Central Coast 2026 E.O.I

OCHRE is the NSW Government’s plan for Aboriginal Affairs. It stands for Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility and Empowerment, and is symbolic of Aboriginal communities’ deep connection with Country.

The plan is a Government commitment to developing a genuine partnership with the Aboriginal community through a number of initiatives including Connected Communities, Language and Culture Nests, Opportunity Hubs, Local Decision Making models and an independent Aboriginal Council chaired by a Coordinator General.

Opportunity Hubs are administered by Skills and Workforce Programs NSW.

The role of Opportunity Hubs

Opportunity Hubs aim to provide Aboriginal young people with the confidence and knowledge to follow a supported pathway between school and further education and/or employment. Opportunity Hubs support linkages between education and sustainable jobs for Aboriginal young people. They provide Aboriginal young people with clear pathways to employment opportunities by:

• partnering schools with local employers and training providers
• coordinating local opportunities including employment, mentoring, scholarships, internships and volunteer work
• matching local opportunities to Aboriginal students’ career aspirations that lead to jobs
• mentoring and supporting Aboriginal students each step of the way
• engaging Aboriginal students and their families early in their schooling school, and
• tracking Aboriginal students’ progress including once they have transitioned to employment.

Opportunity Hubs are local networks that develop personalised transition planning from school into tertiary education, training and/or employment for Aboriginal young people through the use of existing services.

Opportunity Hubs are responsible for:

• linking schools, employers, training providers, support services and Aboriginal communities
• coordinating career planning, mentoring and support services, cadetships, apprenticeships, part time employment and volunteering opportunities
• working with schools to assist Aboriginal young people to develop career aspirations, maximise retention and completion to year 12 or equivalent, and providing clear pathways to enable successful transitions to secondary school, sustainable employment and/or further education and training
• coordinating local opportunities, programs and resources to identify secure and sustainable job placements and match opportunities to Aboriginal students' career aspirations
• connecting Aboriginal students and their families to tertiary education and training pathways to align with students' career interests
• coordinating opportunities for Aboriginal young people that facilitate connection to culture, identity and community and support a holistic approach to their wellbeing
• consulting with key stakeholders in building partnerships, planning and reviewing the operations of the Opportunity Hub.

1. Applications must:

• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following:
  • a Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
  • a company incorporated in Australia;
  • a company incorporated by guarantee;
  • an incorporated association or co-operative;
  • a partnership;
  • a sole trader; or
  • an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006;
• be registered for GST;
• have the demonstrated skills and capacity to deliver the Opportunity Hubs in the 11 noted LGA;
• be financially viable and able to demonstrate they are likely to remain so over the duration of the Initiative delivery period and have public liability insurance.
• Provide an Australian Taxation Office Business Viability Report 

For more information on OCHRE Opportunity Hubs or if you require assistance, Please Contact:

SWP.Aboriginal.Initiatives@det.nsw.edu.au