Kangan Institute recognised for First Nations employment initiatives

Kangan Institute has been recognised for its innovative First Nations employment and training initiatives, with the TAFE named finalist for the 2024 Wurreker Awards’ Government Employer Award yesterday.

Presented by the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI), the annual Wurreker Awards celebrates the people and organisations that passionately contribute to Koorie training, education and employment.

The award acknowledged Kangan Institute’s established commitment to Reconciliation and self-determination for First Nations peoples and communities in its role as a leading skills provider and employer.

(Kangan Institute's Indigenous Education Centre representatives Keyona De Satge and Caroline Schmidt.)

Guided by its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, Kangan Institute is passionate about creating a culturally safe environment for First Nations staff and students, enabling them to thrive and succeed.

Recent initiatives at Kangan Institute include:

·         Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training for staff, as well as dedicated training about delivering an Acknowledgement of Country.

·         Respecting and helping to share the stories of First Nations history and connections to land, waters and culture at our campuses and events, and integrating artwork into our facilities. This includes recently incorporating artwork from Murrup Biik Public Art at Broadmeadows Campus.

·         Collaborating with First Nations businesses as part of the Whole of Victorian Government Social Procurement Framework, including recently working with Orana Commercial Relocations and SKS Indigenous Technologies.

This recognition at the Wurreker Awards follows Kangan Institute’s recent success at the 2024 Victorian Training Awards, which saw student Taylor Hampton win Victorian Koorie Student of the Year. Taylor had completed a customised Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520) program developed by Kangan Institute for Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency employees, with Taylor poised to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards later in the year.   

Comments for attributing, Janelle Arena, Acting CEO Kangan Institute:

“Being recognised at the Wurreker Awards reflects Kangan Institute’s deep commitment to fostering an inclusive work and learning environment that celebrates First Nations culture and talent.

“This recognition inspires us to continue breaking barriers, creating pathways, and empowering our First Nations staff and students through meaningful career opportunities and culturally responsive training programs and initiatives.”