At TasTAFE we are committed to respecting and celebrating our local Aboriginal^ community.
We acknowledge the Palawa peoples’ traditional learnings and teachings, which occurred for thousands of years on the land where our campuses and training facilities are now located. We pay respect to Elders, past, present and emerging.
At TasTAFE, we offer a range of services for Aboriginal students to support you in working towards your training and career goals.
Our Aboriginal Support Officers are well connected within their local communities and draw on a wide range of Aboriginal and mainstream networks to provide assistance and support to Aboriginal students in the following areas:
- course information and enrolment advice
- financial assistance for costs directly relating to studying at TasTAFE*
- referrals regarding financial assistance, accommodation, transport, childcare, etc.
- arranging tutorial support for Aboriginal students*
- assisting students to determine career/course pathways
- advice on and referrals to Aboriginal and mainstream programs/services
- information on Aboriginal community events, organisations, services and contacts
- exploring solutions to learning barriers
- general student support and/or advice.
We can also negotiate on and off the job training for staff/community members of local Aboriginal organisations/groups.
Online student support
Make an appointment with one of our Student Support staff members by calling 1300 655 307 or use our booking system to book an appointment online.
Find out more about online appointments, including what you need to do to set up and get ready for an online appointment.
If you require immediate crisis support, please contact the 24/7 external support services available for Tasmanians.
We value your feedback!
If you have used our support service recently, it would be great if you could spare a couple of minutes to complete our feedback survey. We will use your suggestions to adapt and improve our services.
Djuker Willis-Hart
In 2016 Djuker Willis-Hart enrolled in the Certificate III in Guiding at TasTAFE to formalise the knowledge and skills he was accumulating through workshops, tour guiding and ceremonies that he was involved in for indigenous tourism.
He says the qualification has allowed him to assist community businesses and help grow the knowledge of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people about their culture. He is now an indigenous tour guide with wukalina walk.
Financial assistance
Aboriginal students may be eligible for ABSTUDY – a financial payment for Aboriginal students from Centrelink.
For more information or to check your eligibility* to access financial support contact your local Aboriginal Support Officer listed below.
Celebrating culture
Each year our Aboriginal Support Program promotes and celebrates Aboriginal culture and events on campus such as NAIDOC week, National Sorry Day, Aboriginal Children’s Day and many more.
Keep an eye out on our Aboriginal Support Programs Facebook page for information relating to these events.
Contact us
Come in for a chat with your local Aboriginal Support Officer to explore your course options and learn about the services and support available at TasTAFE.
North
Alanvale Campus
Amy Whiting
Monday 9.00am - 2.40pm
Tuesday 9.00am - 4.00pm
Wednesday 9.00am - 2.40pm
Thursday 9.00am - 2.40pm
Phone: 6777 2515
Email: amy.whiting@tafe.tas.edu.au
North West
Burnie Campus (Monday, Tuesday and Friday)
Michelle Purdy
Phone: 6464 2048
Email: michelle.purdy@tafe.tas.edu.au
Devonport Campus (Wednesday and Thursday)
Michelle Purdy
Phone: 6464 2048
Email: michelle.purdy@tafe.tas.edu.au
South
Campbell Street Campus
Jan Langridge
Phone: 6165 5803
Email: jan.langridge@tafe.tas.edu.au
^All references to Aboriginal also include Torres Strait Islanders.
*Confirmation of eligibility for Tasmanian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services is required.