USQ Springfield to host Elders Forum

A forum to encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to engage in tertiary education will be held at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus on 13 June 2008.

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Elders Forum Coordinator Liz Hornibrook said the forum would assist the University in their thinking and planning for the future.

'We came up with the idea of a forum during our elders yarning circle discussions,' Ms Hornibrook said.

'It is hoped a Community Advisory Group will be formed as a result of the forum to assist with culturally appropriate delivery within the Springfield campus.

'We would like to see as many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders participate in the forum as possible.

'More attendees mean more ideas and this is such an important issue in Australian higher education today.'

During the forum a variety of speakers will give talks about diversity of higher education:

USQ Associate Professor Gerry Tehan
Director Indigenous Education, USQ Centre for Australian Indigenous Knowledges, John Williams-Mozley
Dean of Students at USQ, Professor Rod St Hill
A Jagera elder will provide a traditional welcome and a traditional land talk regarding the Springfield area.
Aunty Bonnie Costa will address the elders about the need and advantages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gaining tertiary education qualifications.
Mayrah Dreis will talk about the Queensland Certificate of Education
Bundamba State High School Project Team will speak about the Bundamba State High School Student Engagement Project
Liz Hornibrook will speak on the USQ School to University Pathways for Indigenous Students Project

WHAT: Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders Elders Forum
WHEN: 13 June 2008, 10am to 4pm
WHERE: Level 6, Room LR1, USQ Springfield, Sinnathamby Boulevard

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided to forum participants.

Please contact Liz Hornibrook on 07 3470 4125 for more information or to register for the forum.

Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979