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More than 300 Indigenous secondary school students will meet at The University of Western Australia's Business School on Monday to begin planning their future with the help of representatives from 30 businesses, government departments, TAFEs and universities.

The Future Footprints Indigenous Careers Expo is organised by the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA).  The students are from regional and remote areas of WA who attend 16 participating independent boarding schools in Perth.  The program's aim is to support students' engagement in education and to enhance their transition to and from school, to further education, employment or training.

AISWA's Future Footprints spokesperson Fran van Riessen, said students at the Expo would get the opportunity to discuss university degree courses, entry pathways and scholarships.

"Government departments such as Australia Post, Fisheries and Tourism will provide information about employment and traineeships," Mrs van Riessen said.  "Several former students will speak about their transition into the workforce and education pathways.

"UWA has about 20 students from the Future Footprints program and they look forward to welcoming more in future."

Media celebrity Mary G or Mary Gedarrdyu, Queen of the Kimberley, will make an appearance at the expo.  Mary G is the alter ego of radio announcer Mark Bin Bakar who created her to help develop business opportunities for Indigenous artists and musicians and to foster the cultural, health and educational development of communities.

The Expo will be held from 5pm to 9pm on Monday 21 June.

Media references

Fran van Riessen (Education Consultant, AISWA Future Footprints)  (+61 8)  9441 1621
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716