Overview | Committee | LAECGs | Structure | Our Role | Milestones
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Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups (LAECGs)

Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups (LAECGs) are voluntary bodies which were formed as a result of parent seminars held during the 1970s by the VAECG. They are made up of a broad range of local Koorie community members and at the local level play a significant role in providing the important links between Koorie communities and educational institutions.

VAEAI's advisory arrangements are solidly embedded in local communities through LAECGs. They are the constituent units of the organisation and all LAECGs have representation on the VAEAI Committee of Management. Membership to the LAECG is open to all members of the Koorie community in their respective localities.

The success of the drive to involve Koorie communities in educational decision making can be seen in the growth of LAECGs. There are currently 29 LAECGs located across Victoria compared to five which were established in 1978.

The role of LAECGs includes:

• Providing advice on all education and training matters that affect Koorie students,

• Monitoring the current trends in education that impact on all Koorie students,

• Providing an advocate role for Koorie students and their families in respect of education matters,

• Providing representation to local and regional committees and forums in relation to education and training, and

• Providing representation to all VAEAI forums.

LAECGs are the vehicle through which parents and community members can have a say about all matters relating to their and their children's education. They are the core of the organisations' function in that they represent local community perspectives.

The basic principle of the VAEAI is local community control; LAECGs are the foundation of this principle. The structure of the organisation with LAECGs as its core allows for a process of continuous and systematic consultation with the Victorian Koorie community. VAEAI's strength lies in this structure, and is the means by which the organisation can legitimately provide an advocate function for the Koorie community.

LAECGs are the first point of contact for any Koorie educational or training matter at the local level.