TAFE NSW Gili Awards
Calvin Hough and Dr Catherine Burrows (GM TAFE Strategy)
Good evening, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land. I would also like to acknowledge distinguished guests, colleagues, family and friends, particularly my mum and dad and my daughter, Krystal.
I am a Kamilaroi man and my family originate from Walhollow Aboriginal mission which is near Quirindi. I am very proud of my heritage and extremely proud in using my abilities in being able to help fellow Indigenous brothers and sisters.
I would like to share a little piece of myself here with you. I have raised my daughter, Krystal as a sole parent from the age of 6. At the time, I was unemployed for a period of 10 years and I started doing IT as a means of surviving financially. After some time I found I had enough qualifications that enabled me to seek n employment as an IT teacher. I was then head hunted by Lou Davis who was working at Loftus TAFE. When I was informed about eh TAFE teaching rate I was in shock and nearly fell off the chair and graciously accepted the offer. I was then told the offer came with strings – it was teaching IT at a prison.
I began my teaching career in corrections at Mulawa approximately 13 years ago when I was invited to teach for the Magazine known as ‘Shadow’s Edge’ which was distributed throughout the prisons. At that time I was not sure what to expect. I did however find that all the students in my classroom were very dedicated and enjoyed working on this project that the magazine went on to become a successful accomplishment.
From there I was then introduced by the then ICCLO from Sydney Institute, Nina Walker to teaching at Long Bay Correctional Complex which was a huge leap for me as it was both challenging and intimidating at the outset. To my surprise, I found the students engaging, committed and interested in their learning. I have taught computing skills to a wide range of students within Long Bay ranging from maximum security to minimum. I have aloes worked very closely with a wide range of education and offender services staff at both Long Bay and Mulawa and have at all times found everyone to be supportive and dedicated to the educational provision of services to inmates.
I recall there was an incident where the students from the Old Silverwater Men’s gaol were turning up for class not only on the day my class was being held but also on additional days. When they were asked they replied they thought the class was on everyday. I have also been asked on many occasions as to why my classes are not running every day.
The thing that inspires me when I am teaching is going out and being a positive role model for people who have come from greatly disadvantaged backgrounds. When I demonstrate an exercise to them and they achieve the results their faces light up like a Christmas tree and this gives me the ultimate buzz.
For me working in prisons is my calling in life – this is my purpose and I immensely enjoy going there each day and teaching these eager loaners who are not only interested but also very grateful.
Once again I humbly accept this prestigious award and thank all my colleagues. I also want to say a very special thank you to my family who have been my rock and support through what has recently been a very challenging illness. Thank you mum, dad and Krystal.
To everyone else in the audience enjoy the night.
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