From visiting her grandfather at work to leading cultural change herself, Sarah Fary’s journey at Bendigo TAFE has come full circle.

A proud Gunditjmara woman and the Koori Liaison Officer at Bendigo TAFE’s Bendigo and Echuca campuses, Sarah helps to shape culturally safe spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait students can thrive.

“I’ve lived and worked on Dja Dja Wurrung Country most of my life,” Sarah said.

“I’m passionate about breaking down barriers so our mob can access education and meaningful employment.”

Sarah’s connection to Bendigo TAFE runs deep. Her grandfather, Uncle Barry Fary, and her mother both served as Koori Liaison Officers at Bendigo TAFE’s Indigenous Education Centre (IEC).

“I first visited the IEC when I was in Grade 4 to see my grandfather at work. I was also a student here when it was still BRIT (Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE),” she said.

Now eight months into her role, Sarah is continuing her family’s legacy. 

“It’s a full-circle moment. I’d applied for this role before and didn’t get it – but I knew I had cultural knowledge and community experience to share,” she said.

Sarah says the IEC has had a lasting impact on the local community.

The IEC has been in many various spots within Bendigo TAFE, but the one that the community would remember the most was across from our city campus where the bingo centre is. Bendigo TAFE also rented the space from the Catholic church and it had three classrooms to run programs, a kitchen and a meeting space.

“It’s about self-determination – letting the community lead the way. The kitchen space, the wraparound supports, and the ability to study together without shame – these things matter,” she said.

She also highlights the importance of cultural connections in the classroom.

“My grandfather and mum taught me that embedding cultural practices strengthens student engagement. Courses like cultural arts may not always lead to jobs, but they’re vital for healing and connection,” she said.

Looking ahead, Sarah wants to see the IEC grow, recognising the significance of her role in supporting her community.

“This work is about creating culturally safe places where our people can thrive,” she said.

Sarah also recognises the team around her, made up of Koorie Student Support Officers, Student Counsellors and Paul Aborrow, who is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Arts teacher.

Sarah’s story embodies the spirit of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, by honouring the legacy of her family while actively shaping a future where First Nations students feel seen, supported and empowered.

Located at Bendigo City Campus, the Djjimbayang Indigenous Engagement Centre fosters and promotes First Nations learning while supporting students undertaking study and training in a wide array of courses across Bendigo TAFE.

Guided by its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Bendigo TAFE is committed to embedding respect, strengthening relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for First Nations staff and students.