Tiwi
College opened in January 2008 providing quality secondary
education to young people on Bathurst and Melville Islands. The
College is located at Pickertaramoor, in the centre of Melville
Island, away from any of the major island communities.
Tiwi College is the dream of the Tiwi elders; part of their
planning for the renewal of Tiwi society. The College has been
conceived within a careful plan to prepare Tiwi young people to
work in the islands' emerging industries.
In 2005 the Tiwi Land Council contracted Education Transformations
to develop a clear plan and proposal for a major residential
College. During 2006 the idea gained the support of the federal
government with the commitment of $15.4m to complete Stage
One.
During 2007 the site works and construction programme (managed by
Transforming Skills NT) began in earnest to develop the necessary
roads, drainage, sewerage, power, water, six family group homes,
staff housing, classrooms and, hospitality centre.
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In February
2008 48 students began at the College. Now, in 2010 some 60
students are enrolled and the programme includes: literacy and
numeracy strategies that greatly accelerate student learning; an
elite football academy (partnership with the Clontarf Foundation;
trade training in construction, maintenance and administration and;
close links with and participation from Tiwi families and
communities.
The Tiwi Education Board (established 2006) contracted Education
Transformations to manage the College during its first two years of
operation. For 2010 the Tiwi Board has appointed its own CEO and
the College operates as an independent school owned and operated by
the Tiwi nation.