Message from the Director, March 2022

A belated welcome to a new and exciting year for Batchelor Institute. It has been a whirlwind start to 2022 with the development of the COVID-19 policy and the adaptations that continue to be made with how we roll out our learning and teaching programs this year.

It was great to meet with many of you recently at the BBQ lunch held at Batchelor campus, and to listen to our Chair Pat Anderson. I know that Pat was also pleased to meet with our staff at our Desert Peoples Centre campus during her visit to the Northern Territory.

As we touched on during those events, recent times have certainly had some challenges, especially the impacts of COVID-19 in the Northern Territory. As I mention above, this has affected our work but more importantly, the Batchelor family. Many of our staff and families have tested positive and many more have been close contacts of those in the community who have tested positive. I think I speak on behalf of all Batchelor staff in saying our thoughts are with all those who have been and continue to be affected.

Despite this, Batchelor Institute has continued to push through and see many successes. I would like to thank all our staff who have worked hard to ensure that Batchelor continues to thrive. Our staff have shown great dedication and resilience in the face of these ongoing changes.

As I covered last Monday at our all-staff meeting, we have finalised some important pieces lately, including the new organisation structure which we will circulate to all staff soon. We are also in the process of reviewing our EBA, and we have had confirmation that any pay rises that may be decided upon, will be backdated to January this year.

You will all be aware that we pledged our cooperation with ICAC while they conducted a review of Batchelor Institute’s practices, policies, and procedures. This review has nearly been completed, and I want to thank all staff who have assisted with this process so far. The next step will involve a meeting between the Commissioner and his staff and ELAT.

Besides this, there has been much anticipation and excitement to see our first students for the year back on our campuses. We have already held several workshops in recent weeks and there will be many more to come.

Once again, thank you all for your dedication and contributions that support our students to pursue meaningful pathways for employment and further study opportunities.

It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know many of you better over the past few months and I am excited for all our work and successes to come.

Mick