A barbeque lunch, special guest and performances by a local musician under a clear sunny sky were the on offer at Maclean Campus last Friday as North Coast TAFE recognises Reconciliation Week with a number of events being held across its North Coast campuses.
Yaegl Elder, Aunty Muriel Burns welcomed a large group of students, staff and guests to country, followed by David Prosser, TAFE Aboriginal Learning Liaison Officer, who gave a welcome to the meeting for Elder men and women in Gumbaynggirr and Bunjalung language.
Maclean Campus Manager Lyn McGuire, says that these meetings are a time to reflect on the special place that the north coast of NSW represents in Aboriginal Australia.
Special guest speaker Clark Webb, gave a stirring motivational address, “... reconciliation, it’s not about politics... it’s about people... people coming together” he said.
Clark belongs to Gumbaynggirr and Bunjalung nations and finished year 12 at Coffs Harbour High School, where he was School Captain, studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Archaeology and Aboriginal Studies in Sydney. Clark has set up his own business, RealBe, through which he delivers Cultural Engagement packages to business, schools etc.
Local singer songwriter Elsdon Charlton entertained the crown with performances of some of his original songs. ‘Most of my songs are about the place where I grew up in Maclean” Elsdon said.
North Coast TAFE released its Reconciliation Action Plan in Reconciliation Week in 2009. The plan focuses on strengthening relationships and respect, delivering on targets for Aboriginal learners in areas such as course participation and completion, and partnering with industry and Aboriginal communities to improve employment outcomes.
Director of North Coast TAFE, Elizabeth McGregor says that the plan identified some ambitious goals for closing the gap in educational outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
“We still have a way to go, but there are pleasing results – for example, the average increase of 67% of Aboriginal students completing qualifications above Certificate III since 2008,” Ms McGregor.