40 students celebrate Aboriginal pathway graduation
A big thumbs up to the 40 students who recently graduated from the 2016 Aboriginal Qualification Pathway and have been acknowledged by the NSW Health Education Centre Against Violence (ECAV), which continues to be successful in building capacity in the specialist violence, abuse and neglect workforce.
More than 160 graduates, family and friends celebrated the special occasion. Jacinta Tobin gave a wonderful Welcome to Country and was joined by Brendan Kerin on the didgeridoo. Special guest was former X Factor Australia contestant Shanell Dargan, who shared her incredible journey then gave an unforgettable performance of the song Hero.
Our first Master of Social Work was among the graduates, and was one of two deadly woman who completed two qualifications.
The evening was a great acknowledgement of the participant’s achievements. The courses are academically rigorous and emotionally taxing, and students are well supported by the deadly ECAV Aboriginal Training team, who deliver culturally safe education embedded in Aboriginal world views and healing frameworks.
The pathway includes:
- Certificate IV in Aboriginal Family Health (family violence, sexual assault and child protection) – 20 graduates, with 3 students graduating with a Statement of Attainment
- Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal Specialist Trauma Counselling – 8 graduates, with 3 students graduating with a Statement of Attainment
- Graduate Certificate in Human and Community Services (Interpersonal Trauma Stream)- 5 graduates
- Masters of Social Work (Qualifying)- our first graduate
Sydney University’s School of Education and Social Work, Sydney University has partnered with ECAV to give the Aboriginal students more opportunities.
Representatives from the Centre for Aboriginal Health, Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect Unit, NSW Ombudsman, NSW Health RTO, Victims Services, NSW Health Aboriginal Family Well-being and Violence Prevention Network, Aboriginal Communities Matter Advisory Group (ACMAG), Women NSW, Australian Counselling Association, Victim’s Services and Domestic Violence NSW were among those who sent representatives to the celebration.
