About OAC

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Community

Aboriginal Education Team

At Open Access College (OAC), we are committed to delivering high-quality online education for Aboriginal students across South Australia.

The Team

Our Aboriginal Education Team (AET) includes our Deputy Principal, an ACEO/ASETO, and three Aboriginal Education Teachers. Together, they support staff to embed Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum and ensure culturally responsive learning.

APAS & Support

Through the Aboriginal Programs Assistance Scheme (APAS), students can access:

  • One-on-one tutoring

  • Cultural and academic mentoring

  • Personalised advice and guidance

Celebrations

We actively celebrate and recognise key cultural events, including:

  • Celebrating the Apology

  • Survival Day

  • The Referendum

  • Mabo Day

  • Reconciliation Week

  • NAIDOC Week

Marden & SOTA

Both campuses are keen to hear from and work with Indigenous families to instil Aboriginal perspectives, ideas and culture in our teaching.

Transitions

From Reception through to employment or tertiary study, we support students at every stage. This includes developing Educational One Plans, promoting wellbeing, and facilitating access to traineeships and apprenticeships.

Community

OAC and SOTA work across more than 30 Aboriginal Nations, engaging with diverse communities to create two-way learning opportunities that connect students with cultures beyond their own.

Key Aboriginal Dates 2025

    • 26 January ‐ Survival Day, Day of Mourning, Invasion Day
    • 13 February - Anniversary of National Apology 2008
    • 21 February - International Mother Language Day
    • 21 March - National Close the Gap Day
    • 17 - 23 March - Harmony Week
    • 26 May - National Sorry Day
    • 26 May - Uluru Statement from the Heart
    • 27 May - Anniversary of the successful 1967 Referendum
    • 27 May - 3 June - National Reconciliation Day
    • 3 June - Mabo Day
    • 1 July - Coming of the Light - Torres Strait Islands
    • 6 - 13 July - National NAIDOC Week
    • 4 August - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
    • 9 August - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
    • 5 September - Indigenous Literacy Day
    • 13 September - Anniversary of the United. Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
    • 26 October - Uluru Returned to Traditional Owners

Last updated: 12 August 2025