Knights & Hunter TAFE get Deadly for Aboriginal Learning

Hunter TAFE, the Aboriginal Learning Circle and the Newcastle Knights announced in August the details of a collaborative project that will empower Indigenous young people to pursue education as part of their future.

More than 160 Indigenous students in years 10 to 12 from the Hunter region attended the launch of the Deadly Skills project at Hunter TAFE's Newcastle campus.

Deadly Skills - It's your future Claim it, was launched to coincide with the NRL Indigenous Round and as part of the lead-up to 2015 National Skills Week.

Newcastle Knights CEO, Matt Gidley, said that this type of partnership was critical to the Knights' commitment to supporting the NRL’s “Game Plan” strategy as well as the Club's promise to respectful recognition of Aboriginal culture as part of our wider community.

“While the Indigenous Round is an important event in our annual calendar, for the Knights recognition is much more about a longer term approach of the entire Club and our stakeholders. Working with TAFE and the Learning Circle provides us with a holistic approach to achieving a better understanding of Aboriginal culture while engaging indigenous young people into important educational and sporting pathways," Mr Gidley said.

Hunter TAFE Deputy CEO, Marie Larkings, welcomed the project as part of the Institute's ongoing commitment to recognition, respect and empowering Aboriginal and Indigenous people to engage with education.

“This partnership aims to provide young people with better ways to connect with education. There are so many options for young people and our job is to make it easier for them and we hope by working with the Knights and the Learning Circle annually we will empower young people to pursue their dreams," Ms Larkings said.

The launch included Q&A discussion with past and present Knights players, Aboriginal art, dance and culture workshops as well as information about studying at TAFE.