CQU\'s Centre for Indigenous Learning, Spirituality and Research, Nulloo Yumbah is today hosting a barbecue and gathering in its new space on Bundaberg campus to mark the end of term.

CQU Bundaberg Nulloo Yumbah coordinator Vicki Pascoe is passionate about education, believing it is the vital key to the empowerment of Indigenous Australians.

\"An important function of Nulloo Yumbah\'s role is to provide a program to facilitate university entry for Indigenous people and to offer academic advice and a tutoring program for Indigenous undergraduate students,\" Ms Pascoe said.

\"A most successful way that this is happening here in Bundaberg is through the Tertiary Entry Program (TEP) for Indigenous people. This caters for mature-age students who have not completed high school as well as for recent school leavers who wish to have a second chance at entering tertiary education.

\"The program helps students gain the skills necessary for entry into university and can be completed in one year in flexible mode or external mode from home. The program is ABSTUDY approved and after successful completion students are eligible to apply to enter any university in Australia.\".

TEP students are eagerly awaiting the next term, when they will be undertaking the courses: Academic Communication, Australian Indigenous People and Politics, Computer Skills and Communication and Thought.

CQU Bundaberg has 21 continuing undergraduate Indigenous students, 8 new Indigenous undergraduate students and several students completing their first semester of the TEP program Indigenous undergraduate students are currently studying in the areas of Nursing, Health Promotion, Education, Arts, Communication, Business and IT. Four students have been successful in obtaining cadetships and two have been awarded equity scholarships.

For details: Vicki Pascoe on 07 4150 7091 or email v.pascoe@cqu.edu.au .

Photo: Ryan Doyle (front), Vicki Pascoe, David Rouse, Mahkaylia Walsh and Linda Nagas.