The Symes Report 3 | Page 47

Building futures

Australia is home to the world’s oldest living culture. One not-for-profit organisation in Sydney is dedicated to keeping it alive.

The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence makes an impression the moment you enter. The welcome, the hum of gentle enthusiasm and the beautifully restored historic buildings combine in an atmosphere of quiet and uplifting positivity.

The social enterprise, established by the Indigenous Land Corporation, provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the opportunity to develop their health, wellbeing and skills and improve employment prospects. Offering education, training and development as part of its services , the centre has a staff of up to 100 people – some of whom started off as students there.

Receptionist Chloe Cowan of the Dunghutti mob loves the support and positivity the centre provides.

Chloe came to the centre as a Job Ready program participant, and says she has “learned heaps”.

She enjoys working with the team, saying everyone pushes each other to reach their goals, and that the encouraging environment is helping her grow as a person.

“Everyone feels like family here. I feel more connected with my culture.”

The hub offers a range of services including a gym, accommodation, catering and conference facilities, with the aim of eventually becoming self-sustaining. Organisations that do business with the centre are directly supporting the current and future health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• How to help

The centre welcomes philanthropic or corporate support or direct, tax deductable donations. Contact them through http://ncie.org.au/

Michael Greene and Michelle Carr at work at the NCIE kitchen.

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