensure a culturally sensitive and adaptable learning experience. Our approach focuses on producing highly skilled and job-ready Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates.

    An Aboriginal woman sits at a corporate desk with colleagues listening to her intently. There are pieces of paper scattered on the dark wood desk and glass walls and doors of other study spaces, in the background.

    Innovative co-creation

    TAFE NSW collaborates in order to co-create:

    • forward-looking curricula, and
    • innovative learning tools.

    These resources integrate Aboriginal perspectives to enhance education and training outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

    Our focus is on delivering inclusive and culturally relevant content.

    Want to discuss possible innovative co-creation partnerships?

    Contact us
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    Special projects and strategic initiatives

    We engage in strategic partnerships with:

    • education providers
    • government agencies
    • community organisations.

    These collaborations drive impactful projects that align with broader government policies, such as:

    • Close the Gap, and
    • the Aboriginal Participation in Construction policy.

    Our initiatives are designed to meet specific community needs.

    An Aboriginal medical worker wearing blue scrubs stands in a laboratory at a table. He is placing a sticker on a form, and there is pathology equipment on shelves behind him.

    Empowering economic development

    We are dedicated to empowering Aboriginal communities by:

    • supporting community-owned enterprises, and
    • creating targeted learning programs.

    Guided by Aboriginal leadership and industry experts, our initiatives promote:

    • self-determination
    • skill acquisition
    • direct employment opportunities.
    Two small children of Aboriginal heritage hugging each other while smiling. The boy has neat, short brown hair and wears an orange t-shirt and denim shirts, while the little girl with curly hair wears a light blue denim dress.

    Aboriginal university collaborations

    Through collaboration with universities, we actively advance Aboriginal-specific partnerships and initiatives that prioritise the unique needs and aspirations of Aboriginal communities.

    By leveraging research and data, TAFE NSW:

    • develops evidence-based educational resources that are Culturally relevant and tailored to enhance learning experiences for Aboriginal students, and
    • supports improved outcomes for Aboriginal students by providing access to quality education, mentorship programs, and career pathways that align with their goals and aspirations.
    A group of smiling and laughing Aboriginal students sit outside at a table. There are green trees in the background and water bottles on the table.

    We’re here to help

    For contact details, our Strategic Plan, and other key information, please visit the main 'Engage and partner with us' page.

    Main page

    Learn more

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    Community engagement

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    Industry partnerships

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    University and high education collaborations