Over the weekend Batchelor Institute played host to The Northern Cup, a qualifying basketball tournament for regional and remote communities.

There were over 70 people involved from various communities including Coomalie, Victoria Daly, West Daly, East and West Arnhem and Tivendale School in Darwin; as well as representatives from Basketball NT, the Department of Sport and Recreation and the Batchelor Institute.

Over the last year, Department of Sport and Recreation worked in conjunction with Basketball NT to deliver Coaching and Game Management accreditation courses to various regional and remote communities. The Northern Cup was established as a way for these various councils to apply and practice the learned skills in a competitive basketball setting provided by Batchelor Institute.

Congratulations to the East Arnhem women’s and the Victoria Daly Lions men’s teams, who both took first place in the competition.

Click on the image below to view gallery of photos

Uncle John Whop calling in from Thursday Island (left), Marla Billy and Dr Kirstie Close-Barry in Darwin (top right) and Trish Tupou (MA student), Dr. Melani Anae (Postgraduate Studies Advisor), Tarisi Vunidilo (Professional Teaching Fellow), Tiresa Po’e (MA student) at the University of Auckland (bottom right)

Indigenous postgraduate students from across Australia and New Zealand connected at an inventive workshop on June 29th.

Students at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education Graduate School and Maori and Pacific Islander students at the University of Auckland linked in online to the ‘Postgraduate Talanoa’ – Talanoa being the word for ‘discussion’ in standardised Fijian and other Pacific languages.

The event, which is the first of its kind to be held at either organization, helped to build new networks and connections, as well as assisted students in learning more about research frameworks being applied in both countries.

Research candidates from Darwin, Thursday Island and Brisbane joined with four postgraduate students from Auckland to present their research, talk about their research topic, framework, the challenges they have faced and how they are addressing those challenges.

This offered a unique opportunity for postgraduates to build their confidence, to share their knowledge and to connect with a broader network of scholars who share similar interests.

“This event will hopefully kick start ongoing conversations between Indigenous scholars across the Pacific, highlighting Indigenous research methods and theoretical perspectives. It also promotes sharing across cultures, particularly between Indigenous cultures from across the region, with several Pacific Islander, as well as Maori, postgraduates joining through the University of Auckland,” said Dr Kirstie Close-Barry, Director of Batchelor Institute Graduate School.

This innovative discussion group is the result of a longstanding association between Ms Tarisi Vunidilo, Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland, and Batchelor Institute’s Graduate School Director Dr Kirstie Close Barry.

Ms Tarisi Vunidilo tutored Dr Kirstie Close-Barry in Fijian language while she was completing her PhD. Since then, they have kept in touch and they have been talking about how they might engage postgraduate students at both of their workplaces.

“This talanoa or seminar will create an Indigenous academic ‘sharing platform’ amongst Aboriginal, Pacific and Torres Strait Islander postgraduates between two institutions in New Zealand and Australia. Students shared key points of their research relating to fieldwork methodologies, working with Indigenous communities and applying Indigenous research frameworks,” said Ms Vunidilo.

“I am grateful that the Centre for Pacific Studies Director, Associate Professor Toeolesulusulu Damon Salesa supported this initiative and wishes all postgraduate students the very best in the seminar,” added Ms Vunidilo.

“I’m really thankful to Tarisi – it has been great to work together to create this unique opportunity for Batchelor Institute’s postgraduates to connect with colleagues on the other side of the Tasman. It is crucial that more people hear about the important research being done by Batchelor Institute’s postgraduates. It is also exciting for them, I think, to be able to sit down and consider the challenges they face in their own research with other Indigenous scholars,” said Dr Close-Barry.

Bungamana Gunumbarr (Yirralka Ranger Layhnapuy Homelands), Fiona Marika and Mundatjngu Mununggurr recording information about country using ipads.

Two graduates from Batchelor Institute’s Conservation and Land Management courses are now working together as rangers on country in Arnhem Land.

Rangers at the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation are welcoming one of their youngest and newest recruits. Recent Year 12 graduate Mundatjngu Mununggurr has joined the team after gaining a VET qualification in school, as a part of the Learning On Country Program.

Ms Mununggurr completed her Certificate II in Conservation Land Management via Batchelor Institute’s VET in Schools program. After graduation, the 19 year old was offered her first full-time job with Dhimurru.

Fellow Batchelor Institute alumni Fiona Yupunu Marika, who completed her Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management in 2014, mentored Ms Mununggurr on the job.

“We showed her around our jobs — feral animal management, weed control, marine debris, permits,” Ms Marika told the ABC.

“We’re not in the office all the time. We have a laugh and fun.

“She was really keen, active and into the job.”

Ms Marika, a long-term Dhimurru senior ranger in Nhulunbuy, was also nominated and won the NT Indigenous Trainee of the Year award in 2014. She is currently continuing her studies with a Certificate III in Conservation Land Management at Batchelor Institute.

Learning On Country was granted funding in 2013 and began in earnest in January 2014. Currently, it is being run out of four sites in Arnhem Land. It is a pilot educational program that is designed to improve student attendance by the integration of both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems in natural resources and cultural management.

High school students can also work towards VET qualifications, through a partnership between Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation, Yirrkala School and Batchelor Institute. This partnership works towards getting interested students involved in work experience with rangers on country and assists with building cultural and environment knowledge.

Batchelor Institute Lecturer in Conservation and Land Management Cheryl O’dwyer taught both students and saw the positive results of the program first hand.

“Seeing students flourish is a great reward for me as a lecturer; working with these students and seeing how they continue to grow,” said Mrs O’Dwyer.

