New support facility at South West Regional College of TAFE

4/11/96

Aboriginal students will have access to a new support facility at the South West Regional College of TAFE's Bunbury campus, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore announced today.

Officially opening the Ngala Maya student centre, Mr Moore said it would be a place for Aboriginal students to meet, to obtain information about courses, careers and employment, and to receive tutorial support.

"It would also help the students to adapt to college life which for many was a new cultural experience," he said.

The Minister said the centre, which would have a staff of four, was appropriately named Ngala Maya, which meant 'our place' in the Nyungar language.

"The centre will be particularly beneficial for increasing numbers of Nyungar students who are entering mainstream courses," he said.

"The centre reinforces the college's contribution to improving education facilities for Aboriginal people in the South-West.

"The increasing participation of Nyungar people in vocational education and training is illustrated by their continuing demand for places in existing courses and for the establishment of courses they identify as being crucial to their futures."

There are currently 47 full-time Nyungar students enrolled in access and vocational courses at the college.

This is an increase of 31 on those who enrolled in the first Aboriginal access intake in 1981.

"Many graduates of Aboriginal access courses at the college have gone on to achieve their education and vocational goals," Mr Moore said.

"Among them are all of the current Nyungar staff members of the college in Bunbury and the regional campuses."

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595