TAFE New South Wales Eora is honouring 40 years of empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through cultural arts, creativity, and connection.

Located in Darlington on the lands of Gadigal People of the Eora Nation and previously known as Eora Centre, it was established by Indigenous playwright and screenwriter, Bob Merrit, with the goal of being a centre for excellence in visual and performing arts and Aboriginal studies.

Having nurtured countless stars, including singer-songwriter Emma Donovan, photographer Mervyn Bishop, artist Debra Beal, and soprano, actor, composer and playwriter Deborah Cheetham, TAFE NSW Eora now offers state-of-the-art facilities including a theatre, video, and photography studio, as well as a fine arts studio and gallery.

Having arrived at a hard point in their life, visual arts teacher, Gene Kelaher said TAFE NSW Eora had played a large part in his journey from student to working where he first learnt.

"I came to TAFE NSW Eora as a student during a tough time in my life," he said.

"Someone recommended the Certificate III in Aboriginal Cultural Arts and it changed everything. I discovered a passion for learning and continued through to the Certificate IV, which led me to work as a Cultural Educator at the Australian Museum.

"Eora provides a culturally safe space for many Aboriginal students to explore and deepen their understanding of their cultural knowledge. It's also a fantastic pathway to enter the creative arts industry and work as professional artists, curators, and cultural arts administrators."

TAFE NSW Eora said over 40 years they have profoundly impacted hundreds of lives and helped reconnect students with their cultural heritage, guiding them in turn towards careers in creative pursuits and professional success.

Current Certificate III in Aboriginal Cultural Arts student, Tahlia Sullivan, who recently learned about her Aboriginal heritage, said learning about her heritage has been an emotional journey.

"...at first, I enrolled in Aboriginal Studies at university, but it was so academic. I wanted a spiritual connection," she said.

"Eora has helped me step into the community and discover my culture. Here, it's not just about learning; it's about belonging and realising how alive Aboriginal culture is. I'd love to teach Aboriginal cultural arts one day and inspire others."

Fellow Aboriginal Cultural Arts student, Liz Brancato, said studying had led her to a reconnection with culture and her heritage.

"I was brought up being told to 'be careful who you tell your Aboriginal to, or you won't get ahead in life'," she said.

"Now, I have nothing to hide. I'm proud of my culture and identity. I grew up most of my life not having an identity, and I wanted to know who I am."

TAFE NSW Eora will mark its 40th anniversary on Wednesday, November 27, in Darlington.