May 2018

Open Colleges introduces the Milton Smith Scholarship for ATSI students

Posted: May 28th, 2018

Open Colleges, Australia’s leading online educator, have announced the launch of The Milton Smith Scholarship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) students.

Australia is missing its target to halve the gap in unemployment between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians, with many claiming inadequate training and qualifications as a substantial barrier to gaining employment.

In light of this, Open Colleges will be offering four scholarships per calendar year, to the full course value, across a variety of areas including Business, Education and Beauty.

The scholarship, which comes as a first for Open Colleges, is offered in memory of former employee Milton Smith, his adventurous spirit, and his commitment to education. The scholarship aims to bring greater access to skills, education and support services.

Sarah MacDiarmid, a spokesperson from Open Colleges said: “We’re proud to be introducing the Milton Smith scholarship in memory of our dear friend and colleague. We aim to continue Milton’s passion by helping to support and educate the ATSI community and increase future employment opportunities.”

Open Colleges have been supporting over 800,000 students with world-class training for the last 100 years and are determined to continue providing students with the tools they need to achieve their employment goals.

Applications are now open and will close on June 15 this year.

For more details on the eligibility criteria click here.

Nyangumarta Rangers Showcase Event Highlights Achievements

Posted: May 28th, 2018

The Nyangumarta Rangers and Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) celebrated the official opening of their office space in Broome on Thursday 24 May. The event also highlighted the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) – a land and sea management initiative – and the activities undertaken by the Nyangumarta Rangers over the last three years.

Since the Nyangumarta IPA dedication in July 2015, the funding available for this program has increased ten-fold, mainly thanks to Federal funding through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) and the national IPA program. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion, also recently announced a three year funding extension for Indigenous Rangers from 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2021.

YMAC Chief Executive Officer, Simon Hawkins said “it’s great to see the Government continuing to support Indigenous Ranger Programs such as the Nyangumarta IPA. Involving Traditional Owners in the management of their land and sea country is important so the knowledge can be used to manage and care for natural and cultural assets, and be passed down to future generations.”

Nyangumarta Senior Cultural Advisor and Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation CEO Nyaparu Rose said “the program has not only generated employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, but it has also created a sense of community as we work together to care for our country. That’s why continued support from the government is important to ensure this program continues to reach its full potential.”

To view the full media release click here.

Strong Women On Country

Posted: May 18th, 2018

According to the ‘Strong Women On Country’ report, the case for growth of Indigenous ranger and Indigenous Protected Area programs is compelling. The case studies in the report demonstrate that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls are taking advantage of opportunities through land and sea management to further express and develop their strength, confidence and leadership.

The report also outlines the achievements of women protecting nature, demonstrating empowerment through their land and sea management careers, sustaining culture and strengthening communities. Each case study demonstrates the integrated benefits of Indigenous ranger jobs and Indigenous Protected Areas for women, their communities and every Australian.

To read the Strong Women On Country report click here.

Aboriginal Heritage Act Workshops

Posted: May 14th, 2018

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt has announced a review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, the legislation responsible for preserving and protecting Aboriginal Heritage in Western Australia. The release of the Consultation Paper marks the commencement of a three-phase public consultation process that will ultimately lead to the introduction of a new Aboriginal heritage legislation into the Western Australian Parliament. Community meetings and stakeholder workshops will be held across regional WA and in Perth throughout May 2018.

To find out more about the location of the workshops click here.