We're committed to a respectful, culturally safe learning environment for First Nations students...not just as a statement, but as something we're actively building, with input from our own First Nations team and, increasingly, with community and employer partners.
ACCM acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation, and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We also acknowledge and respect the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal Country, and their deep connection to this land, waters and the broader community.
During enrolment, we ask if you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This is optional, used for government reporting, fee/subsidy eligibility, and to offer you extra support if you'd like it. Choosing not to answer has no impact on your enrolment — it just means we won't proactively offer that support unless you ask later.
We can talk you through what this means for you, or connect you with any support on this page, any time.
Every ACCM learner gets a dedicated Student Adviser and regular check-ins from our Service One Team during your first weeks.
All our staff also complete regular First Nations cultural awareness training, so support for First Nations learners doesn't rest on one person alone.
First Nations learners can also request Leonie as an additional point of contact at any stage — before you enrol, during onboarding, or any time after.
A few ways you can shape your own experience with us…from who's in the room at the start, to who you can reach out to along the way.
Just let us know what works for you.
Include a family member, community person, or your employer/host in your enrolment or induction conversations...just say the word.
Ask us to contact a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or community group on your behalf, where possible in your area.
A First Nations point of contact is available directly inside Webclass, our online learning portal, not buried in a general help menu.
In addition to the support ACCM provides directly, First Nations trainees and apprentices are entitled to mentoring through an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP), with dedicated First Nations support staff in every state.
If you're not sure which ACAP supports you, Leonie or your Student Adviser can help you find and connect with the right provider.
These are free and confidential, and you don't need to wait until things feel unmanageable to use them.
Some are just as useful for a quiet moment of checking in with yourself.
13 92 76 — 24/7 crisis support, by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
1800 650 890 (eheadspace.org.au) — support for under-25s, from a rough patch to a crisis available 3pm–10pm daily.
Free on the Apple App Store and Google Play. A wellbeing app made with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, for whenever you want to check in with yourself
Got something to add, change, or challenge on this page?
Tell Leonie and our team...it shapes what comes next.
