To connect Aboriginal youth with sustainable careers through education based solutions

Hi, and welcome to our first newsletter as part of our efforts to keep our stakeholders informed of what we are doing in terms of implementing the OCHRE Opportunity Hub in the Upper Hunter. We welcome feedback and comment on our activities and initiatives, as part of the communication and collaboration process, as well as ideas and suggestions from our stakeholders and the community in general.

OUR GOALS

• Increased participation, engagement and retention of Aboriginal students at school
• Increased aspirations and expectations of career pathways for Aboriginal students
• Increased enrolment in post-school education and further training opportunities
• Increased placement of Aboriginal people in sustainable careers
• Increased links between community, employers and service providers

OUR REGION

Primarily based in Singleton at the Youth Venue, but also operating north to Murrurundi, to Cassilis, east to Ellerston, and all schools in between – govern-ment, catholic and independent

OUR TEAM

Project Officer Elizabeth Howard 0447 063 692
elizabeth.howard@aes.org.au

Project Manager Rob Russell 0407 951 430
Robert.Russell@aes.org.au

WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING

School meetings:
Muswellbrook South PS with Principal Karen Rayner (relieving) and with Stage 3 teachers Tara Anderson, Michelle Canning & Sharon Crooks, and Aboriginal staff Melissa Kelman & Jeanine Pasoce;
Scone HS with Principal Leigh Rowney (relieving) and Learning Support Teacher Marika Eveleigh, and with Year 10 Adviser Krystal Davis at our launch;
Muswellbrook HS with Principal Brian Drewe (relieving) and Deputy Principal Grant Herbert (relieving)
Broke PS with Principal Kathy Nott
Singleton HS with Principal Tony Jarrett, Head Teacher Aboriginal Studies Tracey Holloway and Singleton AECG President Deirdre Heitmeyer
St Joseph’s HS Aberdeen with Principal John Tobin
Community Organisation meetings:
Wanaruah LALC with CEO Noel Downs
Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation with General Manager Taasha Layer and Consultant Gail Easton
Singleton & Upper Hunter LAECGs (joint meeting) with Presidents Melisa Powell & Deirdre Heitmeyer, and Executives Jo Vinson, Jo Whalan, Jeanine Pascoe & David Newham (thanks to Wanaruah LALC for the venue)
Upper Hunter/Muswellbrook Schools & Services Forum to raise awareness of services/programs available & to network with community organisations. Next is Singleton 28 May.
Educators/RTOs meetings:
WEA Hunter with Business Development Officer Liz Davias
Polly Farmer Enrichment Centre at Muswellbrook TAFE with Coordinator Debbie Douglass