Koorie support

Koorie Student Support

Our Koorie Student Support Officers are available to support our Koorie students by developing specific education and training programs to suit individual needs. The Koorie Student Support Officers will assist you to transition into SWTAFE and help you find your way around campus.

Koorie Student Support Officers service all campuses and are available to assist with:

• Support in the enrolment process.
• Information about fee payments and concessions.
• Choosing the right course to help you work towards your career choice.
• Essay and assignment writing and learning basic computer skills.
• Referrals to other support agencies.

Our course information and advice services are available to all current and prospective students. Groups or individuals who require information sessions for course information should also contact the education pathway team for further information.

Contact our Koorie Student Support Officers

Kiara Gunton-Saunders
Location: Portland and Hamilton campus
Email: kiara.gunton-saunders@swtafe.edu.au
Mobile: 5521 0472

Tanya DeBono
Warrnambool and Colac campuses
Email: tanya.debono@swtafe.edu.au
Mobile: 0466 471 975

Koorie Liaison

We also have a Koorie Liaison Team Leader who provides Indigenous consultation between South West TAFE and local Indigenous organisations.

Our Koorie Liaison Team Leader is here to help SWTAFE employees with:

• Engaging and liaising with community organisations
• Organising tours ‘on country’ at Moyjil, Budjbim or Koroitj
• The planning and implementation of the SWTAFE’s Indigenous Strategy
• Identifying educational needs within the communities of SWTAFE’s catchment
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the SWTAFE’s Reconciliation Action Plan
• Implementation of the Wurreker Strategy and Marrung Plan
• Provides cultural awareness training to staff during induction so that all staff are aware of the customs and history of our local people.

Contact our Koorie Liaison Team Leader

Shakira Reid
Location: Warrnambool, Portland, Hamilton and Colac campuses
Email: shakira.reid@swtafe.edu.au
Phone: (03) 5564 8586
Mobile: 0468 613 463

Financial help

We have a range of scholarships available to Koorie students to apply online.

You may be eligible for ABSTUDY – government financial help for Aboriginal students – from Centrelink. You can find out more from the Centrelink website.

Talk to our staff at your chosen campus to find out more about fee exemptions and concessions.