

The Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education will celebrate a record number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates this year at its ceremony on June 2nd.
The ceremony at the Batchelor campus will celebrate the achievements of 360 graduates across 34 qualifications in varying disciplines; ranging from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care, Conservation Land Management, Indigenous Knowledges, Media, Visual Art, Community Services, Education and Family Wellbeing. Batchelor Institute CEO Robert Somerville AM said that the key difference with Batchelor Institute is the way in which Indigenous cultural values are shared and respected within the organisation’s structure.
“Batchelor Institute is very proud of our graduates. We stand as a culturally inclusive organisation, with strong ties to our Indigenous heritage and the culturally safe and sustainable education we offer.”
The growing number of graduates follows an ongoing upward trend for the organisation, with 288 graduates in 2015 and 239 graduates in 2014.
“It is great to recognise the successes of our graduates, but it also important to acknowledge that this is a part of a larger journey. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the workforce. Batchelor Institute’s role is to provide that important bridge that opens opportunities,” Mr Somerville said.
Batchelor Institute’s mixed mode of conducting most courses allows for an unequaled reach into many of the Northern Territory’s most remote communities. This year’s graduating class is from 105 different communities, both from within the Northern Territory and across Australia.
The Batchelor Institute has been servicing the education, training and research needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 40 years, providing a culturally safe and sustainable education and training environment.
“Currently many Aboriginal people who hold leadership positions across a raft of organisations started their journey at Batchelor. The 2016 class of graduates are our next generation of Territory and national leaders,” said Mr Somerville.
Members of the community are are invited to attend the 2016 Graduation Ceremony to be held at Batchelor Campus, Batchelor NT. The ceremony will commence at 2:00pm on Thursday 2nd June 2016.