First Nations support

First Nations Support

Kiara Gunton-Saunders, First Nations Coordinator
Email: kiara.gunton-saunders@swtafe.edu.au
Mobile: 0403 169 635

The First Nations Coordinator provides Indigenous consultation between South West TAFE and local Indigenous organisations.

They 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
• The development and implementation of the SWTAFE’s Reconciliation Action Plan
• Implementation of the Wurreker Strategy and Marrung Plan.

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

The First Nations Coordinator also provides cultural awareness training to staff during induction so that all staff are aware of the customs and history of our local peoples.

Skye Henry-Litster, First Nations Student Support Officer
Location: Warrnambool, Colac and Sherwood Park campuses
Email: skye.henry-litster@swtafe.edu.au
Mobile: 0477 041 046

Our First Nations Student Support Officers (FNSSO) provide direct support to First Nations learners aiming to foster a positive and productive education experience. They are available to assist you with questions you have with your enquiries, enrolment, studies and home work.

The FNSSO are here to help with:

• Support with SWTAFE enrolment process
• Assist with navigating around campus, getting to class and meeting other First Nations students
• Orientation to TAFE services: Learning Success Team, Student Wellbeing, Library, Skills and Jobs Centre
• Assist with time management and study tips
• Abstudy and Scholarship application assistance
• Liaising with teaching and support staff, on behalf of the First Nations students.

Financial help

We have a range of scholarships available to First Nations 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.