Pathways
Local First Nations Education Information
Year 7-9
For general support from F-12 the Victorian Department of Education Koorie Engagement Support Officers are a locally-based team of professionals who understand local Koorie culture and history of the community. Their role is to provide guidance and help schools build capacity to improve the education outcomes for their First Nations students. Contact the KESOs directly through the local Department of Education office.
In-School Programs
The Warrnambool-Moyne region is currently the only area in Victoria to have all three First Nations student leadership organisations: Clontarf Academy, Koorie Academy of Excellence (KAE), and Stars Foundation. Applications for all three programs can be accepted from Grade 6 onwards.
These organisations work within and alongside schools to support First Nations young people. Offering leadership, cultural and wellbeing support throughout the school year, Clontarf, KAE, and Stars focus on improving education engagement for First Nations young people. They coordinate activities, camps, career support through work experience, CV building and more.
Contact these organisations directly for more information on how to apply for these programs.
Special Events
Koorie Big Day Out – presented by Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. KBDO is a day for students from Yr 9 – 12 to explore Victorian university options and to meet with university Indigenous Education Units.
Community Programs
Local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) run programs throughout the year, such as:
Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Ltd. Koornong Maarr (ages 13-18) – social group for Koorie young people focused on cultural learnings and wellbeing. Includes camps and excursions and runs throughout school holidays.
- Ready for learning [The Koori Way] – Held in January before the school year begins, a full day event with activities and a 3×3 basketball competition.
- Koko Blokes (ages 7-17) – Koko is a Kirrae Whurrong word meaning younger brother. The boys get together each week and participate in fun fitness activities, camps, cultural activities, dance and more.
- Kalat Girls (ages 12-25) – Kalat is a Kirrae Whurrong word meaning eldest sister. The girls get together each week and participate in fun fitness activities, craft activities, cultural activities, and more.
- School Holiday Programs – Weekly during school holidays, including sport, physical fitness, art, music, craft, culture, cooking and more. A program of activities is released before each holiday period.
Scholarships and Financial Support
The Public Education Foundation and the Victorian Department of Education have a range of general scholarships available to students in Years 7-9.
First Nations secondary school students may also be eligible for the Australian Government’s ABSTUDY student financial support. Applications are through Services Australia who can provide up-to-date information on the application process and payment details.
More information and contact details about scholarships, financial support, and local ACCO programs can be found on the Further Resources for Educators page.
