Governor-General Shines a Light on Batchelor Institute’s Community of Learning and Teaching

On 19 August, the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO visited the Batchelor  campus.

Batchelor Institute Director, Mr Adrian Mitchell, said “the visit was a unique opportunity to showcase the work of the Institute as Australia’s leading Indigenous education, research and training provider. The visit gave the Governor-General a strong appreciation of the scope and value of the Institute’s work through meeting staff and students involved in the Institute’s Vocational Education and Training and VET in Schools programs, and Higher Education and Research programs”.

As part of the visit, Her Excellency met with staff and students from across the Institute to hear stories about their studies, journeys and aspirations.  In commenting on the importance of the work that Batchelor Institute does and the breadth and diversity of the programs offered, Her Excellency said “what happens here is opening up the eyes and imaginations of people, particularly in the provision of practical support to students”.

Her Excellency said she had been inspired by “the creativity and the talents that have been nurtured, the opportunities that have been created, the pathways that have been opened and the diversity of this community of learning and teaching at Batchelor Institute”.

Of the remarkable women who are working in community services and have the challenge of keeping women safe and providing services for very vulnerable women, Her Excellency said “some of these things we must never take for granted because they require not just compassion and caring and sharing but highly developed professional skills”.

The Governor-General spoke about her commitment to education and equality of opportunity and the unique work that Batchelor Institute was doing to provide pathways for Indigenous Australians to further education. Her Excellency said “I have spoken to women here who have six children who are studying. People who have been denied opportunities in the past are here being enriched and enhanced by learning”.

“one of the things that I enjoy about this role are the opportunities that I have to be part of a national conversation sharing ideas and experiences, hopes and innovation, talking about what I see and I’ll certainly be doing that. Our most powerful tool is our voice and speaking up about Batchelor is something that I am going to enjoy doing”.Australia’s Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO

Mr Mitchell presented books from Batchelor Press to Her Excellency, who responded by saying, “I see it as a most important responsibility to ensure that my children and my grandchildren grow up in the years ahead with knowledge and understanding, and most importantly friendship with Indigenous Australia because that’s what’s at the heart of it and that’s why it matters so much to me”.

Mr Adrian Mitchell said “it was an honour to host a visit by Her Excellency the Governor‑General. Her interest and appreciation of Batchelor Institute’s unique role and mission was extremely uplifting”.