Kangan Batman TAFE attracts top speakers for Koori Information Day
12 June 2003
Kangan Batman TAFE will play host to an impressive program of speakers for its Koori Information Day on the 19th of June.
This free event, organised by the Kangan Batman Student Union (KITSA) and the Koori Programs Unit, aims to raise awareness of the support services available to Koori and Torres Strait Islanders in the local community.
Guest speakers from ATSIC and Abstudy will be joined by renowned singer/songwriter Kutcha Edwards and Wurundjeri Elder Norman Hunter in a jam-packed program that aims to be both highly informative and entertaining.
The event will also feature Mr Chris Mara, Chairman of the Coles Indigenous Foods Fund, who will be speaking on Koori food support programs and providing samples of the Native Bush Sauces brand.
Robins Foods, an Indigenous Australian Foods-endorsed manufacturer, has also thrown their support behind the event and has donated a hamper of their products to be used as a door prize.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to find out about the course offered by Kangan Batman TAFE’s Koori Programs Unit, view artwork by the unit’s teachers and students and watch a performance by the Kangan Koori Band.
“There are many Indigenous students who are struggling financially because they and their families are not aware of the various schemes available to them, such as home loans and study support,” explained Koori Programs Unit Manager Terry Kildea.
“We have gathered a great program of enthusiastic speakers and we hope that Koori teenagers and their families will take advantage of this opportunity to come together as a community.”
Telephone Michael Burville for free tickets on (03) 9279 2599.
Koori Information Day - Thursday 19 June 2003, 11.30am to 3pm
Background information
Robins Australian Foods & Coles Indigenous Food Fund
For further information please visit:
http://www.robins.net.au
http://www.coles.com.au
About the Koori Programs Unit
Established in 1994, the Koori Programs Unit provides a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous Australian students at Kangan Batman TAFE's Broadmeadows campus. The unit currently supports around 500 students from diverse backgrounds, ranging from 14 year olds to people in their 50s.
Many are studying in courses specifically designed for Indigenous Australians. Others are studying in mainstream Kangan Batman TAFE courses, but use the unit for support if required (such as mentoring, tutoring, counselling, advice or referral to other services).
The Koori Programs Unit also delivers educational and cultural programs in corrections settings in the metropolitan area.
Most Koori Programs Unit staff, from the teachers to the office staff, are Indigenous Australians. The unit has close links to the local Koori community and organisations such as the Enmaraleek Association and the Glenroy Koori Open Door Education (KODE) school, and works closely with the Elders of the Wurundjeri people, who are the traditional owners of the area.
For further information contact Terry Kildea, Manager of the Koori Programs Unit, on (03) 9279 2359.
