At the Aboriginal Education Reference Group (AERG) meetings, the members regularly discuss what is happening in Aboriginal Education across the regions they are representing as well as consultation, during and outside of the RG meeting time, with members of the Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnership Directorate and Connected Communities strategy.

Areas of consultation have included:

• the pilot of Aboriginal Education Instructional Leaders across seven identified schools
• working alongside key stakeholder groups to support the University of Newcastle in the development of the “Deadly Pathway Principles – A Culturally Sensitive Evaluation Framework for NSW Government Schools” to assist Principals and schools when working with families and community.
• trialling the online mandatory professional learning suite in development by DoE to support all schools with Aboriginal Education
• supporting the development of new PLP templates which will cater for all schools regardless of context ie. Primary, Secondary, Central, SSP, Small Schools, EEC, etc…
• providing feedback about high-impact quality resources which schools require to support Aboriginal Education.
• participation in High Potential and Gifted Education working party meetings with a focus on supporting high achieving Aboriginal students in rural and regional areas to access extension programs via Aurora College.
• representation on the selection panel for the Nanga Mai Awards. These NSW DoE awards recognise Aboriginal students, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal teachers, other departmental staff, Aboriginal community members and schools that demonstrate excellence across a diversity of areas. We encourage everyone to apply for these awards to celebrate and share great practices that are taking place in schools.

Priorities of the Aboriginal Education Reference Group in partnership with AOPD and NSWAECG are advocating for access to quality professional learning and resources. The RG are aimimg to empower our Principals to support and build capacity of our Aboriginal staff and advocate for equitable access to AEOs across the State. 

The AERG is looking forward to connecting with NSWAECG President Catherine Trindall at a future meeting. The DoE partnership with the NSWAECG is based on the principles of respect, commitment, collaboration and accountability to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal learners. The NSWPPA values the work of and the relationship we have with the NSWAECG, and the Executive also seek advice and guidance on matters. Please contact your RG representative if you have any queries that have not been addressed at local AECG meetings.

The Chair of the AERG is Paul Byrne (North Coast) and Regional representatives are Tina Lee (Northern Sydney), Jodie Hall (Western NSW), John Picton (Hunter/Central Coast), Cathie McMaster (New England), Adam Zanco (Illawarra/South Coast), Sean Scott (Riverina), Jo Graham (Sydney), Tammy Anderson (South West Sydney) and Kerry Bryan (Western Sydney).