Diversity and Inclusion
At GOTAFE we strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people within our diverse and vibrant community. You have a right to feel safe to be yourself at GOTAFE and to be celebrated for your unique contributions to our community. We were named Inclusive Training Provider of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards in 2020, recognising our ongoing efforts and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Supporting diversity and inclusion
Social Justice Charter
In 2020, GOTAFE established a Social Justice Charter with the purpose of embedding the universal principals of equity, fairness, and respect into all aspects of GOTAFE’s operations, systems, and infrastructure.
The GOTAFE Social Justice Charter is an important step to identify principles and actions to create equal opportunities for all students, staff, teachers, trainers, and communities that have a relationship with GOTAFE.
Read our Social Justice Charter hereSocial Justice Charter Implementation Plan
GOTAFE is launching its Social Justice Charter Implementation Plan. The plan focuses on organisational-wide social justice directives to support our diverse staff, students and community.
Download an accessible version of the implementation plan.
Download the GOTAFE Social Justice Charter Implementation PlanHidden disabilities
GOTAFE has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to help support and raise awareness of those living with a hidden disability that may not be visible. In Australia, 1 in 5 people are said to have a disability, with approximately 80% of these hidden.
What is a hidden disability?
Hidden disabilities can sometimes be difficult for others to recognise, some examples of disabilities that may not be immediately obvious include autism, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia or learning difficulties.
Students studying at GOTAFE can choose to wear the Sunflower in the form of a lanyard or wristband to discreetly indicate they need additional support, help, understanding or even a little more time.
For more information, please get in touch with our Student Success team.
GOTAFE Student Pride Network
GOTAFE and the Diversity Project aim to create a safer, more inclusive, and healthier community for young people under 25 years old who are LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, +) in Greater Shepparton and surrounding areas.
This information is being collected for the purpose of registering the participation of yourself and/or child in a program facilitated by Uniting Vic. Tas. and GOTAFE. The information will be used for administration purposes only and to contact you in the event of an emergency but will not be disclosed to any other party except as required by law.
This information is available by contacting Uniting Vic. Tas. On (03) 5831 6157.
Please note: The Diversity Project is not a crisis or clinical based service. We are unable to support severe mental health issues or crisis referrals. Please call your local mental health triage service if you have concerns. In an emergency, please call 000.
Register here to join the Student Pride GroupGender Equality Action Plan
The GOTAFE Gender Equality Action Plan 2021 – 2025 (GEAP) is our organisation’s response to the Gender Equality Act 2020, where we have delivered above and beyond minimum requirements.
Our GEAP commits GOTAFE to considering the needs of people of all genders as we seek to be a leader in gender equality by delivering on the strategies contained within, which will achieve long-lasting change.
Download an accessible version of the action plan.
Download the GOTAFE Gender Equality Action PlanMeet Social Justice Champion Liaqat Ahmadi
Liaqat grew up in Pakistan, before fleeing to Australia with his family as a refugee. He faced many barriers on his arrival, especially with language and finding a job. After studying a Business Traineeship through GOTAFE's Fryers Street Campus, Liaqat is now a proud employee of GOTAFE. He is also one of our incredible Social Justice Champions, who helped to guide and shape the Social Justice Charter.
Watch Liaqat's story, or read more through the link below.
Read more about Liaqat's story here
Partnerships
GOTAFE works in collaboration with organisations to introduce discrete programs and training opportunities for staff and students. In pursuit of inclusive practice, GOTAFE is a member and partner of:
The Diversity Council of Australia
GOTAFE is a proud member of The Diversity Council of Australia. The independent not-for-profit peak body has been leading diversity and inclusion in the workplace since 1985 as a joint initiative of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Business Council of Australia to take action in the business community's commitment to equal opportunity for women. The DCA has since expanded its focus to cover all aspects of diversity.
Respect & Equality at TAFE WEEK campaign
All Victorian TAFEs & Dual-Sectors are uniting to promote the importance of respect, equality, and inclusion throughout their campuses and online platforms during the Respect and Equality at TAFE WEEK. We believe our communities should be safe and free from violence. From Monday 15th to Friday 19th of April, we encourage students and staff to engage in activities aimed at preventing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality at your respective TAFEs.
TAFEs & Dual-Sectors are committed to our communities being ‘A Place For Everyone’.
Further Information
Youth Pathways
If high school and VCE aren’t your thing, then do something you love! We have a range of courses targeted at students aged between 15-19 years to help you realise your potential and set you on the path to success. Best of all, you don’t need an ATAR to kick-start your career.
Learn more about Youth Pathways at GOTAFEKoorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a dedicated safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations. Here you'll find a computer room for studying or job searching, a kitchen to make a well-earned cup of tea, and all the support you need.
We are currently inviting expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to build a diverse talent database. Register your interest here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Koorie Unit.
Learn more about the Koorie UnitEnglish Language Education
Whether you've recently arrived in Australia or lived here for several years, improving your English is a great way to connect with the community and feel more at home.
GOTAFE can help you learn how to use English for reading and writing and play a part in your community—whatever your needs and abilities.
Find out more about English Language EducationAccessibility Action Plan
The Accessibility Action Plan recognises the diversity and individual circumstances that make up people’s lives and outlines some of the ways GOTAFE can assist people who identify with disability.
The Accessibility Action Plan forms part of GOTAFE's broader commitment to embrace all diversity within our student, staff, and stakeholder communities as strengths contributing to our organisation and the broader community.
