Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative (GEGAC) claimed the coveted Dr Mary Atkinson – Koorie Organisation Award and TAFE Gippsland has taken out a major award for Koorie studies at the 2019 Wurreker Awards.
TAFE Gippsland claimed the Innovative Koorie Pathways TAFE Award recognising the contribution of TAFE Gippsland in providing opportunities and outstanding results in VET for Gippsland’s koorie students.
TAFE Gippsland head of department, transition and learning support, Shae McGregor, said the award was clear recognition of the outstanding work achieved by institute staff.
“TAFE Gippsland is very proud to receive the Innovative Koorie Learner Pathways award in recognition of the work that we’re doing to create opportunities and engage koorie learners in education,” Ms McGregor said.
“The award recognises the teaching and support staff of TAFE Gippsland who work in our koorie unit and throughout the organisation.
“They work directly with students, our teachers and trainers who provide high quality programs to engage and increase the employment outcomes of our students.”
Ms McGregor acknowledged TAFE Gippsland’s valued partners, providers and community organisations across the Gippsland region.
“We work closely with a range of organisations including DHHS, VACCA, GEGAC, Dept Justice and we also highly value the advice of GLAWAC; these relationships ensure our programs meet learner and industry needs,” Ms McGregor said.
“By working with providers such as GEGAC, Gippsland Employment Skills Training and Paynesville Neighbourhood House, we ensure the training delivered is appropriate to the cohort and assists TAFE Gippsland in delivering real vocational education outcomes for our learners.
“TAFE Gippsland is also delighted to acknowledge the wonderful work of GEGAC and we warmly congratulate them on winning the Dr Mary Atkinson Koorie Organisation Award at the Wurreker Awards.”
According to organising body the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association (VAEAI) the awards evening was “another fantastic example of community coming together and the growing emphasis on strengthening training and employment structures to further nurture the koorie community”.
“VAEAI’s annual Wurreker Awards are an important part of our approach to growing success in Koorie education and training. The awards are a celebration of how high-quality training can open up new directions for Koorie people,” the association said.
PICTURED: TAFE Gippsland has claimed the Innovative Koorie Pathways – TAFE Award. Proudly displaying the award are (back) Corey Harding, Grant Radford, Terrie Crow, Peter Corser (front) Paula Morrison, Shae McGregor, Steph Ellul and Jo Wilson. (Photo: Tyson Austin and VAEAI).
