Native land course part of State govt $8m investment

By PETER ROWE

Participants of a pilot Certificate III in On Country Management course at South Regional TAFE were joined by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti in Geraldton as they graduated from the program.

The graduates, including staff from the Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation, and regionally based officers from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions commenced the pilot program in June, and finalised their studies this week.

“I congratulate the first graduates of the Certificate III in On Country Management course at TAFE and recognise the value that improved training opportunities will provide for native title parties and land managers across the State, and for improved protection of Aboriginal heritage,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti said.

Tony Buti congratulated the first graduates of the Certificate III in On Country Management course.

“Our investment in developing this course adds to the State Government’s $8 million annual commitment to the Native Title Party Capacity Building Program, which aims to resource native title parties to provide heritage services and respond to the engagement, consultation and service delivery needs of industry and the Government.”

The Certificate III in On Country Management qualification was developed by South Regional TAFE to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for effective management and conservation of natural and cultural resources on Aboriginal lands.

Delivered on Country and in a classroom setting, the course integrates Aboriginal cultural protocols and modern technology to ensure preservation of natural and cultural heritage, support sustainable management of resources and respect and honour cultural traditions and protocols.

Feedback from the pilot program will be incorporated into the Certificate III in On Country Management course, which will now be available as part of South Regional TAFE’s course offerings and is already attracting interest from other TAFE campuses across the State.