COOEE welcomes new patron

Indigenous Community Engagement, Policy and Partnerships Director Professor Boni Robertson and Aunty Anne Chapman.

Redlands Shire Mayor Councillor Karen Williams was welcomed as patron of the COOEE program last month.

The COOEE Indigenous Family and Community Education Resource Centre is a community-based initiative developed by local Elders to address the education and wellbeing of Indigenous students and families in the Redlands and surrounding areas.

COOEE Elder Aunty Anne Chapman said it was wonderful to have Cr Williams as their patron.

“The COOEE program provides a much-needed service and introduces a cost-effective reponse in dealing with Indigenous youth and families deemed to be ‘at risk’,’’ she said.

“The program provides an innovative, culturally sensitive approach to addressing the learning needs of Indigenous students.”

COOEE and its subsidiary programs are part of a pathways project partnership between the COOEE Elders, Redlands Shire Elders, Griffith’s Indigenous Community Engagement, Policy and Partnership and Metro South TAFE.