“It is also a great confidence booster for the students to complete their qualification, and then being continuously supported by their employer to achieve.  Graduating is not an ending, it is only the beginning.”

Batchelor Institute Graduation with Katrina Hudson (Yirrkala Senior Teacher), Mundatjngu Mununggurr, Lecturer Cheryl O’Dwyer, Gutingarra Yunupingu, Jonathon Wearne (Learning on Country Co-ordinator), Grace Wunungmurra (Dhimurru Ranger) and Anthony Crafter (Dhimurru Ranger)

Ms Mununggurr was one of the first graduates to come out of this agreement. Her fellow classmate Gutingarra Yunupingu, who also finished Year 12 last year with a Certificate II in Conservation Land Management, has gone on to full-time employment as a videographer at the Yirrkala Arts Center.

Mr Yunupingu is also believed to be the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person with profound deafness to complete Year 12 in the Northern Territory and uses a combination of Indigenous sign language and AUSLAN to communicate.

Ms Sinder, Dr Nuannavong, Mr Somerville AM, Dr Peter Stephenson, Deputy CEO Dorothy Morrison and Mr Thomas

Dr Onekeo Nuannavong, Director General of the Research Institute for Education Science (RIES) in Laos, recently met with Batchelor Institute CEO Robert Somerville AM and the executive team to discuss Batchelor Institute’s education and research programs. He was joined by Mr Michael Thomas from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ms Soumisa Sinder from the Australian Embassy in Vientiane, Laos.

In particular, this conversation addressed how our education and research programs relate to our teacher assistant and training programs, within the context of workforce development.

Dr Nuannavong was particularly interested in the work of the Batchelor Institute in training First Nations peoples who reside in remote locations and speak different first languages.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity to share the challenges, experiences and approaches to teaching and workforce development for students with diverse language and cultural backgrounds. It also emphasized the need for paraprofessional courses to provide learners with language, literacy and numeracy support – not only as they commence studies – but also throughout their education journey.

Batchelor Institute continues to work towards the education, training and research needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from a wide range of locations and dialects. These kinds of discussions and collaborations with other international educational organisations helps to further build on our understanding of the needs and requirements of cross-cultural education across the globe, as well as strengthen an international network of education providers

Uncle John Whop researching Waria’s manuscript with National Library of Australia staff member Ralph Sutherland

Batchelor Institute postgraduate student Uncle John Whop is bringing to life the extraordinary manuscript by a Mabuiag man named Waria, written during the Cambridge Anthropological Expedition to the Torres Strait in 1898.

Mr Whop, who is an Elder from the Torres Strait, is currently doing primary research for his Masters of Indigenous Perspectives at Batchelor Institute. His research covers an important part of the history of his home in the Torres Strait. Although Mr Whop’s thesis is primarily focused on a particular manuscript, his work and archival research is helping to contextualise this writing within the colonial landscape.

Waria’s manuscript is taken from the papers of Alfred Cort Haddon, a highly influential anthropologist and ethnologist born in 1855. He was instrumental in the founding of Cambridge University’s school of anthropology and led the expedition to the Torres Strait in 1898. His team also brought along cameras and recorded a number of films and photographs.

This thesis will provide a much-needed Indigenous perspective on a Mabuiag text and add to the understanding of how colonialism shaped the Torres Strait. The research hits close to home for Mr Whop, who currently resides on Thursday Island but whose family is from Mabuiag – one of the western islands of the Torres Strait.

Recently, Mr Whop visited Canberra on a research trip to the National Library of Australia. Here he was provided with a digitised version of Waria’s original manuscript. He also learned more about another member of the expedition named Anthony Wilkin, who unfortunately passed away on the return journey.

Mr Whop wants to make sure that Wilkin is adequately recognised for his contribution.

“You write what you see – that’s what I’m learning from archival research,” said Mr Whop.

“In western knowledge style, Haddon was the principle researcher. But we have identified someone who was responsible for taking photos of the ancestors. I’m writing this piece now, so I’m mentioning Wilkin. Because he contributed to the maintenance of the photographic record as the official photographer.”

“For Wilkin to take a photo of Waria, there has to be a relationship between them. I can only thank him for taking the photo. This was his contribution. Because we come from a culture where art in that form is so empowering, it captures a moment of time.”

This work will make Waria’s identity and ideas more accessible to Torres Strait Islanders and to the wider Australian community. It has been made possible through accessing the digitised manuscript and Mr Whop’s work in translating Waria’s words.

Mr Whop’s efforts exemplify Batchelor Institute’s ‘Both-ways’ philosophy, as he works to recognise the Mabuiag knowledge system and its engagement within a Western academic space – all whilst recognising the flow of information happening between the two cultures.

Despite his responsibilities as an Elder, being a White Ribbon ambassador and undertaking work in raising awareness about prostate cancer, Mr Whop still manages to write everyday. He hopes to complete his masters by the end of this year and looks forward to presenting his research in the coming months.

Uncle John Whop and historian Dr Kirstie Close-Barry at the National Library of Australia

Dr Eva McRae-Williams discussing the Pathways To Employment Research Project

A recently completed research project from Batchelor Institute’s Higher Education and Research Division has cast new light on employment pathways and barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in remote Australia.

The end of June marked the completion of a four-year long research project conducted by Principal Research Leader at Batchelor Institute Dr Eva McRae-Williams.

Pathways To Employment began in 2012 and explored issues around how Aboriginal people residing in remote communities navigate their way into meaningful livelihoods, the kind of work that provides sustainable employment outcomes and the types of training and education that could support this.

The project’s outcomes have challenged a number of longstanding assumptions around employment pathways, programs and policies targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote areas around Australia.

