NSW AECG Inc.

Congratulations to The Hon. Linda Burney on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Letters, honoris causa) by the University of Sydney.

A proud Wiradjuri woman Linda Burney has dedicated decades to advancing Aboriginal education, Indigenous rights, public service, and reconciliation across Australia. She made history as the first Aboriginal woman elected to President of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) (1987-1998); the first Aboriginal person elected to the New South Wales Parliament, the first Aboriginal woman elected to the House of Representatives, and the first Aboriginal woman to serve as Australia's Minister for Indigenous Australians.

Since its inception in 1977, the NSW AECG holds the position as the peak advisory body on all matters pertaining to Aboriginal education, from ‘Cradle to Career’ essentially, in NSW. This position can be attributed to the hard work and leadership from our original members, such as Linda, in representing the Aboriginal community voice in the organisation from the 1970s to the 1990’s. Her advocacy for Aboriginal education was also recognised with Life Membership of the NSW AECG. The NSW AECG congratulates Linda on this amazing and well-earned achievement.

This well-deserved recognition celebrates her lifelong leadership, advocacy and commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

RECRUITMENT OPEN

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG) is looking for a highly motivated well organised individual to join our NSW AECG Training team.

Community Connectors work holistically with NSW secondary students, particularly those in years 10, 11 and 12 who may be at risk of disengaging from school or not achieving their full potential. Their primary aim is to ensure students and families are “connected” to services they need and that services are actively engaged.

For more information about this role, or to apply, please visit: https://au.seek.com/job/92464703?ref=cm-ui

Applications close 5pm Tuesday 23rd June 2026

Today the Walbunja Local AECG was well represented at the Batemans Bay Sorry Day Bridge Walk event, along with school students, Aboriginal community organisations and Elders and community members.

As Reconciliation Week comes to a close, we remember Eddie Koiko Mabo, a proud Mer Island man and his cultural and human rights legacy.

The Secretariat will be facilitating a series of Super Regional Meetings regarding the transfer of corporate structure and all Constitutional changes.

For more information, please contact Des Barton [email protected]

Over the last 2 days, our Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest Advisors and Coordinators have been in Sydney participating in professional learning . We covered topics such as better understanding roles and responsibilities, looking at the current expressions of interest and how we balance supply and demand, improving our reporting content, hearing best practice in Aboriginal language curriculum development and delivery, educator workforce development and skills to improve coordination of delivery across the Nest areas.

On Thursday, we launched the Healthy Culture, Healthy Country professional learning program in partnership with the NSW Department of Education and Burraga Foundation.

This program, facilitated by Dr Shayne Williams, is culturally informed and designed to support teachers and educators to strengthen cultural understanding and create culturally responsive learning environments for Aboriginal students.

We would like to extend our thanks to for hosting us, and for organising a tree planting to celebrate this important event. We would also like to thank the hospitality students and their teachers from Sarah Redfern who catered and served food for the day.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

The Healthy Culture Healthy Country program is a culturally informed PL for all NSW Department of Education Staff to strengthen cultural understanding and create responsive learning environments for Aboriginal students.

Cost - FREE

NSW DoE Staff can register via the NSW AECG Website or the link below:
https://shorturl.at/kBhsk

For any enquiries, please contact [email protected]

The NSW AECG is saddened by the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin PSM FACE. Professor Buckskin was a tireless advocate for Aboriginal education for well over 4 decades, dedicating his life to ensuring Aboriginal people had a voice in the education of our children and young people. Professor Buckskin was a giant in Aboriginal education not only a state and national level but reached across international borders.

Professor Buckskin held significant roles including Chair, South Australia Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council and inaugural Chair of National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Education Council as well as significant involvement in Tauondi Aboriginal Community College, representative at UNESCO and the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Professor Buckskin's work and dedication leaves a lasting legacy for Aboriginal people.

Our condolences are with Professor Buckskin’s children, extended family and our SAAETCC family during this sad time.

A state funeral will be held in Adelaide on the 12th June 2026.

Pictured: Cindy Berwick (deceased), Professor Peter Buckskin (deceased), Lionel Bamblett, Malarndirri McCarthy. Circa 2016

RECRUITMENT OPEN

The NSW AECG invites Expressions of Interest for the role of Aboriginal Language and Culture Nest Educator - Gumbaynggirr. This opportunity involves participation in a 10-week Training Program designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to deliver Aboriginal Language and Culture lessons within the Gumbaynggirr Language and Culture Nest Footprint.

The training will be facilitated by NSW AECG and will take place part-time over 10 weeks, commencing in July 2026.

If you are interested in this role, please visit the NSW AECG website to download the form:
www.aecg.nsw.edu.au/work-with-us

Applications close 5pm Monday 29th June 2026