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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

About our support

Every semester we welcome a large number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. We provide specialist, culturally appropriate support to help these students successfully complete their studies.

Student Support Services offer free and voluntary support to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students:

  • Study support
  • Advocacy
  • Referrals to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counselling services and community health services

Acknowledgement of Country

We wish to acknowledge the Whadjuk and Gnaala Karla peoples as the traditional custodians of their ancestral lands South Metropolitan TAFE’s campuses are situated on.

South Metropolitan TAFE also wishes to pay respects to the Whadjuk and Gnaala Karla elders past, present and emerging, and extend this respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who study with or work with our organisation.

South Metropolitan TAFE campuses are located in two Noongar regions in Perth as outlined in the image above.

SM TAFE has an active Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee (AEETC) that provides advice to the College on Aboriginal community, education and training needs and we celebrate significant Aboriginal events throughout the year across our Campuses, such as NAIDOC Day.

In 2022 our NAIDOC theme was "Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!" and we celebrated on 17 October at our Rockingham campus with over 200 student, staff and community attendees.

In 2023, the theme is "For our elders" and will be celebrated later in 2023 at one of our campuses. 

We have two Aboriginal Student Support Centres at the Thornlie and Rockingham campuses. They are friendly, culturally sensitive spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to seek advice, support and assistance with their studies, as well as feel physically, spiritually and emotionally protected. Both spaces promote shared respect, knowledge, education and are meeting places where free and open communication is valued.

For more information visit the Koora Marr facility page or the Kadadjiny Mia facility page.

We provide specialised training and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations at both local and state level. Tailored training packages can be adapted and customised to suit community, industry and employment needs.

Popular qualifications include leadership, cultural tourism, health, training and assessment, construction, hospitality, beauty, and community service.

For more information visit our customised training and workforce solutions page.

Our Jobs and Skills Centres at Mandurah, Rockingham and Thornlie campuses have culturally sensitive services to help students find work including:

  • Helping you plan a study pathway that suits your needs and work goals
  • Connecting you with employers looking to recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Help with your resume, job applications and interview skills
  • Help with your job search, including access to our Aboriginal services jobs board, where you can apply for jobs and save your portfolio and

Make an appointment with a Jobs and Skills Centre at Mandurah, Rockingham or Thornlie campus.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Support contact information

Appointments can be made to see an Aboriginal and Tores Strait Islander Student Support Services staff member at any campus.

Tel: 1800 001 001
Email: AS.support@smtafe.wa.edu.au

Students Fact Sheet (337 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)
   

Support for employers

If your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentice or trainee requires support we can help with study support, advocacy and pastoral care.    

Employers Fact Sheet (150 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)