In particular, the research highlighted a number of misconceptions around perceived ‘problems’ with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unemployment in very remote Australia.

“The pathways project as been a great experience. It has been a privilege to have time to deeply understand and critically engage with pathways to employment policies and programs and the lived experiences of peoples living in very remote Australia,” said Dr McRae-Williams.

“The project has highlighted again for me the power of mainstream cultural assumptions, their hold over us and the influence they can have on the livelihood opportunities of others. At the end of this experience I think there is a real need to challenge constructs of deficit and disadvantage and develop our capacities for recognising, strengths and opportunities.”

Pathways To Employment found that there is a real economy to very remote Australia. However, a disproportionate amount of non-Indigenous workers are experiencing the majority of this economy’s benefits. Non-Indigenous workers, despite only constituting 57% of the local population, make up over 80% of the workforce.

It also suggests that the issues around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unemployment are not simply a reflection of educational disadvantage and that non-Indigenous workers do not hold the majority of jobs because they have more education or training.

The data found that 46% of the whole workforce in very remote Australia and 36% of the non-Indigenous workforce had not completed a certificate or higher education, with many leaving school at Year 10. The research also found that despite rising educational levels in Indigenous Australians in very remote Australia, employment outcomes are not following the same upward trend.

Overall the research demonstrated the need for localised investment and client-based buy in to improve employment outcomes for Indigenous peoples in very remote Australia. Furthermore, it demonstrated that deficit models of engagement by employers, policies and stakeholders tend to see local strengths as barriers to overcome, or fail to recognise them completely.

“More of the same is not good enough,” said Dr Eva McRae-Williams. “If improvements in employment outcomes are to be achieved it is imperative that we don’t shy away from risk and embrace innovative program design, development and implementation. Local aspiration, investment and voice, however, must be positioned as central in such innovation.”

The research project was a part of the Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation (CRC-REP), a Commonwealth funded initiative, managed by Ninti One Ltd.

Students graduate at Batchelor Insitute June 2016. Despite higher levels of education, research suggests that employment of Indigenous Australians in remote areas is not increasing

Moya Lee with her some of her artwork at the Desert Peoples Centre in Alice Springs

Batchelor Institute Visual Arts student has taken her artwork online and started a digital business called Rebel Quest Designs. Using the skills she learnt whilst studying a Certificate IV in Visual Arts, Moya Lee has begun selling her designs on t-shirts, bags, mugs and other items via an online retailer.

“My designs are a reflection of my culture and environment. At the heart of it is who I am as an Aboriginal person,” said Ms Lee.

Ms Lee has been studying a Certificate IV at Batchelor Institute’s Desert Peoples Centre campus in Alice Springs and is set to graduate this year.

Visual Arts Lecturer Brigida Stewart spoke about the benefits of new and affordable digital platforms, which allow artists to sell their work online and opens up new doors for individual entrepreneurship.

“For many artists, social networking has been instrumental in transforming the Internet into an important avenue for introducing and presenting their art and getting exposure. As well as attracting not only collectors but also exhibition opportunities, and for making sales on their various products,” said Ms Stewart.

“They can also keep track of their portfolio and as long as they keep active online, they will be successful.  For our students, not having shop front overheads is a big factor – as well as location, with lots of our students living in a remote areas.”

Ms Lee’s designs come from in-depth research and respect for her cultural background. As an artist, she is bringing her traditional knowledge into her digital creations.

“Her ideas are often complex, soulful and precise.  She has a deep cultural philosophy and reverence for her ancestors and for her future,” said Ms Stewart.

You can purchase Moya’s work here on Redbubble, a creative marketplace that artists from around the world submit work to. You can also find Moya’s designs on Facebook and Instagram

One of Ms Lee’s designs printed on a tote bag

Batchelor Insitute Visual Arts Lecturer Brigida Stewart with Model Magnolia Maymuru

The work of visual arts students from Batchelor Institute was showcased at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair over the weekend. The From Country To Couture fashion parade on Friday night featured 20 unique designs from students in four different communities.

The show celebrated the place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary art has within high-end fashion. It also featured Magnolia Maymuru from East Arnhem Land, whose shortlisting at the Miss Universe Australian national finals modelling competition made headlines early this year.

The students have been developing a range of artistic skills within their courses at Batchelor Institute. Whilst learning to work in textiles, they have turned their artwork into patterns and one-of-a-kind outfits using a number of different sewing techniques.

Batchelor Institute visual arts lecturers Brigida Stewart and Amanda McMillan have guided the students through the whole process.

“We take them through how to read a pattern, how to cut fabrics out, how to use a sewing machine, how to put it all together, how to unpick, how it fits on a body. All that sort of stuff. It’s a really big collaborative work,” said Ms Stewart.

The collection was a representation of the different styles produced by Batchelor Institute students over the past couple of years and featured screen-printed patterns, Utopian batiks and digitally printed textile designs. The garments were created by students of varying skill levels, who are undertaking certificate I through to IV in visual arts.

“You’ve got students at all different levels. There are students who want to learn how to do a painting or a design and then you’ve got students that want to learn how to start their own business selling their designs. So it ranges from how to put together a design to how to market all your designs,” said Ms McMillan.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair hosted more than sixty art centres from across Australia. These Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned centres represent over 2000 Indigenous artists.

“It is extremely rewarding when you see a student get to their final product and cry. They just go, ‘I can’t believe I did that’. And when they see other people looking at it and having so much respect for it, they glow. It’s gorgeous. I think that in itself is a massive reward,” said Ms McMillan.

