IEU Committees: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory

Karen said, “I have been working for over 26 years as an Aboriginal Education Worker at St Johns College Dubbo, a position that has been inspirational and enlightening.

“The rapport with staff, parents and community shows the importance of working collaboratively to embrace the social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing of our youth,” she said.

“It is an honour to be on the IEU ATSI committee, working towards enriching conditions that enhance equity, inclusion and fairness.

“Being able to initiate an ATSI perspective into matters that are raised by members and communicating that information signifies the importance of my representation at a state level.

“Being made aware of challenging issues and diligently offering guidance that supports positive achievement, further enriches my attendance.

“Acknowledging the diversity of opinions, vastness of opportunities and positive enrichment of inclusiveness enhances my status on such a valued and prestigious committee.

“As a member, my goal on the committee is to successfully network with an array of people who have the passion to make a difference.

“I’m grateful that the IEU embraces the input of the committee’s knowledge and supports the diversity of all cultural customs,” Karen said.

Michelle Thompson is a member of the ATSI committee as well as IEU Vice President Early Childhood Education and Care.

Michelle said, “I have been Director at Shore Preparatory School Early Learning Centre for five years.

“I have worked across many spaces including community based, not-for-profit and independent schools for over 20 years, with a strong focus on the all-important early years.

“In the past five years, my relatives shared our history, being descendants of the Stolen Generation at the Parramatta Girls Institute.

“While I am still on my personal journey of discovery, I know that I come from a long line of strong Wiradjuri women and have a strong spiritual connection to my father’s home, Cowra.

“Fairness and social justice have always been key to who I am, and in joining this committee, I aim to be an advocate of Closing the Gap and supporting equal access and rights to all Aboriginal people, particularly children.

“I am in a unique position being a part of the IEU Executive, to play an important part in advocacy, and to help educate, create awareness with a strong focus on inclusion.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committiee

Jackie Groom (Convenor)

Craig Duncan

Karen Andriske

Kathryn Baxter

Kylie Booth-Martinez

Lyn Caton

Mary Aitkinson

Megan Sampson

Michelle Thompson

Pam Smith

Vince Cooper