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    Aboriginal student support

    An Indigenous mob sitting in a yarning semi circle, engaging in conversation. There is a round rug they are sitting around which is placed leaves, plants and other culturally significant pieces.

    There are Aboriginal specific resources at TAFE NSW to support your success. We’re proud to offer a supportive and inclusive environment for Aboriginal students.

    From Bundjalung to Gadigal, Kamilaroi to Yuin, wherever you come from matters. What brings us together is your education, skills building and love of learning at TAFE NSW.

    We’re here to support you at every step. Explore our Mob specific support and services to learn more.

    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. Call us on 02 7920 1048.

    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

    Four young women of Aboriginal heritage sitting on a bench outdoors, smiling and chatting together near a large tree. The scene is surrounded by greenery and fallen leaves.

    Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

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

    Two students conversing together on a park path. The young man is walking and the young woman is in a motorised wheel chair.

    Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan (DIB)

    At TAFE NSW we are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging. You can express yourself freely in a safe environment.

    A young woman and young man, both with an artificial leg, sit closely. She has one arm resting on his shoulder while they both laugh fondly looking and sharing something on his phone screen.

    Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

    TAFE NSW created a Disability Inclusion Action Plan. This builds an environment where all people feel respected and included.

    We’re here to help

    To learn more about Aboriginal student resources, contact us by email or via an online enquiry.

    Email usEnquire now