All Indigenous Boards must now have the skills and knowledge to meet the accountability requirements of the new Corporations (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI), which came into effect on 1 July 2008. In response to the new requirements, TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute is delivering the Diploma in Business (Governance) to Indigenous Board Members in the region.
Q: |
Looking to build special skills for new Board Members? |
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A: |
TAFE NSW’s Diploma of Business (Governance) is the key. |
‘The course is significant in that it will enhance and increase the knowledge and capacity for Indigenous people to create strong, sustainable organisations,’ said Tony Dreise, Director, Aboriginal Learning Partnership, North Coast Institute.
‘The aim of the Diploma is multi-purpose, notably to support and provide the opportunity for the emergence of strong Indigenous management boards and functional organisations; increase community capacity building and development; ensure better financial and human resource management and enhance the level of competitiveness of the individual into the broader/mainstream sector,’ Mr Dreise said.
Ros Sten, Aboriginal Student Support Officer at North Coast Institute and a Board Member at local Jarjum Preschool in Lismore, previously completed the Certificate IV in Business (Governance) and found it so helpful she has since begun the Diploma course.
‘The course has given me clarity on what is required of Board Members at a higher level,’ Ms Sten said.
‘I have found the units on securing funding and being a team leader to be particularly valuable,’ she said. ‘I can use the skills I’m learning to be more effective on my current Board, and I can use those skills at a higher level because I now have a better understanding of what’s involved.’
She said another benefit of the course is the opportunity to network with other participants.
‘I’m learning a lot from others and getting information about what’s going on in the community,’ Ms Sten said.
Dianne Harrington, Programs Officer with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, said that over the years she had seen a number of Indigenous organisations struggle due to a lack of proper knowledge, skills and understanding of the legal operational requirements.
‘For Indigenous organisations on the North Coast to achieve ‘self-determination’ and to be on a level playing field with other mainstream organisations, it is essential that key staff members undertake the Diploma of Business (Governance),’ Ms Harrington said.
