CDU’s recently appointed Director of VET, Aaron Devine, has just completed a road trip through the NT with the Director of Remote Co-ordination, Paul Fitzsimons and Regional PR/Communications Officer, Jason McIntosh.
Visiting regional campuses and centres in Jabiru, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, Aaron saw first hand the work of Charles Darwin University in regional and remote NT.
Aaron says he was most excited by the enthusiasm and passion of staff in regional and remote locations.
‘Remote campuses and centres obviously work hard in challenging conditions, but they clearly love what they do. In each of the campuses I visited it was great to see such innovative projects and such hard work from our staff,’ he said.
A visit to the Indigenous community of Jilkminggan, located near Katherine, was one of the highlights of his trip. A MALU (Mobile Adult Learning Unit) is based at the community this month and Aaron was able to see it in action.
‘Talking to the CEO of this community, Arnold Von Senden, gave me an invaluable insight into Indigenous education,’ he said.
‘While the issues faced in Indigenous communities are different from those in urban locations, the need to base training around positive relationships, listening to real training needs of the community remain the same.
‘Jilkminggan is a community with strong effective leadership, which through the skills audit process provided by our Community and Access Group has a clear training agenda that CDU is working proactively in delivering. It is a first class outcome that is already delivering outcomes,’ he said.
Aaron said CDU’s programs need to be well regarded around the community and always based on what he calls ‘learning by doing’.
‘The best learning programs being undertaken by CDU were designed around learning by doing, customisation to the needs of the learners, and great facilitation by our staff.’
Paul, Aaron and Jason would like to thank the Jabiru, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs campuses for their hospitality.