Bellingen Chamber of Commerce

Bellingen High School was recently awarded a Commonwealth Govt. grant under the Jobs Fund Getting Communities Working Together program. The project provides a resource for Aboriginal people, the wider community in Bellingen and surrounding areas. The focal point will be the Guubuny Aboriginal Community Resource Centre, located at Bellingen High School. Guubuny is the Gumbaynggirr word for owl. The building was originally a tractor shed, then a wood store and has now been refurbished and has become the resource centre. Work began this week on an adjacent outdoor learning centre with funds provided by the grant.

Aboriginal Education workers at the school contacted Nortec Employment and Training for recruitment of four labourers to be involved in construction of the outdoor learning area and to find suitable applicants for the 6 ongoing roles which will form the foundation of services – a Co-ordinator, tutors and a trainee.

Carol Leon President of the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) said “this project offers an ideal environment for students to learn, increasing educational opportunities through the support of Aboriginal workers and is a huge stepping stone to making a real difference in this local community”.

Jenni Davies Area Manager of Nortec Employment and Training says “there is an overwhelming sense of pride in all people that are contributing to this project. A visit to the project saw around 20 people working industriously in making the outdoor learning centre into an ideal space – the students putting the final touches on a mural under the instruction and guidance of Aboriginal Education Officer Brydi Fatnowna.

Aboriginal Education Worker, Jenni Farrands stated “the aim of the grant is to provide an opportunity to truly integrate Gumbaynggirr and other Aboriginal cultures and communities into education in the Bellinger Valley.”

Carol Leon (President AECG) and Jenni Farrands ( Aboriginal Education Worker)

Project Work Crew (L to R) Anthony Kody and Mitchell

Contact:

Ruth Gollan  Marketing Officer

NORTEC Employment & Training

ruth.gollan@nortecltd.com.au

02 6659 4200