The NSW AECG is an Aboriginal Community Controlled, Independent, Not for Profit Advocacy Group.

The AECG promotes respect, empowerment and self-determination and believes the process of collaborative consultation is integral to achieving equity in education & is fundamental to the achievement of equality.

The AECG advocates cultural affirmation, integrity & the pursuit of equality to ensure that the unique and diverse identity of Aboriginal people & students is recognised and valued.

The Governance arm of the AECG is made up of volunteer members who are elected to Office Bearer positions comprising a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and the Regional Representatives of the Association and/or Regional and/or Local as elected at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association.

AECG Office Bearers are actively involved in the Local and Regional AECG network throughout NSW and are the principal source of advice on behalf of Aboriginal communities on issues relating to Aboriginal education training and associated services.

The elected arm of the AECG is supported by a small NSW AECG Secretariat that provide administrative and management support to Local, Regional and State Executive Committees.

The NSW AECG has been busy negotiating and lobbying on a number of policies and practices that benefits Aboriginal people's access to education & training.

Our involvement with TAFE NSW this year has increased and we look forward to working with TAFE & the VET sector on some key national reforms that will impact on Aboriginal communities.

30,615 Aboriginal people who were enrolled in TAFE NSW courses in 2009 with an over representation of Aboriginal student enrolments in lower level access courses with 22,347 out of the 30,615 students in that category, but increasingly we see a shift towards higher level courses. Evidence suggests that students with a Certificate III or above are more likely to secure and sustain employment.

Interestingly enough TAFE enrolments reflect demographic characteristics of Aboriginal communities with 1/3 of the total Aboriginal enrolments being in the 15-19 year old cohort. On these statistics alone, it is imperative that we continue our work together.

Another highlight has been the roll out of our Cultural Immersion program. To date it has been delivered by the Hunter Regional AECG, Central Coast Regional AECG, Dubbo Local AECG, Nurringingy Local AECG, and Wollongong Local AECG & Campbelltown Local AECG.

Approximately 70 teachers have undertaken the program so far & all indications point to it being highly successful.

I would like to thank the people involved in the planning & delivery of the program. It has been fantastic and you have done a great job!!!!!

Cindy Berwick – NSW AECG President