Indigenous education leaders from around the country will gather at the University of the Sunshine Coast for the 9th annual Indigenous Education Symposium on Saturday 29 August.

With the theme ‘Education is the way’, the Symposium will explore ways to work effectively and in partnership with the Indigenous community. It is open to educators, students and interested community members – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

The event will feature keynote addresses from some of Australia’s most prominent Indigenous education academics, as well as presentations on education, social work, psychology, nursing and business/accounting.

USC Indigenous Services Student Advisor Nicole Copley will discuss the approaches used by the University to engage Indigenous students in tertiary education.

“I’ll be speaking about the strategies and practices we use at the Buranga Centre to engage our Indigenous students, which can be quite different to the strategies for non-Indigenous students,” she said.

“Offering a culturally safe space and community helps give them a sense of belonging.”
The all-day event will also showcase the work of local Indigenous artists.

Aunty Judi Wickes, who is organising the symposium, said it was significant that many of the event’s 19 speakers were Indigenous university graduates.

“It’s fantastic that the symposium will feature highly educated Indigenous professionals, and ensure the Indigenous voice is at the forefront,” she said.

Registration is open until 21 August, and costs $15 for USC students, $60 for community members and USC staff and $30 for seniors and Concession Card holders.

For more information contact USC’s Buranga Centre on 5456 5889 or email IndigenousServices@usc.edu.au.

— Gen Kennedy