Indigenous Training Program Graduation in Taree

Ten trainees from the Indigenous Training Program today received their SES Induction Certificates from the Minister of Volunteering, Minister for Fair Trading and Minister for Youth, the Hon. Linda Burney at the Taree Community College.

The proceedings started with a very moving ‘welcome to country’ by elders of the Biripi people, accompanied by a didgeridoo.

The ten trainees completed their training over a period of two weeks, also completing their first aid qualification. The training, part of a pilot program, has been very successful and several participants will now go on to further SES training.

After firstly acknowledging the Biripi people as the traditional custodians of the land, SES Oxley Region Controller Peter Floyd praised the efforts of everyone involved in the program for their ability to conduct a flexible training program to suit the learning needs of the participants.

Minister Burney stated that she was very impressed by the efforts of the SES and expressed her support for the initiative. Also noted was the support given by ACE and the Department of Education, especially Gina Perks, ACE Unit Co-ordinator and Sally Holt, Acting Executive Office Taree Community College and Robin Roberts Indigenous Program Coordinator TCC.

SES North West Region Controller Steve Martin also attended with two indigenous members from the Moree unit who were on the first pilot program

The participants, SES staff and volunteers and staff at ACE who had been involved in the program were also given a limited edition t-shirt to mark the occasion.