Over 100 Aboriginal students from around the state came together at the Flinders at Tonsley Campus for the ninth SACE Aboriginal Student Pathways Conference.

With 'Respect Your Place, Value Our Future' as its theme, the Conference was an opportunity for students in Year 9, 10, 11, and Year 12 hear from past senior secondary students and guest presenters, attend workshops, and talk with representatives from universities, TAFE and industries, including paramedics, game development, nanotechnology and visual effects.

Ms Jacinta Koolmatrie, an Adnyamathanha and Ngarrindjeri person currently in her final year of a Masters in Archaeology and Heritage Management at Flinders University, spoke to the audience about her experience and achievements at university, and her future goals.

Her number one message to young Aboriginal students is to 'try your hardest' and 'don't let anyone stop you'.

Jacinta's dream is to work with the Adnyamathanha community to incorporate their perspectives of yura malka (rock art) within research.

The conference was formally opened by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Hon. Kyam Maher, with addresses from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students) and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Flinders University, Professor Clare Pollock, and the Chief Executive of the SACE Board, Dr Neil McGoran.

• Download the conference poster [PDF 385KB]