The Djjimbayang Indigenous Engagement Centre at our Bendigo campus is an innovative environment that fosters and promotes Indigenous learning, while supporting Indigenous students undertaking study and training in a wide array of courses across the institute.

Honouring the traditional landowners of the area across Bendigo and Echuca which include the Djaara people of the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Wollithiga people of the Yorta Yorta Nation, the centre merges the cultural heritage and values of these landowners with contemporary Aboriginal culture and strong networks with key Aboriginal organisations to ensure that our students are supported through their time with us.

Djjimbayang plays an important role in supporting our Aboriginal students by providing them with a welcoming environment at all times and assisting them where required to find the TAFE course of their choice, getting enrolled and starting their training.

A majority of the students engage in the TAFE course of their choice at the institute and use Djjimbayang for social activities or for support (if required). We also conduct a number of events through the year, celebrating Aboriginal and Indigenous culture and key milestones to which all the students are invited to along with their friends and family.

Our Koorie Student Academic Support Officers and Koorie Liaison Officers are the first point of contact for our students. They support in a number of ways. The supports we can offer our students include:

• Offering relevant support to meet student’s educational aspirations
• Be the first point of contact to triage enquiries and issues
• Organise Literacy and Numeracy Support
• Organise Tutoring and Mentoring Support
• Liaise with other departments within Bendigo TAFE
• Pastoral Care and support referral

To speak with one of our staff please contact us here

Offering courses to develop basic creative and technical skills that underpin the visual arts and craft practice in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural arts contect.

View courses here

INDIGENOUS CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING (ICAT)

We are committed to maximising opportunities within Indigenous communities while addressing areas of disadvantage to restore the rights of Indigenous people.

The Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training (ICAT) program is designed to provide participants in corporate, government, business and educational environments with a practical understanding required for successfully working with the Victorian Indigenous Community. It also builds awareness of Indigenous issues and aims to eradicate apprehension or misconception about Indigenous people.

What the TAFE course entails:

The program is tailored to not only provide a historical perspective but to also provide learning which can be applied in everyday situations.

We focus on developing improvement of strategies targeted at Indigenous recruitment and employment and also offer follow-up support and ongoing Consultation as required.

Djjimbayang welcomes all Indigenous Australians. Our students come from many different backgrounds ranging from early school leavers to people over 50. We support Indigenous students engaged in a variety of TAFE courses across the institute, from foundation to entry level courses which include literacy, numeracy and computer skills, cultural education programs and advanced courses from the Certificate I level all the way to diplomas and advanced diplomas.

The Indigenous Engagement Centre offers students a range of free support services such as assistance with enrolment, tutoring, pastoral care and wellbeing.

To request support assistance complete this form for the member of the team to be in touch.

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