The Department of Education and Training acknowledges and pays respects to Elders and all Victorian Aboriginal communities. We honour and respect Traditional Owners, past and present, and value the rich culture and history of the First Peoples of this land. Throughout this document the term Koorie is used to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Use of the terms Aboriginal, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous are retained in the names of programs and initiatives and unless noted otherwise are inclusive of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. MARRUNG (pron: MA-roong): Wemba Wemba word for the Murray Cypress pine tree (Callitris columellaris) – representing branches of education and knowledge. We thank the Wemba Wemba people for allowing the use of their language in the naming of Marrung. Artwork: The stories painted on the timber bollards were designed as part of the Spreading the Message project which brought together a group of Koorie young people from Northern Bay P-12 College to share their experiences and stories through art. Their art illustrates the diversity of Koorie young people, their understanding of culture and aspirations for connections to family and community. This project has opened a dialogue between Koorie and non-Koorie young people in their local school community, a fundamental step to building relationships that break down stereotypes and progress reconciliation. Published by the Department of Education and Training Melbourne July 2016 ©State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training) 2016 The copyright in this document is owned by the State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training), or in the case of some materials, by third parties (third party materials). No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, the National Education Access Licence for Schools (NEALS) (see below) or with permission. An educational institution situated in Australia which is not conducted for profit, or a body responsible for administering such an institution may copy and communicate the materials, other than third party materials, for the educational purposes of the institution. Authorised by the Department of Education and Training, 2 Treasury Place, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002. ISBN 978-0-7594-0814-2 ACCESSIBILITY This document is also available on the internet at
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT: HIGHER EDUCATION AND SKILLS THE OUTCOMES WE WANT Koorie learners transition successfully into further education and employment. Koorie people have opportunities to access education at all stages of life. Actions will contribute to the following targets: Halve the gap for Aboriginal Australians aged 20–24 in Year 12 attainment or equivalent rates by 2020 (COAG and VAAF) We will also continue to track the following measures: Rate of transition of Aboriginal young people aged 18–24 to employment and/ or further education (VAAF) * Reporting against relevant future measures and targets will also be accommodated as part of Marrung’s accountability framework. Education and training are vital to achieving better life outcomes for all young people. Strong learning and development foundations are essential to ensuring Koorie learners have access to the full range of higher education and training pathways, and subsequent economic opportunities, in order to lead healthier and more prosperous lives. Against a backdrop of strong increases in recent years of Koorie participation in VET, in 2014 there were fewer enrolments in government subsidised training by people who often face barriers to education including Koorie learners. Despite this decrease the number of enrolments in Certificate III and above courses increased by seven per cent. There have also been changes in where Koorie learners are choosing to study, with the majority now undertaking their training in non-TAFE settings. As a result we need to ensure Koorie learners are supported within the training system regardless of where they choose to study. The Government currently funds 21 Koorie Liaison Officer (KLO) positions to work with TAFE and dual sector institutes to provide advice for Koorie students on training courses and pathways. They also provide mentoring and cultural support as required. Eight Wurreker Broker positions are funded through VAEAI to facilitate community engagement with training providers and industry and identify employment trends, opportunities and information related to Koorie education and training participation and outcomes. An independent VET Funding Review has provided advice to Government on how to improve the quality, stability and sustainability of the Victorian training market. The Government’s response to the Review outlines three overarching objectives for the sector: deliver quality training that meets