2021 Bendigo TAFE Health and Community Course Guide

INDIGENOUS The Indigenous Education Centres (IEC) at our Bendigo and Echuca campuses are innovative environments that foster and promote Indigenous learning, while supporting Indigenous students undertaking study and training in a wide array of courses across the institute. Honouring the traditional landowners of the area across Bendigo and Echuca which include the Djaara people of the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Wollithiga people of the Yorta Yorta Nation, the centre merges the cultural heritage and values of these landowners with contemporary Aboriginal culture and strong networks with key Aboriginal organisations to ensure that our students are supported through their time with us. As one of the state’s largest providers of training and education, Bendigo TAFE delivers a range of courses and programs. Our courses are designed in consultation with communities and employers which means that Aboriginal students gain skills and knowledge while improving their networks and employment options. The Indigenous Education Centre plays an important role in supporting Aboriginal students at Bendigo TAFE, providing them with a welcoming environment at all times and assisting them where required to find the course of their choice, getting enrolled and starting their training. OUR STUDENTS The IEC welcomes all Indigenous Australians. Our students come from many different backgrounds ranging from early school leavers to people over 50. We support students engaged in a variety of courses across the TAFE, from foundation to entry level courses which include language, literacy, numeracy and computer skills, cultural education and advanced courses from the Certificate I level all the way to diplomas and advanced diplomas. Students learn through a combination of classroom, practical, flexible and online learning techniques. A majority of the students engage in the course of their choice at the TAFE and use the IEC for cultural activities or for support (if required). We also conduct a number of events through the year, celebrating Aboriginal culture and key milestones to which all the students are invited to along with their friends and family. INDIGENOUS EDUCATION CENTRE Most importantly, we have dedicated Koori Liaison Officers based at the IEC to assist students in accessing the full range of support services through the institute, as well as assisting them navigate their way in dealing with government agencies and other relevant organisations. To speak with one of our Koori Liaison Officers please contact us on: Bendigo: 5434 1462 | Echuca: 5483 1340 OUR PARTNERSHIPS The IEC has forged strong relationships with key Aboriginal organisations across Victoria. We work closely with these organisations to ensure that our students have access to all the resources they require throughout their time with us. We also encourage our students to form and establish their own relationships with these organisations and support facilities in order to continue working with them as they move from their TAFE course into a career. INDIGENOUS CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING (ICAT) We are committed to supporting your organisation in gaining a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History and Culture. This program will enable your workforce to build successful working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The ICAT program is designed to provide participants with a practical understanding required for successfully working with the Victorian Indigenous Community. It also builds awareness of Indigenous issues and aims to eradicate apprehension or misconception about Indigenous people. The program is tailored to not only provide a historical perspective but to also provide learning which can be applied in every day situations. We focus on developing improvement of strategies targeted at Indigenous recruitment and employment. We also offer follow-up support and ongoing consultation. For more information, please contact : 9279 2357 15 14