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The purpose of the Toomelah Partnership Outreach Education Model (POEM) project is to form partnerships that re-engage disconnected youth into education or training. The partnership between the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) and the Toomelah community has enabled young people and community members to participate in a range of education and training programs, including hygiene, food and cultural maintenance. The partnership has been successful because local cultural protocol was observed, culturally appropriate teachers, learning materials and assessments and a flexible, blended learning program were used in which the needs of the local students and community members were met. Local community ownership of the project as well as local mentoring of the young participants also contributed to the success.

A new Aboriginal visual and performing arts centre, the Yarradamarra Centre at TAFE NSW - Western Institute's Dubbo Campus, provides a quality learning environment for Aboriginal people in a rural area. The Centre offers a Certificate II Aboriginal Visual and Performing Arts course and has drawn interest from a diverse group of Aboriginal students and teachers from different areas. Boosting confidence, improving literacy and performance experience are valuable additional benefits.

A range of initiatives based on partnerships between TAFE NSW and Aboriginal training programs illustrates many success stories. Success factors are measured by the proportion of Aboriginal participants who gain sustainable employment or continue with further studies. Other indicators of successful programs are cultural respect and flexibility, involvement of Aboriginal teachers and guest speakers and the use of experiential learning techniques. Barriers to greater success include racism and ignorance and indicate the importance of the need to build cultural awareness and respect in both directions.

A joint venture between TAFE NSW, communications company Optus and the Commonwealth Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts uses satellites to boost Aboriginal vocational learning in remote areas. The courses include technology, building, food and home tutoring and are delivered with the use of mobile satellite trailers, permanent satellites and laptops. The courses are received with much enthusiasm by the students, and the teachers are very committed and dedicated. More courses are planned. Interactive distance learning (IDL) also enhances the community's capacity through access to broader networks and services such as health education and business opportunities.