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Indigenous Education is designed to attain two goals. The first is to ensure Indigenous students at all levels are able to particuipate in education and achieve appropriate, positive outcomes on an individual level. The second is to develop programs that assist the wider community to increase their understanding of Indigenous culture and history. The aim is to remove prejudice or racial intolerance. Part of both goals is to ensure that Indigenous languages remain alive in Australia.
In working to achieve these goals, it is essential to have Indigenous input at all levels from development to presentation and support. All levels and groups encourage this.
This page looks at Indigenous education in all Australian states & Territories. Other Information takes you to the second page.
The Second Page looks at Commonwealth involvement in this area, language related activity [see below], research and other information including portals, associations and more.
The Indigenous Resources page provides support and resources. For further Indigenous Language information, go to this page, as well as the second pages detailed above.
Select the relevant page for information by using the links above or the page number links at the top of this section.
If you are aware of any worthwhile information which is not included, suggestions or additions are welcome and will be given due consideration.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the following may contain images and voices of deceased persons.
States & Territories
Indigenous Education Units [IEUs] and Indigenous
Coordination Centres [ICCs]
These manage Indigenous Education Programs. This site lists all of these around Australia. Initially, call 1800 800 821
to connect to your nearest office. Using this number is the best way of contacting your local office.
Australian Capital Territory
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Policy
- Indigenous Education
Catholic Education Office, Canberra/Goulburn. Policy, purpose, definitions, employment, professional development and more. - Indigenous Education ACT
Statement from the Department of Education & Training regarding teaching of Indigenous students and their culture. - Indigenous Literacy and Numeracy
Information on the Indigenous Literacy and Numeracy Consultation Program, Teachers of Indigenous Students Network and links to further information and resources. - Indigenous Education Reports
Annual and Bi-Annual reports from 2001 to the present. - Indigenous Education Policy
Catholic Education Office, Canberra/Goulburn. - Useful Resources for Teachers of Indigenous Students
New South Wales
- A Guide to Community Consultation and Protocols
‘Consultation with Aboriginal communities is essential in the development of meaningful Aboriginal perspectives and studies across the curriculum. An active relationship between schools and their local Aboriginal community will enhance the learning experience of students, and promote Reconciliation through better understanding.’ Manual. - A Shared History
Teaching Aboriginal perspectives in the NSW Human Society & Its Environment K-6 syllabus. Rationale, protocols & guidelines, teaching ideas, resources, contacts, links. - Aboriginal Educational Contexts
‘Website includes teaching and learning resources for all Secondary KLAs, for the Primary curriculum, and in literacy and numeracy. It covers specialist areas such as Aboriginal Languages and current research on Aboriginal education.’ - Aboriginal Education Policy
Text, online and PDF versions. - Aboriginal Community Programs Unit, NSW Department Of Education
- Aboriginal
Studies - Curriculum Support Directorate
Support information document.
Board of Studies Syllabus
- Aboriginal Perspectives Through Integrated Units
- School Certificate Syllabi
- Syllabi and Specimen Higher School Certificate Exams
Charles Sturt University Indigenous Support Units
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National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
‘The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence will host programs and facilities for young Indigenous people to help them achieve their dreams and aspirations in the areas of sport, art, education and culture’. - TAFE - Aboriginal TAFE Programs and Support
Northern Territory
- Alice Springs Indigenous Education Strategy
‘Principles, initiatives and programs that the department has put in place to improve school attendance and results for Indigenous children.’ - Compulsory Teaching In English
For the first four hours in the day. Introduced in 2009 as one means to improve English literacy among Indigenous students and enhance numeracy. - Gottago to School
‘A Department of Employment, Education and Training [DEET] project, produced by Skinnyfish Music and performed by the legendary George Rrurrambu. The specially produced song forms part of the animated School Attendance DVD - to promote the importance of going to school to Indigenous youth.’ - Indigenous Languages & Culture Report
- Indigenous Education Strategic Plan 2009-2012
- Indigenous Schools
Catholic Education Office]. Select Curriculum then Indigenous Schools. Professional Learning, Learning Activities, Teacher Resources, Curriculum Framework. - Indigenous Students Leadership and Mentorship Program
Part of the Building Better Schools program. - Indigenous Training in Regional and Remote Areas
‘Four regional and ten remote training centre facilities assist and support regional and remote communities in accessing vocational training programs.’ - Learning Lessons
Independent review of Indigenous Education in the NT. - More Indigenous Teachers
‘The Department of Employment, Education and Training [DEET] is offering a number of Indigenous Territorians scholarships in Teacher Education.’ - The Northern Territory Indigenous Education Council
‘Peak representative body, which will provide expert advice and recommendations to both the NT Government and Australian Government Ministers for Education on Indigenous education issues in the Northern Territory. A key role of the Council is to consult directly with Indigenous people across the Territory on a regular basis and reflect Indigenous people’s views and aspirations on education services and outcomes.’ - Teaching, You Can Do It
‘Indigenous Territorians considering a career as a teacher are encouraged to apply for scholarships, cadetships and fellowships that provide financial and study support.’