“Particularly when you know that they have been talking to other people about it. Then all of a sudden these people turn up and say ‘where is your work? Show me what you have been talking about’. So they show these people what they have been doing and you know they are really happy and excited about what they have done and that they will remember those skills going forward,” added Ms Stewart.

For more information on Batchelor Institute’s Visual Arts courses click here

To see more photos of the final products and the fashion show, take a look at the slideshow below.

Batchelor Institute Lecturer Samuel Carmody recently celebrated the launch of his book The Windy Season

Batchelor Institute lecturer Samuel Carmody has just launched his debut novel The Windy Season nationwide. Carmody, who has been teaching the Diploma in Creative and Indigenous Writing at Batchelor Institute since August 2015, is also a previous recipient of the Mary Grant Bruce Award as part of the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) National Literary Awards.

Carmody’s book tells the story of a young fisherman who goes missing from the crayfish boats in the fictional Western Australian town of Stark. His younger brother Paul seems to be the only one searching, as he takes his brother’s place on the boat captained by their troubled cousin. It is a gripping thriller that explores the dark underside of a small fishing village.

The story was inspired by Carmody’s connection with the ocean and him coming to terms with his somewhat complex relationship with it.

“I grew up near the ocean. My childhood years were in Geraldton, in rural WA. I have surfed and fished and dived since I was in primary school. But my love for the sea has always been coupled with a grim fear of it. I think everyone in WA has that sort of relationship to it,” Carmody explained.

“Sharks are a huge deal over there. People are terrified of them. They might even say that they hate them. But I think it’s more complicated than hate. There is almost a love there too, as much as people might deny it. If there is a shark sighting, you’ll see hundreds of people crammed on the beach or on the cycle path above the sea, all trying to capture a glimpse. It is horror and fascination. I think that is what underlies the poetics of The Windy Season. A portrait of that horror and fascination that Australians have with the sea.”

Carmody has been heralded as one the country’s most exciting new literary voices, and he brings his experience and skills to his classes at Batchelor Institute.

As for his creative writing students, Carmody says that the learning experience goes both ways.

“My students are passionate about writing. They are thoughtful and courageous and they teach me as much about writing as I do them. The writing class isn’t all seriousness, either. There is a lot of laughing. My students are very funny.”

The Diploma in Creative and Indigenous Writing provides students with the opportunity to develop writing skills in a variety of genres, and establish a firm knowledge base for the strengthening of Indigenous culture through an understanding of Indigenous and non-Indigenous writing traditions.

The course units introduce students to the tool kit of creative writing, which they will be able to apply to short story writing, poetry, writing for stage and short film and personal narratives. In particular, the course emphasises how these genres continue to be used by Indigenous peoples in Australia and elsewhere to articulate their own ‘voice’, and to communicate their histories and contemporary experiences to, and within, dominant non-Indigenous powers and the broader society.

“I think my favourite thing is seeing students grow through the writing process, finding the confidence to explore personal and family histories, and confront powerful subjects, creating something potent and beautiful in the process. It is also exciting seeing new talent,” said Carmody.

The course offers a unique opportunity for writers to develop their own voice and can help to strengthen cultural connections through artistic expression. There is also a growing interest in the work of Indigenous writers, whose unique and authentic styles of writing are gathering attention all over the globe.

“Indigenous novelist Tony Birch has said Australia’s literary future is in Indigenous voices. Never before have so many Indigenous authors been more widely published,” said Carmody.

“Writers like Anita Heiss, Kim Scott, Alexis Wright who have global readerships. People all over the world want to read what our Indigenous writers have to say”.

For those interested in becoming writers, Carmody says that it is simply a matter of getting started.

“My main advice is to simply get into it. There is no perfect time to write. And even when you’re not having a good writing day, you’re still doing important work,” said Carmody.

“As Margaret Atwood says, if she waited for perfection she never would write a word. So just write and write and write. And see what you discover”.

For those interested in purchasing The Windy Season, it is available online here.

One of the stone pictures on site at Maccassans Beach approx. 50km from Nhulunbuy

Earlier this year Dr. Campbell Macknight returned to Macassans Beach in East Arnhem Land, after a 50-year absence, to use current GPS technology to record 46 stone pictures created by Yolngu elders. Together with rangers studying Certificate II and III in Conservation and Land Management at Batchelor Institute, they were able to work to further protect these valuable cultural monuments.

These stone pictures tell the story of the Indonesian Macassan traders’ relationship with the Yolngu people. Campbell’s original data points and historical photos, dated from 1967, were used to locate all 46 pictures and to record an additional two.

The area was fenced to protect the stone pictures from buffalos and vehicles. It was also recently given National Heritage status. The project was a part of an ongoing management plan in weed control and stone placement, which will ensure long-term protection.

Rangers from Dhimurru and Yirralka working together to locate the original pictures

This opportunity allowed Batchelor Institute Lecturer Cheryl O’Dwyer to train the Dhimurru rangers in how to maintain cultural places and record information about country.

“Dr. Campbell MacKnight, the archaeologist that initially recorded the site in 1967, explained his understanding of the stories from elders, and he also provided original photographs taken during his research. These photos and data points were used to help the rangers identify the location of stone pictures and to rehabilitate and restore the site for years to come,” explained O’Dwyer.

“As well as learning and completing the unit competencies towards their qualifications, I think the rangers also realised that western science valued their traditional knowledge.  They could also see the value of recording information for the future, as some of the stories told to them, passed on by their elders, were slightly different to that told to Dr. MacKnight.”

