New partnership to support Indigenous education outcomes

Vicinity has partnered with SEDA Group to enable more Indigenous students to complete year 11 and 12 education through independent SEDA Colleges in WA, NT and SA. 

SEDA Colleges use a unique student-centred approach to learning that provides education in local community settings including sport, recreation, community, and trade facilities as well as time on country for cultural learning.

The official three-year partnership follows a collaboration in 2022 that raised funds for eight scholarships for Indigenous students to attend SEDA Colleges and complete their senior education.

Vicinity Centres Sustainability Manager – Community Karen Woo said the official partnership builds on a commitment to support further educational outcomes, facilitate employment pathways and advance reconciliation.

“We have a responsibility to not only build strong relationships with First Nations people but to also shape meaningful places that acknowledge and recognise their link to Country,” Ms Woo said.

The first year of the partnership will focus on students in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

SEDA Group CEO Nick Hannett said the partnership will allow SEDA Colleges in WA, SA and NT to increase the number of Indigenous young people who access the unique SEDA education model. 

“The partnership will ultimately result in more Indigenous young people completing their senior secondary education in culturally supportive learning environments and creating meaningful pathways for their futures.”  

In FY23 Vicinity contributed $4.5 million in community investment through targeted community programs.