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'Auntie' Melva Johnson Representing Aboriginal Community Originally a domestic worker with Echuca Hospital, Melva has worked actively for the Aboriginal community since 1973. In 1978 she became administrator of the Echuca Aboriginal Co-operative. Health and early childhood facilities are among the services she helped establish. Today Melva is chair of the Echuca Local Aboriginal Consultative Group. She meets principals and education workers regularly for discussions. Through her networks Melva also advocates state-wide for better opportunities for Aboriginals in post-school training and employment. Strengths she brings to CCLLEN: “I keep an emphasis on the issues Aboriginal youth face, such as retention rates at school. This, along with literacy, numeracy and absenteeism, is our priority. Issues faced by our students are often different from those faced by white students. Some things taught in schools are culturally irrelevant. I would like to see more professional development on Aboriginal issues for teachers.” Aspirations for CCLLEN: “To pick up and help all youth who don’t make it to Year 11 or 12. We are getting more success now with Aboriginals in apprenticeships than ever before – building, catering, bricklaying, butchering, and we have a childcare trainee. There needs to be more bridging courses, and more pre-apprenticeship courses at TAFE.” Back