Aboriginal Education Centres

There are many great success stories in which Aboriginal people have completed TAFE qualifications and have gone on to enjoy successful and rewarding careers.

TAFE NSW also develops specific courses and programs to meet the vocational and educational needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people.

The Aboriginal Education and Training Units (AETU's) provide support and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Services include:

• assisting students to choose the right course
• helping with individual study needs
• providing specific courses for the education and training of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• tutorial support

Aboriginal Education Coordinators are located throughout the Institute. For advice, or to make an appointment please phone:

Highlands Phone: 6298 4421

(Moss Vale, Goulburn, Queanbeyan & Yass)

Illawarra Phone: 4229 0142

(Dapto, Shellharbour, Wollongong, Wollongong West & Yallah)

Shoalhaven Phone: 4421 9977

(Nowra & Ulladulla)

South East Phone: 4474 1840

(Bega, Cooma & Moruya)

Manager Aboriginal Education & Training Phone: 4474 1826

ABSTUDY

ABSTUDY provides financial assistance for Indigenous people who undertake approved full-time or part-time study.

It may be able to help you if you are young, Indigenous and are undertaking:

• primary school studies and you are 14 years or over at 1 January each
  new year
• secondary school studies
• full-time or part-time studies after having left school
• a distance education/correspondence course
• Masters or Doctorate study.

The main benefits available under ABSTUDY include Living Allowance, School Term Allowance, School Fees Allowance, Rent Assistance, Remote Area Allowance, Pharmaceutical Allowance, ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement and an Advance Loan. ABSTUDY payment rates depend on a number of factors such as your age and the course you are studying, and whether you need to live away from home.

Information and claim forms can be obtained from any Centrelink office or by calling the ABSTUDY enquiries line Phone 13 2317.