Activity details
Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce capacity and capability across systems and sectors, recognising intersections with existing systems and reforms (e.g. family violence and child wellbeing, safety reforms and primary prevention).
Implementation progress update
A total of $5.89 million from the NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund has been allocated for investment in projects to support the Aboriginal early childhood education and care workforce as part of the 2025-26 NSW budget.
The Elsa Dixon SBAT project is designed to increase the number of Aboriginal students engaging in School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships in the Early Childhood sector within Aboriginal Community Controlled Services across NSW. The project delivers on First Steps Strategy goals 1, 2 and 3, and targets 3 and 4 under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. These targets relate to the engagement of students in Years 11 and 12 in further education. It is intended to result in long term employment opportunities after completing Years 11 and 12 of High School.
This project seeks to strengthen the relationships between NSW Department of Education, early childhood education and care services and Aboriginal families and communities. It will build the diversity of the workforce, creating culturally safe learning environments by growing the number of Aboriginal educators and teachers.
Currently 9 students are enrolled in the pilot project with most due to complete it by 31 December 2025. For more information see Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant.
More information
- Learn about the National Plan to End Violence against women and children 2022-2032.
- Read the First Action Plan 2023-2027.
- Browse the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan update.