What is OCHRE?

OCHRE is the NSW Government’s plan for Aboriginal Affairs. It stands for Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility and Empowerment, and is symbolic of Aboriginal communities’ deep connection with Country.

The plan is a NSW Government commitment to developing a genuine partnership with the Aboriginal community through a number of initiatives including Connected Communities, Language and Culture Nests, Opportunity Hubs, Local Decision Making models and an independent Aboriginal Council chaired by a Coordinator General.

OCHRE Opportunity Hubs

OCHRE Opportunity Hubs are designed to support Aboriginal students in Years 5–12 with the transition between primary and secondary school and onto further education and/or employment.

Opportunity Hubs are community-led local networks that work in partnership with schools, Aboriginal organisations, employers and training providers. The hubs provide holistic mentoring that focuses on academic achievement, well-being, cultural connection and career development. They aim to build the confidence and knowledge of Aboriginal students to help them follow a supported pathway between school and further education and/or employment.

Opportunity Hubs support linkages between education and sustainable jobs for Aboriginal young people through a range of support services, including:

• in-class support to improve academic outcomes
• one-on-one mentoring
• personalised transition and career planning
• initiatives that facilitate connection to culture, identity and community
• opportunities to engage with local employers and industry
• active engagement with students’ families throughout their schooling journey
• support for schools to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal students, families and the wider community
• support for school-based trainees and apprentices (SBATs)
• connecting students with post-school education and training pathways that align with their interests and career aspiration
• 12 month post-school support for school leavers transitioning into further education and/or training.

Opportunity Hub locations and providers

More information

Find more information on other OCHRE initiatives on the NSW Government's Aboriginal Affairs website.

Contacts

Opportunity Hubs are administered by the NSW Department of Education. To find out how your school can connect with a local Opportunity Hub, contact the Aboriginal Initiatives team: SWP.Aboriginal.Initiatives@det.nsw.edu.au