The stone pictures provide a unique look into the trade between the Yolngu people of North Eastern Arnhem Land and the Indonesian Macassan traders that existed for several centuries until 1907, when the government began to use aggressive measures to collect customs duty. The Indonesians, mostly from Macassar in Sulawesi, came annually for trepang (Also named dharripa, beche-de-mer or sea cucumber), turtle shell, and pearl shell to sell to Chinese traders.

The traders acknowledged the Yolngu as owners of the land. Relations between Yolngu and Macassans were generally business-like and often friendly. Matthew Flinders, on his circumvention of Australia, met a fleet of Macassans in 1803 and spoke with a captain called Pobasso. He told him that two or three Yolngu usually sailed back each year with the fleet to Macassar and that some had stayed there.

The stone pictures were likely created by Yolngu elders at the end of the 19^th century, so that future generations would know the history of the Macassan visits. The centuries of trade have resulted in a number of cross-cultural influences and exchanges of language, art and cuisine.

After attending the recent flag raising ceremony to celebrate the National Heritage listing of the site, O’Dwyer saw it as a perfect opportunity to engage Batchelor Institute students in maintaining cultural places and collecting information.

“This is a great example of how having close partnerships with ranger groups enables training to merge with the positive outcomes of the ranger organisations,” said O’Dwyer.

Celebration and raising of the flags in recognition of Natural Heritage status

RSAS team L-R back row; Marie Mullumbuk, Janie Murielle, Wendy Jabinee & Brigid Larri. L-R front row; Loretta Mills, Maree Parry, Paula Smiler & Christine Parmbuk.

Batchelor Institute’s Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) team has assisted in achieving a record number of children attending school in Wadeye.

Following a 5-day Back to School Extravaganza, the local school reported that 671 children had been accounted for during this year’s census period – which is the highest number ever achieved in Wadeye.

The RSAS team worked together with the school to increase attendance during the census period, a critical time where the attendance rate is used to calculate the following year’s staff resources.  The school estimates that an additional 50 children were present on the first day of term, who had not been accounted for during the census period.

The Batchelor Institute team has worked closely with Tim Scott, Senior Project Officer, Children and Schooling Program from the Department of Prime Ministers and Cabinet (PM&C).

“Working on this project with the Batchelor Institute’s RSAS team has been very rewarding.  Typically the beginning of term three has had the worst school attendance for the year, with students slow to return to community after the long bush holidays,” said Scott.

The RSAS team was one of many service providers in Wadeye to join forces to deliver the AFL Extravaganza, an initiative aimed at attracting children back to school.

“This event clearly demonstrated how the Prime Minister & Cabinet and Batchelor Institute staff have the ability to drive collaboration with key stakeholders in Wadeye,” said Scott.

The event was designed in collaboration with Australian Football League Northern Territory (AFLNT), Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic School (OLSHTCS), Thathangathay Foundation, West Daly Regional Council, Palngun Wurnangat Aboriginal Corporation (PWAC), Stronger Communities for Children (SCfC) program, Batchelor Institute-RSAS team and PM&C staff.

The RSAS team and community members spoke about the importance of the school engaging with the community, as well as needing to give parents the opportunity to engage in a positive way with the school environment.

“Anecdotal evidence suggests that student demand for schooling in Wadeye and the perception of the value of education by parents are both low,” explained Scott.

“This event allowed community members to openly talk about the importance of school attendance with RSAS staff and to engage parents in conversations around sending their kids to school every day.  The key is to now turn the 60% attenders into 80% attenders, and the 80% attenders in 100% attenders.”

Batchelor Institute has been delivering training to Remote School Attendance officers for the past two years and was invited to manage the project in Wadeye in October 2015.  What was initially a 3-month opportunity to support the Wadeye community has become a 12 month contract with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, with options for extension.

“The Australian Government’s key priority in Indigenous Affairs is getting kids to school.  The challenge for us is to work even closer with our RSAS ‘Yellow Shirt’ teams.  The Batchelor Institute’s RSAS team are doing excellent work that makes a positive difference,” added Scott.

The Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) program is designed to lift school attendance levels in remote communities by developing capacity in parents, carers and interested community members to work with schools, families, and children to ensure they go to school every day, regularly and on time.

ABC’s Territory Grandstand presenter Charlie King visits the RSAS ‘Yellow Shirt’ teams from Tiwi Islands and Wadeye at Batchelor Institute

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus J. Campbell DSC AM addressing AIDP trainees at the 2016 graduation ceremony

On Friday August 26^th, Batchelor Institute celebrated the graduation of 33 trainees from the Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP).

AIDP is run in partnership with the Australian Army, combining educational initiatives with the army’s induction training to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruits.

The highly successful program has been credited with significantly increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers within the army, with the last round of trainees bringing the number of Indigenous people in defence to more than 500 for the first time since World War II.

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus J. Campbell DSC AM attended the ceremony, speaking to the graduates about their important accomplishments.

“You have overcome considerable challenges, it is a long and tough course. But you have achieved great things,” said Lieutenant General Campbell.

“I want you to know I am very proud of you, I know your families are very proud of you and the Australian Army is delighted to see you join our mob with your mob for the benefit of this great nation. Congratulations”.

Elder and Batchelor Institute Executive Advisor Academic and Cultural Leadership Dr. Sue Stanton then spoke to the crowd about her experiences as a young Kungarakan Aboriginal woman and about Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins, encouraging the Indigenous graduates to continue on their journey.

Director of Enterprise and Employment Pathways Kim Davis also acknowledged the graduate trainees’ success and all the hard work that has gone into the program through this unique partnership between Batchelor Institute and the Australian Army.

The AIDP program is nominated for the Industry Collaboration of the Year at the 2016 NT Training Awards, which will be held on Saturday 10 September 2016.

