THE demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. Increased access to education is ensuring that our region has the talent it needs to thrive. The Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) was birthed 20 years ago as an initiative from Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC) and the University of Melbourne to improve education, health and employment outcomes for Indigenous people in the region.
ASHE is a First Nations-led education institution which focusses on sport, health and education. While many of its students are Indigenous, around 20 to 30 per cent are not.
Beginning in 2004 with just six students, and today catering for approximately 119, ASHE has been instrumental in improving outcomes and contributing to workforce and skills shortages in the region, producing over 1,000 ready-to-work graduates from the program across a range of disciplines.
The current course offerings available at ASHE are:
- Victorian Pathway Certificate (GOTAFE) – Years 11 & 12
- Cert III in Early Childhood (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)
- Cert IV in Community Services Alcohol and Other Drugs (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)
- Cert IV in Community Services (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)
- Diploma of Community Services (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)
- Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs & Mental Health (PARTNERS IN TRAINING)
- Diploma of Nursing (GOTAFE)
- Bachelor of Nursing (LATROBE UNIVERSITY)
Over the next 12 months ASHE will transition in name to the Munarra Academy, as part of the evolution of the program at the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence. ASHE will also look at increasing these educational offerings in 2025, including partnership with more education providers.
To learn more about ASHE, visit https://ashe.unimelb.edu.au/
