In Principio v16 no3 (2005)

BROOME I CAMPUS MAJOR ABORIGINAL AWARD FOR KIRSTEN MOREY The Bill Ritchie Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Studies for 2004 was presented to Notre Dame Education student Kirsten Morey in September 2005. Originally from Sydney, Kirsten now lives in Broome and hopes to teach in remote and rural schools on the completion of her degree. Kirsten began her studies at the Broome Campus while working in the tourism industry at Cape Leveque, on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. Coordinator of Aboriginal Studies, John Bucknall said selection of a recipient for the award was difficult as there were a number of outstanding eligible candidates. "The main point about the award is that it is not just based on academic excellence, it also relates to a student who has an understanding and shows a commitment to developing the issues relating to Aboriginal people. "It is for an all round student who has excelled in Aboriginal studies and Kirsten has certainly exemplified all these criteria. "Not only has she consistently achieved high academic attainment but she has also demonstrated a commitment to a better understating of Aboriginal issues," he said. An example provided by John of Kirsten's commitment and understanding of Aboriginal issues was during her 2004 work experience placement at Djarindjin Lombadina School on the Dampier Peninsula. One of her roles during this time was to organise and ensure students took part in a worthwhile work experience program. Kirsten was able to place students at the Kooljaman Tourist Enterprise. Through her commitment to the work experience program and by utilising her excellent communication skills she was able to plan and implement a successful work place program for these students in a remote area of Australia. John added that the feedback from the students, school and Kooljaman was extremely encouraging for both the students and Kirsten. "The success of this program is just one of the great examples of her meeting the goals of the Bill Ritchie Award." Kirsten Morey at the awards ceremony. .& DEPUTY LEADER OF THE FEDERAL OPPOSITION VISITS THE BROOME CAMPUS The Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Education, Training, Science & Research Jenny Macklin, visited the Broome Campus in early August. Campus Director Gavin Greaves conducted a tour of the campus for Ms Macklin accompanied by Vice Chancellor, Dr Peter Tannock. During the tour they were able to discuss the general details of the campus, courses on offer, numbers of students and details of the recent Kimberley Education and Resource Centre Opening and July's Graduation celebrations. "Ms Macklin was particularly impressed by the Vocational Education program which assists those students who wish to articulate into tertiary studies," Mr Greaves said. Ms Macklin was then shown the impressive Painting the Future: Gifts from Country Aboriginal Art Exhibition in the Resource Centre exhibition area. Following the viewing she met with Sally Clark, Lecturer/Acting Assistant Coordinator Nursing Program, Clare Scanlon, Acting Assistant Coordinator Education, John Bucknall, Coordinator Aboriginal Studies, Sr Carmel Posa, Coordinator Theology, Catherine Maughan, Head of VET and II Pauline McKenzie, VET Student Services Administration Assistant. University staff, students and invited guests including the Bishop of Broome, Most Reverend Christopher Saunders, joined Ms Macklin for morning tea before she departed Broome. T Jenny Macklin, Dr Peter Tannock and Gavin Greaves with VET students, Stuart lngie and Kaylene Thompson, (Certificate Ill in Education) and Pauline McKenzie (Certificate Ill in Business).