Queensland
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
‘Was established at the University of Queensland in 1984. Its objective is to become a centre of excellence and expert opinion on teaching, research and consultation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to maintain a committed system of personal and academic support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at the University of Queensland.’ - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Unit …
Murri Thusi. Information for Indigenous education. - Brochure for Parents of Indigenous Prep Children
‘Designed for distribution to Aboriginal parents, Torres Strait Islander parents and their communities.’ - Equity in Education
Equity in Indigenous education. - Indigenous Education [QCEC]
Queensland Catholic Education Commission. Indigenous Education Program Elements, Indigenous Perspectives, access a submission.. - Indigenous Education Leadership Institute
‘The result of an innovative partnership between Education Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. All our activities are designed to Improve Indigenous Student Outcomes throughout Australia.’ - Indigenous Perspectives
‘Teachers, parents and Indigenous education workers can easily find resources and curriculum materials for Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students. Indigenous perspectives refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, viewing and relating to the world, and these curriculum materials provide a basis for teaching all students about our Indigenous cultures.’ - Kulkathil Community Skill Centre
‘Innovative, holistic and grounded approach to Indigenous education, training, employment, enterprise development and community development.’ - Partners for Success
Partnerships for improving education and employment opportunities.
South Australia
- Aboriginal Access Centre
TAFE SA. case management information, Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme, locations and a link to Interactive Ochre, an e-learning resource. - Aboriginal Education and Employment Services
Contact details. - Aboriginal Education Publications
A listing from readers to professional development texts. Select Publications from the menu on the left. - Aboriginal Education Resource Centre
Access their catalogue online here. The menu on the left leads to several of the listed links plus other information. - Aboriginal Education Strategy
SACE Board Projects. A related site is the Aboriginal Engagement in the SACE
listing ‘strategies for supporting personalised learning for Aboriginal students to achieve their SACE’. - Countering Racism Support Resources
Lins to policy, guidelines, Face the Facts and the Countering Racism document in Word format. Select Countering Racism from the menu on the left. - David Unaipon Indigenous College of Education and Research
‘The longest servicing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education program in Australia dating back to 1973. ICER is an integral part of the University of South Australia.’ - Indigenous Education [Catholic
Education]
Indigenous Education Team, support they provide and programs in which they are involved. - Individual Learning Plan for Aboriginal Learners
‘This identified priority will lead to the development of an Individual Learning Plan for every Aboriginal student and child to identify and support their individual learning needs.’ - Useful Websites, Indigenous
Sites collated by the Department of Education and Children’s Services. Select Useful Websites from the menu on the left. Includes television series, school-based material, historical records, teaching notes and more.
Tasmania
- Aboriginal Education Contacts
Education Officers and the Unit. - Aboriginal Education
Programs, support materials, support for students, policy, scholarships. - Aboriginal Education, Catholic Education Office
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Education Association
Advisory board. - Aboriginal Education Programs
Listing, contacts, email addresses. - It’s Your Choice
Looks at options covering polytechnics, academic and apprenticeship areas. Not restricted to indigenous students. - Oana Mallacka
Tasmanian Plan of Action for increasing Aboriginal people’s access to vocational education and training.
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Victoria
- Aboriginal Best Start
‘Prevention and early intervention project that aims to improve the health, development, learning and wellbeing of all Victorian children from pregnancy through to transition to school [usually taken to be eight years of age].’ This is the Indigenous project section. - Career Resource Guidelines for Koorie Young
People
Information, contact details. - Dardee Boorai
Victorian Charter of Safety and Wellbeing for Aboriginal Children and Young People. ‘Sets out shared values and principles and commits to improving outcomes for Victoria’s Aboriginal children and young people.’ - Education Strategy for Koorie Students - Wannik
‘The overarching principle of the Government’s strategy is about delivering the best possible education to Victoria’s Koorie students.’ Began in 2008.
There appear to be some problems with this site. It will be maintained only until the next update unless these are resolved.
The Strategy is found here. - Services for Koorie Students
Department of Education & Early Childhood Development. - TAFE and University Koorie Units
‘Want to find a TAFE or University which can support Koorie young people in their studies ? Links to all Victorian and some interstate TAFE and University Koorie units.’ - Victorian Aboriginal Education Association [Inc.]
‘Involvement of Victorian Koorie community members in decision making regarding education and training provision for Koorie students.’
Western Australia
- Aboriginal Education Publications
Reports, plans, policies. - Aboriginal Independent Community Schools
Links to the 13 schools. - Aboriginal Mentoring Program
- Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum
‘A project that aims to broaden and deepen students’ and teachers’ understanding of Aboriginal cultures and ways of being. Teaching APAC will assist all students to be able to look at the world from an Aboriginal viewpoint and understand the different Aboriginal points of view on a range of issues such as reconciliation, social justice and equality.’ A listing of Lesson Plans is very good. Accessed by levels, subjects, even Districts. - Aboriginal Programs/Projects/Initiatives
- Best Start for Aboriginal Families
‘Best Start is a service for Aboriginal children from birth to five years which aims to improve their life opportunities. Projects and activities are provided to enhance their health, education, social and cultural development.’ - Curtin Aboriginal Studies Centre
‘Our aim is to promote Aboriginal and Islander peoples’ participation in tertiary studies, to ensure the courses and services we offer are culturally appropriate, and to create new ways of learning and working for the benefit of all. We provide our students with the skills and abilities they need to work in the community, at the same time as promoting a positive sense of Aboriginal identity, culture and heritage.’ - Future Footprints
‘An additional support structure for Indigenous students from regional and remote areas of WA attending residential schools in Perth. The goal of Future Footprints is to support students’ engagement in education and to enhance students’ transition to and from school, to further education, employment or training.’ Part of the AIS site. - Relationships, Relationships, Relationships -
That’s what sells school to Aboriginal Students and Parents [1998]. Article referring to Aboriginal people. - Welcome to The Aboriginal Education Directorate and its Sitemap, Calendar, policies, programs, links and more.

