Held at TAFE Western's Myall Street campus on Friday, the meeting looked at the challenges facing TAFE NSW in the wake of the state government's Smart and Skilled reforms.

IAC member James Price said the meeting was an important chance for the council to have its say, in the presence NSW TAFE Commission Board chair Margy Osmond.

"It's bringing everyone up to speed with the needs of those looking for training and education in rural and regional areas," Mr Price said.

The Commission Board advises the state government on TAFE NSW policies, and makes recommendations on the institution's efficiency and accessibility.

It comes as the Smart and Skilled reforms have seen TAFE fees increase drastically in 2015, with 40 per cent of students now paying $500 to $1,500 more in fees.

But despite the funding cuts, IAC member Julie Greig, from Hillston, said TAFE needs "to make sure the education we are trying to deliver still meets the needs of those communities".

For the institute's 7,000-plus indigenous students, that means "linking to relevant employment within the community", according to IAC member Anne Dennis.

But Ms Greig said the key will be innovation.

"An organisation as large as TAFE has to keep changing and innovating," Ms Greig said.

"It's no longer good enough to stick up a building and say people will come."

"We have the ability to really be a part of communities, provided TAFE can do it in a way that community wants."