Indigenous student support services
Studying can be challenging, but you won’t have to do it alone.
At the Centre for Aboriginal Studies you will be supported with our range of academic, living and wellbeing services. We also provide a culturally safe space where you will feel you belong.
Please reach out to us today!
Email: indigenous.support@curtin.edu.au
For additional support, you can also access the study support and personal support available to all Curtin students.
Indigenous Student Support Staff
Indigenous Student Success Coordinator: Shamone Eades
Phone: (08) 9266 2307
Email: shamone.eades@curtin.edu.au
ITAS Officer: Tahlia Holtze
Phone: (08) 9266 4221
Email: tahlia.holtze@curtin.edu.au
Indigenous Student Support: Donna Cuttabutt
Phone: (08) 9266 1859
Email: donna.cuttabutt@curtin.edu.au
Indigenous Student Support: Michael Fitzgerald
Email: michael.fitzgerald1@curtin.edu.au
Program Coordinator: Brendon DeGois
Email: brendon.degois@curtin.edu.au
Reception and Student Travel Officer: Iara Gil Borges De Carvalho
Phone: (08) 9266 7091
Email: iara.gilborge@curtin.edu.au
ABSTUDY financial support
As an Indigenous student, you may be eligible for ABSTUDY payments from the government to help support you while you study. ABSTUDY can help you with your costs for education, accommodation, living, travel expenses and prescription medicines.
Learn more about ABSTUDY at the Australian Government Department of Human Services website.
Academic tutoring
ITAS Study Assistance
The Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) is a student-driven tutoring program to help you with your study and prepare for your assignments. Tutoring can help increase your understanding of concepts, build your study skills and boost your confidence. The one-on-one setting also allows you to focus on overcoming any problem areas you might have, paving the way for you to succeed at university.
Am I eligible?
You will need to meet the following criteria to be eligible for tutoring:
- You must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent,
- Be enrolled in either a Curtin Enabling course or an Undergraduate award level course (e.g., Bachelor, Associate or Honours) offered at Curtin University.
- Masters or PhD students are not eligible for ITAS unless they have a CAPS plan (Curtin Access Plan).
How many hours of tutoring can I have each week?
You can be eligible for 2 hours tutoring per week for each unit you are studying.
Can I select my own tutor?
Yes, you can nominate a tutor from our database of qualified tutors.
How do I apply?
You can download and complete the application form below:
Or, you can collect a form from the ITAS Officer located in the Student Services area in the Centre for Aboriginal Studies (Building 211), call 9266 7091, or email CAS-ITASAdmin@curtin.edu.au.
You must complete a new form at the start of each semester.
For more information, please read the ITAS Student Guidelines or contact the Centre for Aboriginal Studies.
Tutors
How do I become a tutor?
If you are registering as a Tutor please download, read and complete these forms:
- ITAS Tutor – Tutoring Guidelines 2020
- E – ITAS Tutor Registration 2021
- Student Tutor Agreement Form 2020
Counselling services
Make an appointment
We offer specialised services for Curtin’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. If you need to have a yarn with someone, you can see our on-site Aboriginal psychologist for free at Curtin.
Joyleen Koolmatrie provides a culturally safe space, professional and confidential support to students and staff.
Location: Centre for Aboriginal Studies Building 211, Room 232
Email: j.koolmatrie@curtin.edu.au
Phone: (08) 9266 7850
Simone Harrington provides a professional, confidential and safe space to talk.
Simone’s Availability: Wednesdays to Fridays at CAS (Mondays and Tuesdays she’s available for appointments in Building 109)
Location: Centre for Aboriginal Studies Building 211, Room 232
Phone: (08) 9266 7850
Email: triagecounsellor@curtin.edu.au
Opening hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Medical services
Curtin has a medical centre on the Bentley Campus where you can visit doctors and receive medical services.
Learn more about the Curtin Medical Centre.
Indigenous Department at the Student Guild
The Curtin Student Guild represents and advocates for students at Curtin, and it has an Indigenous Department Officer to make sure Indigenous students are well represented and supported. The Guild also collaborates with CAS on student events.
Scholarships
Scholarships can help pay some of your fees or expenses when you’re studying. There’s a range of scholarships available for future and current CAS students as well as Indigenous students studying in other areas of Curtin.
You can search all scholarships, or learn about Commonwealth scholarships available to Indigenous students.
To chat about your scholarship options, contact the Curtin Scholarships Office.
Deadly mentoring program
This CAS-run program gives you one-on-one support and helps you build a thriving mindset to succeed at university and throughout your life. There are weekly workshops and you can join as a mentor or a mentee.
To find out more please contact us at:
Email: C_Enquiries@curtin.edu.au
Student employment opportunities
Curtin’s Aboriginal Student Placement Program (ASPP) is an excellent opportunity to get an insider’s experience in the heart of the University. The program runs year-round and there is a variety of casual, part-time and full-time roles available across different areas of Curtin.
The program will help to build your professional skill set and allow you to make valuable career decisions. Submit your expression of interest through the Aboriginal Student Placement Program. Contact ASPP@curtin.edu.au for more information.