Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

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Another award for Indigenous role model

Koorie Education Project Officer for Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Roland Atkinson, was recently awarded with the prestigious 2008 Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) Wurreker Teacher/Trainer Award.

Mr Atkinson was one of three finalists for the award at an event held in Melbourne late last month. The Wurreker Awards are held annually to recognise individuals and organisations for achieving outstanding result in their chosen area of expertise.

Upon accepting his award, Mr Atkinson thanked VAEAI, GOTAFE, the Wurreker strategy, the Wurreker regional representative and the support of the community for the award.

"It's an honour and I am very proud to win such an award in only my second year of nominations. It is very rewarding on a personal note to be recognised for my teaching contributions."

At only 27 years old and at the beginning of his career, this is the second prominent award Mr Atkinson has received this year, after being named a 2008 Indigenous Emerging Leader in July.

Mr Atkinson was recognised for his commitment to Indigenous education and outstanding value he adds to the Goulburn Valley Indigenous community.

"I believe that education is the key to building a stronger community. I am passionate about the value of education," said Mr Atkinson.

Mr Atkinson has strong links with the local community through his role with the Bangerang Cultural Centre, his sporting pursuits and a range of other interests. Through these links he promotes the value of learning and encourages people to explore the options available, both through GOTAFE and other education and training providers.

Since commencing his career with GOTAFE in 2006, Mr Atkinson has achieved a great deal. Students were keen to enrol in the Certificate II in Caring for Indigenous Material Culture due his strong connection with the Indigenous community.

Mr Atkinson said, "Many of the students were reconnecting with education for the first time. It was rewarding to see these students gain the confidence to go out into the broader community and present their work. Several students are now self-employed, creating and selling their own artwork."

Mr Atkinson has coordinated cultural awareness workshops for GOTAFE staff, leading to implemented strategies to engage Indigenous students. He has also managed sessions for the City of Greater Shepparton in wood burning on artefacts for non-indigenous people, with the intention of promoting understanding of cultural awareness and to assist with reconciliation in the community.

GOTAFE Koorie Education Unit Manager, Carol Smith said "Roland is a deserving recipient of this award, his passion and belief in culture and education for the Aboriginal community is the driving force for the Koorie Education Unit at GOTAFE." Mr Atkinson now has plans to initiate new ideas and approaches to reengage people 25 years and older to return to formal learning which will include literacy, numeracy and computer skills and integrating indigenous history and arts.

The GOTAFE Koorie Education Unit was also a finalist in the Training Provider category for 2008 the VAEAI Wurreker Award.