The trainees graduated with a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. Course electives included complying with infection prevention and control policies and procedures, providing First Aid  and how to work safely in the construction industry. 

Congratulations to all the AIDP trainees.

You can see more from the ceremony in the image slideshow below.

This year’s NT Training Awards highlights the incredible work of Batchelor Institute staff and students, as well as spotlighting the organisation’s groundbreaking and celebrated partnerships.

In particular, these nominations showcase the hard work, perseverance and aspirations of students and staff within Australia’s only publicly funded dual sector education provider that is specifically dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Batchelor Institute is nominated in five separate categories this year. Two Indigenous students are up for some of the night’s most prestigious awards, with Mr Patrick McKenzie nominated as the Vocational Student of The Year and Ms Rachel Baker nominated for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander of the Year.

Senior Construction Lecturer Liam Fraser has been nominated as the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year. Batchelor Institute is also in the running for Training Provider of the Year, alongside Charles Darwin University and BCA National Training.

Ms Rachel Baker being awarded her qualification at the 2016 Batchelor graduation ceremony

Mr Patrick McKenzie being presented the TEABBA Award at the 2016 Batchelor graduation ceremony

Two of Batchelor Institute’s partnerships are included in the selections for Industry Collaboration of the Year.

The Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP) that is run in partnership with the Australian Defence force has been recognised. This course has significantly raised the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees entering the army.

Batchelor Institute’s collaboration with Probuild NT on the Indigenous Employment Project is also up for an award. The IE Project is a collaborative business model that specialises in Indigenous workforce development.

AIDP Trainees at the 2016 Graduation Ceremony

The NT Training Awards is the Department Of Business’s annual premiere event, which recognises the training excellence and achievements of individuals and organisations in the Northern Territory. The awards acknowledge those achieving excellence in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

The 2016 event marks the 61st anniversary of the NT Training Awards. Winners from the night will also go on to represent the Territory at a national level for the 21st Australian Training Awards.

Regardless of the outcomes of this Saturday night, this year’s NT Training awards exemplifies the high standards of work coming from the Indigenous education sector and the abilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to compete on a national level.

Batchelor Institute is proud to be recognised as a leader in VET training. Congratulations to all nominated students and staff, and to all those involved in the successful partnership programs.

Deputy Chief Minister Mrs Nicole Manison joins  Batchelor Institute staff for a photo just after winning Training Provider of The Year

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education has taken out some of the Territory’s most prestigious education awards on Saturday night. The NT Training awards recognises the training excellence and achievements in the Vocation Education and Training (VET) sector.

After being nominated in five separate categories, Batchelor Institute won three awards on the night.

Senior Lecturer Liam Fraser won the VET Teacher/Trainer of the year for his excellent work in teaching students across the Northern Territory construction skills.

Batchelor Institute’s highly celebrated Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP), which is run in partnership with the Australian Defence Force, was awarded Industry Collaboration of the Year.

To round off a highly successful night, Batchelor Institute took out the highly sought after Training Provider of The Year award – recognising Batchelor Institute for its excellence in delivery of VET education and its place as an industry leader in the Northern Territory.

Batchelor Institute CEO Robert Somerville AM proudly accepted the Training Provider of The Year award, acknowledging the hard work of staff and students over the past twelve months.

Senior Lecturer and award-winner Liam Fraser with Batchelor Institute CEO Robert Somerville AM (Left). Batchelor Institute staff and Australian Army representatives with Batchelor Institute CEO Robert Someville AM after winning Industry Collaboration of the Year (Right)

This year’s NT Training Awards highlights the incredible work of Batchelor Institute staff and students, as well as spotlighting the organisation’s ground-breaking and celebrated partnerships.

In particular, these nominations showcase the hard work, perseverance and aspirations of students and staff within Australia’s only publicly funded dual sector education provider that is specifically dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Three Batchelor Institute students were also nominated for awards this year. Mr Patrick McKenzie was nominated as the Vocational Student of The Year. Ms Rachel Baker and Mr Charles Lechleitner were both nominated for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, with Mr Lechleitner awarded runner-up.

The 2016 event marked the 61st anniversary of the NT Training Awards. The winners from the night will now go on to represent the Territory at a national level for the 21st Australian Training Awards.

Saturday night’s result exemplifies the high standards of work coming from the Indigenous education sector and the abilities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to compete on a national level.

Batchelor Institute is proud to be recognised as a leader in VET training. Congratulations to all award winners and nominated students and staff, and to all those involved in the successful partnership programs.

Artist and Batchelor Institute PhD Candidate Delvene Cockatoo-Collins

Living on Minjerribah North Stradbroke Island, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins is a Nunukul, Ngugi and Goenpul woman of Quandamooka Country. Currently undertaking a PhD in Indigenous Perspectives at Batchelor Institute, Delvene recently took some time out from working on her final exhibition pieces to talk about what inspires her art and her experiences studying at Batchelor Institute.

Can you tell me more about your PhD project with Batchelor Institute?

I’m enrolled in the PhD Indigenous Perspectives in Creative Arts and my project is arts based research.  I am working towards a final exhibition in April 2018 and accompanying exegesis, which explores recorded stories of Quandamooka as well as oral histories related to a mermaid from our area.  Parts of my exhibition also looks at several other shared stories from my Elders that I had never heard before and I feel needs to be included in the exhibition.  If I hadn’t started talking about the mermaid, then I may not have heard these other stories.  It’s important to include this as part of my research.

What inspires your art?  

