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Southbank Institute of Technology School of Indigenous Australian People students Nathan Power and Llewellyn Williams. |
Changing the face of Indigenous education
Issue 178 - 28 May 2009
Brisbane
QUEENSLAND
ISSUE 178, May 28, 2009: Brisbane has a new educational centre for Indigenous Australians.
The state-of-the-art Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) campus is now home to a new school focused on creating educational opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
The School of Indigenous Australian People became a school in its own right in January this year and was developed from the Indigenous studies unit which has operated for more than 20 years within the Institute's Faculty of Business and Community Education.
Nationally acclaimed educator Wayne Muir, a Yorta Yorta/Barkinji man, said the school was committed to offering diversity, specialised services and a complete understanding of Indigenous culture.
"I don't think there is an equivalent Indigenous facility anywhere else in Australia," Mr Muir said.
"The School of Indigenous Australian Peoples has developed programs specifically to support and address the training needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
"The school includes an Indigenous gallery and Kurilpa gathering area.
"Currently more than 300 students are enrolled in courses ranging from cultural studies, education and community services to business administration, hospitality, sport and recreation and training and assessment."
Mr Muir said the school was privileged to have the support of local elders, the Indigenous Community Advisory Council, industry and government.
"We are seeing significant change as a result of the courses being offered at Southbank," Mr Muir said.
"We are on a journey that is delivering results and Southbank students are making real and exciting changes in their lives.
"By understanding cultural sensitivities and providing training and educational opportunities that recognise these issues, Southbank is seeing enrolment numbers increase and students being employed across a wide range of industries."
SBIT graduate and successful businesswoman Llewellyn Williams said traditional issues not understood within the broader community often prevented students from successfully completing studies.
"Family and community are very important to Indigenous people," Ms Williams said.
"Our responsibility to our traditions is fully understood at Southbank and if students need to take time off to support their families there are no repercussions.
"It is not viewed as being slack or unwilling to complete the tasks, it is recognised as a cultural responsibility."
For further information call Southbank Institute of Technology on 13 72 48 or visit www.southbank.edu.au
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