At Bendigo TAFE, we are committed to ensuring that everyone; our students, staff, and communities, has equitable access to education, employment, and opportunities. Guided by our Social Justice Framework, we focus on removing systemic barriers to access, engagement, opportunities, and outcomes for our students and employees.
We recognise that equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just ideals but essential to our role as a leading educational institute and employer. Our approach is centred on real action; creating fairer workplaces, fostering inclusive learning environments, and supporting meaningful cultural change.
We focus on:
Implementing policies and programs that address inequality.
Building inclusive and respectful workplaces and learning environments.
Creating pathways for participation in education and employment.
Delivering action plans focused on Reconciliation, Gender Equality, Accessibility, LGBTIQA+, Cultural and Racial Inclusion.
Our vision for reconciliation is a future where First Nations peoples, their cultures, knowledge, and wisdom are celebrated and influence our approach to education, teaching and leadership.
To make this a reality, we are committed to strengthening our partnerships with First Nations communities, building trust and mutual respect, and ensuring that our staff and students engage confidently and meaningfully with First Nations peoples.
What We’re Doing
Embedding cultural safety across our campuses and services.
Strengthening partnerships with Traditional Custodians and First Nations organisations.
Expanding employment opportunities and increasing First Nations representation at Bendigo TAFE
Providing Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training (ICAT) for all staff.
Improving access and inclusion for First Nations students through our Indigenous Engagement Centre (IEC).
Read our Reconciliation Action Plan.
Bendigo TAFE is committed to advancing gender equality through education, workplace change, leadership development, and advocacy. Our Gender Equality Action Plan and participation in the Respect and Equality in TAFE (RET) framework is support by our Executive and Board endorsement our efforts to address gender-based discrimination and prevent sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
We have a majority female-identifying Board and Executive leading our organisation and are proactively supporting the development of women in leadership. Our policies and workplace culture ensure that transgender and nonbinary people’s identities and wellbeing are recognised and supported.
What We’re Doing
Challenging gender stereotypes and creating pathways for women in non-traditional fields.
Promoting flexible work to normalise and enable more men to take up parental leave and other caring responsibilities.
Taking a prevention-based approach to tackling gender-based violence.
Delivering training and education on
The drivers of gender-based violence.
How to challenge gender inequality and discrimination.
How to support someone who discloses they are experiencing violence.
Read our Public Statement of Commitment to the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence
Read our Gender Equality Action Plan (2022-2025)
Bendigo TAFE is committed to removing systemic barriers that prevent equitable access and participation, as these are what create disabling environments. Our Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan (2020-2025) ensures that students and staff with disability have the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive in education and employment.
What We’re Doing
Workplace Adjustment Passport – Making it easier for employees with disability, injury, illness, or health conditions to request and implement workplace adjustments.
Reasonable Adjustment Education – Supporting students by removing barriers to learning and assessment and ensuring they have access to the right tools and support.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – Training educators to create learning environments, curriculum and assessments that are inclusive for all students.
Increasing employment opportunities for people with disability through education, training, and work placements.
Students who need wellbeing, learning, or accessibility assistance can access tailored services through our Student Support and Success Team, including counselling, disability services, and academic assistance.
