Supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students

Please note: the word Aboriginal' throughout this website refers to all people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. 

RAP small

Acknowledgement of Country

South Australia is home to over 30 Aboriginal groups with distinct beliefs, cultural practices and languages. TAFE SA has campus locations across South Australia.

TAFE SA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationship to the sky, land and waters of South Australia.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and are committed to engaging with Aboriginal communities and people to support, develop and empower them and their communities.

Aboriginal Access Centre

TAFE SA’s Aboriginal Access Centre (AAC) provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Whilst studying at TAFE SA, a Training Support Officer (TSO) is available to you for the duration of your course. Your TSO can assist you develop a learning plan that maps your education pathway. The TSO also acts as your link to lecturers and other sources of support.

AAC Students Office

Financial Help

Financial support is available to students who are studying vocational qualifications at TAFE SA, where you may be eligible for help with some or all of your fees. To apply for financial help, speak to your AAC Training Support Officer who will support you to complete an application.  

Student Counselling

Student counselling is available by appointment to all Aboriginal students undertaking training at TAFE SA.  Our Student Counsellors within the Student Success and Wellbeing team provide specialist, culturally appropriate support to help Aboriginal students successfully complete their studies.

Free and confidential support can be provided to assist with a range of personal issues impacting on training at TAFE SA.  Student counselling appointments can be booked online.

AAC students

Courses for Aboriginal-only classes

TAFE SA offer a range of dedicated courses delivered to groups of Aboriginal Students throughout metropolitan, regional and remote locations.

To learn more about the range of upcoming courses available, connect with the Aboriginal Access Centre.

Reconciliation Action Plan

TAFE SA's Reflect Reconciliation Plan (RAP) was launched in June 2021, and highlights TAFE SA's commitment to reconciliation.  The RAP is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, and outlines the actions TAFE SA will take to further reconciliation in four key areas: 

  • Relationships: Building positive, respectful and meaningful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, organisations communities and staff.
  • Respect: Recognising the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this land and honouring our commitment towards reconciliation and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage.
  • Opportunities: Contributing to closing the gap in education and employment outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal members of the community and supporting self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
  • Governance, Tracking Progress and Reporting: Monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the actions outlined in this Reflect RAP and identifying areas for improvement.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Artwork produced by Karen Briggs, Yorta Yorta woman. This artwork is a metaphor to represent a map of South Australia showing TAFE SA Campus' as waterholes represented by the larger circles in the artwork with the elements of land, sea and river through colour reflecting the 8 regions that span our state. 

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