The New South Wales Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG Inc.) in conjunction with the Department of Education’s Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships Directorate will be conducting a STEM Camp for Aboriginal students from Years 5 and Year 6. To commence the process the NSW AECG Inc. is calling for Expressions of Interest from schools with Aboriginal students in the nominated years.

The camp will contribute to creating the generational change required for students to achieve better outcomes at school and access post-school learning and employment pathways, in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Camps such as this assist in opening up careers of the future for Aboriginal students.

The NSW AECG Inc. is committed and actively involved in supporting and raising the academic achievement of Aboriginal students. We aim to empower students to be active learners in their education and training by providing opportunities to develop skills in leadership roles within their schools and communities. This camp will look at opportunities that can inspire and motivate students who may be thinking of a career in STEM or who simply want to challenge themselves.

Schools to complete Expressions of Interest (EOI) on behalf of students hoping to attend the camp. EOIs can be completed through a google forms process using the following link: Forms

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group coordinated an event at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence on Tuesday, May 24 to launch the film ‘Honouring Our Aboriginal Education Officers’. The film features Aunty Ruth Simms, the longest standing Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) in NSW. Aunty Ruth, who is also a NSW AECG Life Member, has served in the AEO role for 45 years. The event focussed on honouring AEOs across NSW and celebrating Aunty Ruth’s dedication, commitment and passion for the education of Aboriginal students and all students. Whilst the spotlight was on Aunty Ruth the NSW AECG acknowledges all Aboriginal Education Officers and the importance of their role across NSW. 

Approximately 40 people attended the event including Elders, AEOs, Senior Department of Education representatives, NSW AECG Life Members, family members of Aunty Ruth, and former and current teachers and principals. 

After an Acknowledgement of Country was given in Cadigal language by Alexandria Park Students, Leigh Ridgeway, Vice President of the NSW AECG, opened the event by honouring Aunty Ruth as the longest serving AEO and honouring the work of all AEOs across NSW. He also stated “I feel the Department of Education should be employing more AEOs in our schools. Aboriginal student numbers are increasing and our students like all students need support. More AEOs will help our students and communities engage with education.” 

Life Members and former NSW AECG President and Vice President, Bob Morgan and John Lester spoke at the event about the history around the AEO role, the AECG’s related work and they both acknowledged Aunty Ruth’s significant contribution.     

Catherine Trindall, President of the NSW AECG, said that “it’s wonderful that we’ve been able to recognise and honour Aunty Ruth Simms in this way. The NSW AECG will look forward to distributing the film to schools across the state and to support professionally developing school leadership and teachers so that they can work more effectively with their AEOs. We will also work towards increasing our advocacy efforts to the NSW Department of Education to better recognise and value the importance of the AEO role.” 

Aunty Ruth Simms closed the event. “I’d like to thank the NSW AECG for    putting on this event and we really appreciate and thank everyone who made the journey to be here today…and I really appreciate Bob and John’s contribution and I would like to acknowledge all AEOs.” 

For more information regarding this media release contact:
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Expression of Interest
PROJECT OFFICER – PIRRU THANGKURAY
Location: Tuggerah Lakes

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG) is seeking expressions of interest for a Project Officer to join the Pirru Thangkuray team, with the aim to meet the Premiers Priority: to increase the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining year 12 by 50% by 2023, while maintaining their cultural identity.

Type of Employment: Full time – 35 hours per week
Annual Salary: $72,800 Gross plus Superannuation

Requirements of the Position:
• Aboriginality
• A paid Working with Children’s Check and National Police Check (Probity)
• Current Driver’s License
• Evidence of double vaccination
• Effective Oral and written Communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated skills to engage and work across a variety of stakeholders
• Understanding of Education and working with Aboriginal students in High School
• Able to facilitate and deliver Cultural Engagement programs.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver goal setting strategies
• Knowledge of the Aboriginal Community
• Understanding and knowledge of community, government and non-government service providers
and support programs.

The successful applicant will work across a targeted number of schools within the Tuggerah Lakes area. The Project Officer will be an employee of the NSW AECG INC. and will work in collaboration with the Pirru Thangkuray (Dream Strong) Cultural Engagement and Goal Setting Team

Note: NSW AECG Inc. considers that being Aboriginal is a genuine occupational qualification
under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

For further information contact: Troy Freeburn Project Coordinator, on 0428 957 607

APPLICATIONS DUE: 20th May COB
EOI Dreaming Strong (Tuggerah Lakes)

Expression of Interest
PROJECT OFFICER – PIRRU THANGKURAY
Location: Tuggerah Lakes

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG) is seeking expressions of interest for a Project Officer to join the Pirru Thangkuray team, with the aim to meet the Premiers Priority: to Increase the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining year 12 by 50% by 2023, while maintaining their cultural identity.

Type of Employment: Full time – 35 hours per week
Annual Salary: $72,800 Gross plus Superannuation

Requirements of the Position
• Aboriginality
• A paid Working with Children’s Check and National Police Check (Probity)
• Current Driver’s License
• Evidence of double vaccination
• Effective Oral and written Communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated skills to engage and work across a variety of stakeholders
• Understanding of Education and working with Aboriginal students in High School
• Able to facilitate and deliver Cultural Engagement programs.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver goal setting strategies
• Knowledge of the Aboriginal Community
• Understanding and knowledge of community, government and non-government service providers
and support programs.

The successful applicant will work across a targeted number of schools within the South Coast
area. The Project Officer will be an employee of the NSW AECG INC. and will work in collaboration with the Pirru Thangkuray (Dream Strong) Cultural Engagement and Goal Setting Team

Note: NSW AECG Inc. considers that being Aboriginal is a genuine occupational qualification
under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

For further information contact: Troy Freeburn Project Coordinator, on 0428 957 607

APPLICATIONS DUE: 20th May COB

EOI Dreaming Strong South Coast

Aboriginal residents and Aboriginal businesses in LGAs declared as disaster areas may be eligible for assistance from the NSW Government. Routine communications provide access to services such as financial assistance for immediate needs, mental health support and more, see below for resources. Service NSW customer care specialists are available to help flood-affected customers with services and support on 13 77 88 for information on assistance available.

The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) have released the 2022 East Coast Emergency Response Grants Program to support Indigenous corporations:
https://www.ilsc.gov.au/home/news/2022-east-coast-floods-emergency-response-grant-program/

There continues to be a number of updates to the disaster relief and support services. If you have been impacted, you may be eligible for Disaster relief assistance and support from the NSW Government. Information continues to be updated with current information and guidelines regularly on the Disaster Assistance Finder online tool:

• Disaster relief & Support
• Natural disaster declarations
• To submit a claim – NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements
• Clean up and waste
• Recovery Centres

Outreach, volunteering and how you can help:

• GIVIT are working with government agencies and local communities to manage offers of donated items, services and funds for people impacted by floods across parts of NSW. https://www.givit.org.au/storms-and-flooding.
• For financial donations, consider the Red Cross Flood Appeal – https://www.redcross.org.au/floodsappeal/
• If you would like to donate to the Lismore Flood Appeal – information can be found at https://lismore.nsw.gov.au/flood-2022-information
• For those looking to volunteer in flood affected areas, please contact your local SES branch for more information on how you may be able to assist.