INSTITUTE FOR ABORIGINAL DEVELOPMENT

 

 


News Room

IAD OPENS NEW DOORS TO INDIGENOUS ADULT EDUCATION

8 October 2004

The Institute for Aboriginal Development (IAD) has today celebrated the Official Opening of Stage One of its Campus Redevelopment on South Terrace in Alice Springs.

The $2.6 million dollar project including nine classrooms, a library, computer lab and canteen/common room was funded by the Australian Government through the Australian National Training Authority.

The Northern Territory Senator Nigel Scullion officially opened the Stage One Campus Redevelopment on behalf of the Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP,at a special ceremony today.

As part of the ceremony, the staff and student common room (canteen) was named after the IAD’s Founder, the Reverend Jim Downing and the new library was  dedicated to the IAD’s first Aboriginal Director, Yami Lester – both of whom were present to receive the honour.

The IAD’s Chair Richard Hayes said: “The opening of these new facilities gives a fresh face to Indigenous education and training in Central Australia and represents an important milestone in the Institute’s 35 year history.”

“The IAD continues to play a crucial role in providing a “second chance” or “re-entry into education” opportunity for the many students for whom the formal education system has been a dismal failure - delivered in a supportive, culturally sensitive and now modern learning environment.”

The Northern Territory Senator Nigel Scullion said: "On behalf of the Australian Government, I am proud to see our investment in independent Indigenous adult education in Central Australia result in such wonderful facilities."

"I congratulate the Institute for Aboriginal Development on its work in trying to improve the lives of Indigenous people through the delivery of high-quality, culturally-appropriate education and training," he said.

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Kirsty Nancarrow on 8951 1379 or 0439999862.

IAD Stage One Redevelopment Facts:

  • The $2.6 million project includes a library, canteen and nine classrooms

  • Alice Springs Architects Tangentyere Design has led a team of consultants in designing the new buildings since 1993

  • Sitzler Bros won the contract for the construction of Stage 1 which began in June 2003

  • The money for the project was announced by the former Federal Labor Government in 1996.The Northern Territory Government finally agreed to release the funds (without the accumulated interest) in March 2000, with the first payment made to IAD in July 2000.

  • Plans exist for Redevelopment Stages 2 and 3 but as yet no funding has been provided beyond Stage 1.
     

                                                                                                            


 

Copyright © Institute for Aboriginal Development 2004                               

IAD is a registered training organisation (National code: 0167)

3 South Terrace Alice Springs  phone: 08 8951 1311  fax: 08 8953 1884  Email: general.info@iad.edu.au
 

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