Most of the art I’ve created responds to stories I’ve heard from my mother and other lived experiences with her and what I remember with my grandmother.  Mum has a lot of papers and books that she’s collected over time, so I’m reading through these and then getting mum’s thoughts on them. One of the papers was a set of community meeting minutes from March 1974 and included my grandmother’s words ‘weaving mats and baskets like our grannies used to’.  I feel as though I honoured my grandmother’s words, when I made three ceramic vessels and work on paper for the recent Gathering Strands Exhibition at Redlands Art Gallery.

Why did you decide to study at Batchelor Institute?

I have known Dr. Sandy O’Sullivan via social media networks for a long time. Around the same time I started reading about the mermaid from here and talking with my mother about known mermaid stories, Sandy had a call out about interested potential PhD opportunities in Creative Arts at Batchelor.  I considered formalising my approach – making work, doing more research on an unfinished published story.  I felt like I needed to know more about these stories and wondered whether my interest and skill would be the right fit for Batchelor Institute. I followed up with Sandy to see whether I was in a position to be part of this program and if I was capable of achieving this.  After a few conversations, it turned out to be right.  Enrolling to study at Batchelor has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What is next for you?

I’ve recently set up a studio space in Goompee – Dunwich on Minjerribah – North Stradbroke Island, which also has an option for me to sell / market my work.  I’ve commenced working on my final exhibition pieces, so it has been important for this space to be created.  It’s in the middle of town (Dunwich) and a walk from home and the local coffee spot, so it is ideal in its location.

How long have you got to go on your PhD and what are the next steps for completion?  

Confirmation is in November and then another 16 months until completion.  Those 16 months will include creating a full body of work including at least 6 major works which will be in ceramics, prints, a woven installation, a catalogue, installing the work and having my work assessed.

Delvene’s artwork from the ‘Gathering Strands’ and ‘Connections to the Waters of Minjerribah’ exhibitions at the Redlands Art Gallery and ‘Shifting Sands’ Exhibition at Arts Centre Gold Coast

What has the PhD process been like so far?

I’ve really enjoyed the process.  It’s been this way because of the supervision from Sandy and because I love learning more about my family and community history.  I love making art.  I’ve thought at times, it shouldn’t be this enjoyable.  Having Sandy to ask how to do things, including writing about my work, has been important and made the process less daunting.

How are you finding studying at Batchelor Institute?

I like that I am able to be home and doing my work and have supervision from Sandy, who is located close by in Brisbane.  We catch up quite regularly. In fact, she was over here on Minjerribah today, where we had a good look around town and discussion about the next steps for my work.

Would you recommend Batchelor Institute for students interested in a similar PhD?

Yes, I recommend Batchelor Institute for students interested in a similar PhD.  The support is there and this enables you to manage through the process.

Where can we find your work?

At the moment, I have work in the ‘Shifting Sands’ exhibition at the Art Centre Gold Coast as part of the Gold Coast Indigenous Artist Camp and work in ‘Island Made’ on Russell Island as part of the Quandamooka Festival.

Some of my exhibition pieces can be seen at delvenecockatoocollins.net and my market stall/retail stuff is under the label of Made on Minjerribah.   My studio is located at 7 Stradbroke Place, Dunwich.  Social media accounts are instagram: @madeonminjerribah and facebook.com/madeonminjerribah and a few pieces for sale at www.madeonminjerribah.bigcartel.com

How have you progressed as an artist over the past few years?

At the beginning of my candidacy I found it difficult to call myself an artist.  Although I’ve always made ‘things’, I felt that I needed to move more into the exhibition space.  I’m now always thinking about my work and the next body of work.  There are a few exhibitions I’ve recently been involved with and have seen how my work has evolved. I’m excited about the potential work I will create for my final exhibition.

Gathering Strands Exhibition at the Redlands Art Gallery. 10 June – 25 July 2016. My Grandmothers Words: Ceramic Vessels, Vinyl text; and Watercolour + Charcoal on paper by Delvene Cockatoo-Collins

Drum Atweme leading in the academic procession

On Friday the 16^th September Batchelor Institute celebrated the graduation of 149 students across a range of disciplines.

Students from Alice Springs, Yuendumu, Hermannsburg and a range of communities across the Northern Territory celebrated their achievements in front of family and friends. As well as awarding over 100 VET Certificates, this year also saw students receiving higher education qualifications in education, health science and Indigenous knowledges. Nine students also graduated from the Pathways To Tertiary Success course, which provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a gateway into university studies.

Drum Atweme of Yipirinya School led in the academic procession, which was followed by a Welcome to Precinct by Elder in Residence Mr Harold Furber and a Welcome to Country by Lhere Artepe.

Batchelor Institute CEO Robert Somerville AM addressed the students and attendees at the ceremony.

“I know that the qualification you are about to receive will make a real difference. And I trust that it will assist you in achieving you own personal aspirations. Most importantly, that it enables you to make a real difference to our people, whether it be as a professional, a tradesperson, a leader or as a role model,” said Mr Somerville AM.

“Today’s graduation represents the largest cohort of graduating students with Batchelor Institute for more than 10 years. There are more than 700 qualification completions in 2015 and 2016 will see this rise to more than 800.”

Professor Markham Rose, Chairperson of the Batchelor Institute Council was also present on the day to confer the certificates to the graduates.

“There is no better day on the academic calendar than graduation day. This is what it is all about,” said Professor Rose.

Graduate Debbon Webb provided the Student Response and spoke about his journey to becoming an educator at Bradshaw School.

Alice Springs radio station CAAMA live broadcasted the event, with the help of Batchelor Institute media student Jason Matthews.

Batchelor Institute would like to congratulate all the graduates and wishes them all the best in the future.

To see more photos from the event, please take a look at the slideshow below:

Image provided by Araluen Arts Centre

Over the past 6 months, Batchelor Institute visual arts students from Warlukurlangu have been working hard on sculpture designs.

