Message from the Director

In early September, I was appointed as Batchelor Institute’s Director, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead an organisation that is vital to the Northern Territory.  

Since my appointment, I have met many staff members and have been overwhelmed by the passion and dedication expressed by the team we have here. Your commitment to Batchelor Institute and all that it offers our First Nations students is reflected in our reputation as a well-respected and culturally important education provider.  

And it’s not only our staff who care deeply about the success of Batchelor Institute – there are many influential people within our community, in industry and in government, who are keen supporters of our organisation and who are equally as committed to its longevity. 

Not long after I started in the role as CEO, Batchelor Institute recorded a significant improvement to its financial position. This outstanding effort was achieved by making strategic and sustainable decisions and taking strong fiscal measures. We will continue to focus on a stronger financial position and future growth.  

In late September, we announced our cooperation with the Office of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, who is conducting a review to assess Batchelor Institute’s practices, policies and procedures. The review is essentially an audit of the way our organisation is performing and has been progressing well. I’m looking forward to the findings, which I hope will lead to better systems and processes in the future.  

While there is always room for improvement, it is terrific to know that Batchelor Institute is in a strong position right now. Being named one of the top three finalists in the prestigious Australian Training Awards ‘Large Training Provider of the Year’, is evidence of our enviable position in the training sector.  

Batchelor Institute also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Australasian Foundation for Plastic Surgery, which will see surgeons from the Foundation teach expert suturing and wound care practices to our health worker students in 2022. Being equipped with these skills means our Aboriginal health workers can better treat First Nations people at home and reduce the need for medical evacuations. 

We will have a chance to celebrate all this year’s successes at our Christmas Party, being held on Friday 10 December. More information will become available closer to the date. 

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone for sharing your stories, your work, and your ideas with me. It has been a real pleasure to meet staff and students at Batchelor Institute and I look forward to continuing to do so. 

Mick.