The Voice of NSW Aboriginal Vocational Education and Training (VET)

The Alliance brings Aboriginal RTOs together to shape policy, data, and community-led training across NSW.

About Us

The Alliance of NSW Aboriginal Community Controlled RTOs (ACCRTO) is the united voice for Aboriginal training providers in New South Wales. We bring Aboriginal RTOs together to lead vocational education and training that is culturally safe, community controlled, and driven by self-determination.

We work with government, industry, and communities to grow Aboriginal trainers, develop culturally relevant qualifications, and create strong pathways into jobs. The Alliance ensures Aboriginal people have control over the training that shapes our futures, while protecting data sovereignty and advancing Closing the Gap priorities.

Our Focus Areas

Sustainability and Growth

Ensure long-term viability and expansion of ACCRTOs through strategic investments, infrastructure development, and capacity building.

Self-Determination

Empower Aboriginal communities to take control of their educational pathways, ensuring VET respects and reflects Aboriginal culture, values, and needs.

Cultural Safety and Support in VET Learning

Create a culturally safe and supportive learning environment for Aboriginal students.

Pathways and Partnerships

Strengthen partnerships and create clear pathways that support educational and career advancement of Aboriginal students.

Informed Decision-Making

Support evidence-based decision-making through research and data that is owned and led by ACCRTOs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why join the Alliance?

Joining the Alliance means being part of a strong, united voice for Aboriginal training in NSW. Members help shape government policy, strengthen cultural safety in VET, and grow pathways for Aboriginal learners. Membership also connects RTOs with sector allies, resources, and shared advocacy to build a stronger Aboriginal VET sector.

Is there a fee to join?

Membership is free until 2028 (3 years). After that, members may be asked to pay a small fee, which is decided together at a general meeting of the Alliance.

How often does the Alliance meet?

The Alliance holds a general meeting at least once each year, and members are encouraged to attend. Directors meet at least every three months to guide the work of the Alliance

What is an Aboriginal Community Controlled RTO?

These are not-for-profit RTOs run by Aboriginal communities, accountable to Aboriginal boards. They are “community controlled” – meaning decisions, governance, and priorities come from the community itself.

What is an Aboriginal-Owned RTO?

These RTOs are owned by Aboriginal people or organisations but are not always community controlled. They may be for-profit or not-for-profit, but their ownership rests with Aboriginal people.

What about other RTOs, like not-for-profits or private providers?

Some non-Aboriginal RTOs, including private or not-for-profit providers, train Aboriginal learners. The Alliance works with these RTOs to improve cultural safety and ensure Aboriginal learners are supported.

How are Government RTOs (like TAFE NSW) different?

TAFE NSW is a government-run RTO. While it delivers training across the state, it is not Aboriginal-owned or community-controlled. The Alliance advocates for Aboriginal qualifications and pathways to be led by Aboriginal RTOs, by building partnerships with TAFE NSW.

Why is this important?

Aboriginal-led training ensures cultural safety, self-determination, and pathways that reflect the needs of our communities. The Alliance brings all RTO voices together to grow skills, jobs, and the Aboriginal economy in NSW.

Membership Types

ACCRTO - Primary Members
- Aboriginal Community Controlled and operated RTOs.
- Must be not-for-profit and governed by an Aboriginal board.
- Deliver vocational education and training to Aboriginal communities in NSW (or plan to).
- Pending Aboriginal Communtiy Controlled RTO are welcome to apply
Aborignal Owned - Associate Members
- Aboriginal-owned RTOs, either for-profit or not-for-profit.
- Provide, or intend to provide, training for Aboriginal learners in NSW.
Other - Supporting Members
- Other RTOs, including private and not-for-profit providers.
- Deliver training to Aboriginal learners in NSW.

Alliance of NSW Aboriginal Community Controlled RTOs (ICN 10327)

The Voice of NSW Aboriginal Vocational Education and Training (VET)

About Us

Our Focus Areas

Sustainability and Growth

Self-Determination

Cultural Safety and Support in VET Learning

Pathways and Partnerships

Informed Decision-Making

Frequently Asked Questions

Join the NSW ACCRTO Alliance

Alliance Members

The Voice of NSW Aboriginal Vocational Education and Training (VET)

About Us

Our Focus Areas

Sustainability and Growth

Self-Determination

Cultural Safety and Support in VET Learning

Pathways and Partnerships

Informed Decision-Making

Frequently Asked Questions

Join the NSW ACCRTO Alliance

Alliance Members

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