The students are studying Certificate I in Visual Arts and their sculptures depict the dogs of Yuendumu. After they had finished, the engineering department at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre took the designs and made them into metal cut outs.

The sculptures were then taken back to community and painted by the top artists of Yuendumu, who are also completing certificates in visual arts with Batchelor Institute.

The project resulted in 200 dog sculptures, which were unveiled at the 2016 Desert Mob Exhibition at the Araluen Art Presinct on Friday September 9^th.

The Desert Mob Exhibition is one of Australia’s foremost Indigenous art and cultural events, which is offered by Araluen Arts Centre in partnership with Desart.

The textile and fashion design work of Batchelor Institute students was also featured at a fashion parade at the Desert Mob Symposium.

This collaboration highlights Batchelor Institute’s commitment to industry engagement and the type of real-world experience and exposure that is provided to our students.

Learn more about studying visual arts at Batchelor Insitute HERE

Image provided by Araluen Arts Centre

Batchelor Institute Creative Writing Lecturer Sam Carmody was at the Nightcliff Library last week, discussing his first book The Windy Season. Darwin book lovers, writers and local book clubs all were in attendance and used this opportunity to ask the in-demand author plenty of questions.

Carmody discussed his ideas behind the novel, his writing process and how to get over the challenge of the blank page. The Windy Season, which was shortlisted for a 2014 Vogel Award, is a captivating novel about a young man’s search for his missing older brother in a foreboding Western Australian town.

Previously, Carmody’s non-fiction writing has appeared in The Griffith Review and ABC’s The Drum, and his short fiction has been published in The Review of Australian Fiction. He is a previous winner of the Mary Grant Bruce national literary award.

Currently, Carmody teaches the Diploma of Creative and Indigenous Writing at Batchelor Institute. This course develops students’ writing skills in a wide variety of genres. It also establishes a base for the further development of Indigenous expressive culture, through knowledge of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous writing traditions.

In particular, the course emphasises how various genres are used by Indigenous peoples to articulate their own ‘voice’, and to communicate their histories and contemporary experiences to, and within, dominant non-Indigenous powers and broader society.

Dr Stephen Hagan, Senior Lecturer, Creative Industries, presents Charmaine Ingram with the CAAMA Award In recognition of outstanding achievement in Broadcasting or Media Studies. Image: Chelsea Heaney

Kullilli Traditional Owner, Leading academic, former diplomat, businessman and award winning author and filmmaker Dr Stephen Hagan has recently joined Batchelor Institute as the Senior Lecturer for Creative Industries. Dr Hagan has made the move from Brisbane to Darwin and will be working across Batchelor Institute’s wide range of creative industries VET courses including visual arts and media.

“If I can inspire students I come in contact with at Batchelor Institute to view success for our people, of gaining a trade certificate or graduating with a higher education diploma or degree as normal – as opposed to exceptional – I will be happy,” said Dr Hagan.

“Because then they too can, in their new vocational pathway, pass on those strong positive messages to their children, family and friends.”

Dr Hagan brings with him years of experience as a researcher, media professional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activist. His documentary Nigger Lovers follows Dr Hagan’s fight for the removal of an offensive sign at a Toowoomba sports ground, which led him to getting a 2003 ruling from the United Nations that agreed the offensive name should be changed. It is a story of enormous determination and persistence in the face of numerous challenges.

He completed his doctorate this year, which explored judicial bias against Indigenous Australians. His studies came to the conclusion that harsher sentences can be given due to a lack of judges’ lived experiences and the lack of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders in the higher levels of the justice system. He has also worked as an editor and currently manages the Supply Nation Certified First Nations Telegraph.

Dr Hagan said that one of the things that drew him to working with Batchelor Institute was the desire to work in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the high representation of Indigenous people in staff.

“I’m very keen on a workforce that has senior Indigenous people working in it and Batchelor Institute ticks all the boxes there.”

“We do have a lot of good qualified Aboriginal people working here and that impresses me. Batchelor Institute has got all the right people”

He looks forward to working with the team in creative industries and sees a lot of opportunities moving forward.

“I think it’s wonderful. I see young Aboriginal males and females from all parts of Australia who are getting involved. For instance, in radio broadcasting I met this young lady studying media who is from the Kimberley, who runs her own radio show and does the administration. You see people wanting to enhance their skills, give knowledge back to their community, better themselves and provide better resources for their media stations”

“We’ve got excellent lecturers here. The lecturing staff is first rate. Some of these teachers have had 20 to 30 years experience in senior media positions, so we are quite lucky to have them”

Find out more about Batchelor Institute’s Visual Arts Courses HERE and Media Courses HERE

Photo courtesy of CAAMA’

Batchelor Institute media course alumni and broadcaster Maxwell Tasman has taken out two major awards at the recent National Remote Indigenous Media Festival.

Mr Tasman, who completed his Certificate III in Media (Radio) this year, currently broadcasts from his community of Lajamanu over the PAW network (Pintubi Anmatjere Warlpiri Media and Communications).

Every year remote Indigenous media organisations nominate a remote Indigenous broadcasting service (RIBS) for an award. This year Maxwell won the Best RIBS Operator Award Paw Media.

He also won the John Macumba Indigenous Media Operator of the Year Award, one of the three major awards of the night. The award is named after one of the founders of Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA), who is a major figure in the remote broadcasting industry.

Batchelor Institute has a strong alumni of media students that work in both mainstream, Indigenous and remote broadcasting. Congratulations to Mr Tasman for his achievements.

Find out more about our media courses HERE