28 October 2026
Three Aṉangu trainees have made Australian tourism history at Uluṟu, becoming the first graduates of a nationally recognised Certificate III in Tourism delivered by Aṉangu, for Aṉangu, on Country.
The Australian-first qualification combines professional tourism and guiding skills with Aṉangu cultural knowledge and ways of learning, equipping graduates to share culture and connection to Country with visitors while building careers in tourism.
The graduates were among more than 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees from across Australia who graduated from the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru on 23 October.
The achievement comes as NITA celebrates 15 years of operation and more than 800 Indigenous graduates, many of whom have gone on to careers across Australia's tourism and hospitality sectors.
The new Certificate III in Tourism combines practical tourism and guiding skills with Aṉangu knowledge and ways of learning. For the first time ever, significant components are taught in Pitjantjatjara by senior Aṉangu educators, in the classroom and on Country.
Students learn about Tjukurpa (the Aṉangu philosophy that links the environment and their ancestors), plants, cultural sites, land management and land rights, and protocols around how culture can be shared with visitors.
The qualification creates a pathway for Aṉangu to lead the sharing of their own culture and stories through tourism while supporting the transfer of knowledge between generations.
Roland Ah Chee, GM First Nations Engagement and Partnership at Journey Beyond – operators of Ayers Rock Resort – said the first graduates represented an important milestone for Indigenous tourism and training.
“Seeing senior Anangu educators teaching this qualification in language and on Country, and now celebrating the first graduates, demonstrates the power of Indigenous-led education and training,” Ah Chee said.
“Over 15 years, more than 800 Indigenous Australians have come through NITA, many travelling long distances to live, learn and start their careers at Ayers Rock Resort.”
“We’re now seeing graduates return as trainers, and Aṉangu shaping the training itself. This new course creates even more opportunities for Aṉangu to share their culture directly with guests and empowers the next generation to keep culture strong.”
Since 2011, NITA has provided nationally recognised qualifications, paid traineeships, accommodation and hands-on experience at Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.
The Resort’s broader Education Pathways Program also brings more than 300 Aṉangu and Yarnangu students to Yulara each year for work exposure and experience. The program has helped drive a tenfold increase in Aṉangu students moving into jobs or NITA training at Ayers Rock Resort.
The first graduates of the new course included Trevor Burton; who was taught by his father, Reuben, and sister, Ina, during the course.
Trevor Burton said: “A highlight for me was learning from Anangu teachers like my father and my sister. Getting to experience it outside the classroom, like throwing spears, gave me a boost of confidence and pride to talk about my culture and tell guests that we still practise our culture”.
Reuben Burton said: “For me, it's really important to go through Anangu culture, the lore, and understand the Anangu proper way. Learning about the tools and the process of hunting from start to end - cutting traditional tools, the hunting and cooking. I'm really proud of the fellas going through.”
Graduate speaker Tony Penhall, now a guide at Ayers Rock Resort, said: “For me, being an Anangu tour guide in Yulara is more than just having a job. It’s about being proud of where I come from, sharing culture with people from all over the world, and helping visitors understand and respect our Country.”
“When I put on my guide shirt and walk out there, I know I’m doing something important. I’m not just showing people the land; I’m helping them connect with the stories, the culture and the people of this place.”
During graduation week, NITA also welcomed 24 new trainees, including 11 Aṉangu. Four of the Aṉangu trainees are starting the new Tourism Certificate III qualification.
Other attendees included Roland Ah Chee, GM First Nations Engagement and Partnership at Journey Beyond, Mark Stoyles of the office of Marion Scrymgour MP – Member for Lingiari and Amelia Nuku of the NT Department of Education; alongside graduates, their families and senior Aṉangu.
For more information visit www.nita.edu.au
