Information from LG Online

Economic Development in Indigenous Communities - Scholarships
Expressions of interest are invited for Indigenous Scholarships and Career Development Advisors/Mentors.

In 2008 Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) decided to establish a scholarship fund to encourage economic development in Indigenous communities. IBA is an Australian Government initiative.

The intention of the Scholarship Fund is to provide opportunities for Indigenous people to access educational opportunities that advance business, financial and leadership skills development with a focus on commercial and economic management. This could include gaining a qualification through a TAFE Course or an Undergraduate degree. A small number of Scholarships are on offer for 2009.

The initial focus for the scholarship fund is on the mature age working person who is considering upgrading their skills through study. This type of person is more likely to be in a position to return to their community after the conclusion of study, and immediately be able to apply their new knowledge and skills for the benefit of their community or organisation. However, other potential scholarship recipients will be considered.

The IBA Scholarship Fund will also consider providing support to eligible applicants who wish to undertake a capability training short course. Short courses are non-accredited courses which provide practical skills of immediate benefit to the applicant, their organisation or community in business, commercial skills or governance. Such courses may include corporate governance training, financial literacy courses and the like.

The Scholarship fund provides a broad range of financial assistance to assist Indigenous students to successfully complete their qualification.
Assistance would be tailored to the individual circumstance, including living away from home allowances, and could include:
Course costs
Accommodation costs
Living expenses
Transport costs
Child Care
Study resources/ancillary course costs
Communication costs (telephone, broadband)
Tutoring
Relocation costs
IT equipment (lap top, printer)
Travel costs for family visits

IBA’s Partnerships Branch is also looking for the names of Indigenous Career Development Officers or Mentors, people who provide assistance in developing career skills and opportunities for clients.

Names and contact numbers of potential applicants, career development officers and mentors should be forwarded to Priscilla McCotter: email Priscilla.McCotter@iba.gov.au or call (02) 6121 2690

Further information on IBA can be found at http://www.iba.gov.au/
Your LGAQ contact on this matter is Angela Quain, Regional Policy & Programs Coordinator, call 3000 2212 or email angela_quain@lgaq.asn.au