Aboriginal Initiatives
Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person looking for an apprenticeship or traineeship or do you need help with your current training? We have a range of services and programs to help you.


Mentorship
Barranggirra - Skilling for Employment Initiative
This initiative consolidates and replaces the long-standing The Way Ahead for Aboriginal People and New Careers for Aboriginal People programs to strengthen the end to end support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. This includes improved post-training outcomes and building stronger links for Aboriginal people with current opportunities for employment and training flowing from broader department and government priorities for Aboriginal participation in the NSW workforce and in major projects.
Learn more at Barranggirra - Skilling for Employment Initiative
Fee-free training
Smart and Skilled
Eligible Aboriginal students are entitled to fee-free government subsidised training in priority skill areas with approved training providers. This training gives you the chance to gain the skills you need to get a job and advance your career.
Learn more about Smart and Skilled.
Local networks
OCHRE Opportunity Hubs
OCHRE Opportunity Hubs aim to provide Aboriginal young people with the confidence and knowledge to follow a supported pathway between school and further education and/or employment.
They support linkages between education and sustainable jobs for Aboriginal young people through partnerships with schools, coordination of local opportunities, mentoring and support and more.
Learn more at OCHRE Opportunity Hubs.
Who can I contact for more help?
The Aboriginal Initiatives team is now a part of the Equity Programs unit within Skills and Workforce Programs.
Got a question about our initiatives and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, including eligibility and how to get started? See contact details below.
Aboriginal Initiatives
Postal Address:
Education and Skills Reform
PO Box 5068
Parramatta NSW 2124
P: 13 28 11
Aboriginal Initiatives enquiries:
E: swp.aboriginal.initiatives@det.nsw.edu.au
Barranggirra enquiries:
E: swp.barranggirra@det.nsw.edu.au
Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant enquiries:
E: swp.edaeg@det.nsw.edu.au
Opportunity Hub enquiries:
E: swp.opportunityhubs@det.nsw.edu.au
Our team
Mitch Lowrie
Manager - Aboriginal Initiatives
M: 0438 427 028
E: mitchell.lowrie1@det.nsw.edu.au
Jennifer Thorpe
Project Officer
M: 0447 936 003
E: jennifer.thorpe4@det.nsw.edu.au
Kelly Pulevaka
A/Senior Project Officer - Opportunity Hubs
M: 0460 021 568
E: kelly.pulevaka@det.nsw.edu.au
Chantelle Young
Senior Project Officer – Barranggirra
M: 0467 959 557
E: chantelle.young11@det.nsw.edu.au
Andrew Gordon
A/Senior Project Officer - Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant
M: 0457 544 371
E: michael.a.gordon@det.nsw.edu.au
Kayla Wilson
Project Officer - Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant
M: 0499 939 891
E: kayla.wilson28@det.nsw.edu.au
Paris Knox
Project Officer – Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant
M: 0456 526 965
E: paris.knox2@det.nsw.edu.au