As part of its ongoing commitment to Indigenous communities within its regions, the 2004 Koori Health Careers Residential Workshop will be launched on Monday 13 September at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Wagga Wagga.

Now in its third year, the initiative is aimed at encouraging Indigenous young people to consider a University education in health care. This year, 60 teenage students from across NSW will be attending.

The five-day intensive workshop is a collaborative project between CSU’s Maldhan Gilanna Indigenous Education Unit, Greater Murray Area Health Service (GMAHS) and Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation.

“Some of the highlights of this year’s program include using experienced rock climbers to show the importance of team building, problem solving and confidence building,” said CSU’s Ngungilanna Project coordinator, James Evans. 

The program is now attracting students from as far away as Tenterfield, Mudgee, Dubbo and Tumut.

Topics to be covered include Hearing Health, Dietetics, Nutrition, Sexual Health, Pharmacy, and Psychology.

“It’s a very exciting program that gives Koori students the opportunity to learn from Indigenous practitioners and academics. They also gain a working knowledge of different health careers which helps them to consider their study options,” said Project Officer, Workplace Strategy and Planning for GMAHS, Sue Sutherland. 

The Workshop will be held in the Convention Centre at CSU Wagga Wagga Campus from midday on Monday 13 September to Friday 17 September, 2004. Wiradjuri Elders and members of the Wagga Wagga Aboriginal Elders Group will perform a traditional welcome on Monday 13 September at 6pm.