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This issue: Editorial .............................................................................................................................................. 3 Inaugural Nura Gili Scholarship Celebration........................................................................................ 4 In Conversation with Tess Allas .......................................................................................................... 8 COFA Indigenous Student Luncheon – Welcome ............................................................................. 13 Everyday Hero .................................................................................................................................. 14 Supporting Australia’s future Indigenous Business Leaders. ............................................................. 18 John Holland Group: Increasing Indigenous Graduate Employment ................................................. 20 AGSM round table ............................................................................................................................ 23 Oceania Cup ..................................................................................................................................... 26 Learning on many levels at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence....................................... 28 Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Info Day...................................................................... 30 Nura Gili on the Road........................................................................................................................ 32 Make UNSW your first choice ........................................................................................................... 33 Nura Gili - About us ........................................................................................................................... 35 Nura Gili News www.nuragili.unsw.edu.au/nura-gili-news If you would like to contribute ideas, news, letters and / or articles please contact the editor: Email: rebecca.harcourt@unsw.edu.au Telephone: 0478492075 If you would like to contribute to Indigenous scholarships for students at UNSW and/or Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit please feel free to make initial contact with the Director of Nura Gili Professor Martin Nakata B.Ed Hons PhD Telephone :+61 (2) 93853120 Email: Prof.n.m.nakata@unsw.edu.au - Prof Nakata's Webpage If you would like further information on Nura Gili’s programs, courses and facilities you are welcome to come and visit and / or contact us: Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit Electrical Engineering Building G17 UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA
Telephone: :+61 (2) 93853805 Email: nuragili@unsw.edu.au Website: nuragili.unsw.edu.au
UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G | ABN: 57 195 873 179 Balnaves Place – Home of Nura Gili was made possible thanks to a generous donation from The Balnaves Foundation, a private philanthropic organisation established in 2006 by Neil Balnaves AO to provide support to charitable enterprises across Australia.
Global financial services firm UBS has committed to a major investment in support of Indigenous programs at UNSW Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 2
As our cover highlights with a photo from the recent COFA Indigenous Student luncheon we work amongst talented, vibrant and diverse communities of practice that continue to grow, shape and make incredible impact far and wide. It’s great to see the collective wisdom, strengths and different experiences from many generations contributing, challenging and supporting each other. Since our last edition of Nura Gili News we’ve celebrated Easter, Anzac and Nura Gili’s Inaugural Scholarship celebration. Students have had the opportunity to catch up with family and friends over mid semester break and are now back rejuvenated and refreshed for the remainder of the Semester. A number of our students have secured exciting new cadetships including Kataya Barrett with Taronga Zoo, Monique Peachey with the ABC and Owen Walsh with Tourism Australia; all of whom will be applying and developing their skills in their chosen fields of marine science, media and business information technology respectively. Nura Gili student Rhiannon Keith has just won the Sydney State championships with INBA – International Natural Body Building Association- and goes on to compete in the National Championships on June 1st Two more of our students were recently profiled on SBS Living Black. Peter Cooley the Founder and CEO of First Hand Solutions who is studying at CSI, the Centre for Social Impact, UNSW and artist Jordan Ardler who is studying at COFA, UNSW. Peter and Jordan both grew up and live locally on Bidjigal country, part of La Perouse Community and they are using their talents, knowledge and relationships to strengthen and create incredible opportunities with and across their community. The many stories in this issue of Nura Gili News are a testament to the seeds which continue to sow to create ripple effects far and wide through the encouragement, determination and perseverance of so many. And as Michael Peachey Nura Gili‘s Head of Student Services shared about Nura Gili’s Inaugural Scholarship Celebration last Thursday evening: “It was great listening to new student speakers for me, two who are in their final year and one who is at the start of his degree. Fresh words that keep me fresh and excited, wanting to keep doing what we do in changing lives, expectations and futures for individuals, families and communities.” . I hope this month’s read will provide you all with inspiration. Rebecca Harcourt, Editor
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Thursday, 1st May 2014
“… Tonight is a small token of our thanks and appreciation for our sponsors who generously contribute to the higher education experience of Indigenous students here at UNSW…. Here at Nura Gili, we – and by ‘we’ I mean all staff- feel tremendous sense of privilege to be involved in the education of our Indigenous students… We take our responsibilities for their welfare and their ultimate success very seriously. Our responsibility at Nura Gili in particular is to provide the necessary conditions and services to ensure they succeed.. At Nura Gili, we celebrate students daily because they symbolise hope for better Indigenous futures. We celebrate them also because they are all remarkable individuals who are prepared to embrace the challenges of life and study, and learn and grow through the process…Here we don’t live by the rhetoric alone to close the gaps in our society- we are closing the gaps.”
Excerpt from speech by Director of Nura Gili Indigenous Program Unit Professor Nakata B.Ed Hons, PhD Inaugural Nura Gili Scholarship Celebration, Thursday, 1 May 2014.
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(above) Josh Staines first year student studying Social Work and Owen Walsh, third year student studying Commerce and Business Information Systems at UNSW.
(above) Emcee Rebekah Hatfield UNSW SRC Indigenousstudent officer and in her third year studying Law and Media at UNSW.
“ …. The most imporant thing the scholarships have given me is the feeling as though I could actually do Medicine. There were people who believed in me and this made me eager to work hard. My scholarship has given me more freedom to direct my focus towards my studies, as well as make time for my family. It has taken the pressure off having to find time and resources to pay rent and bills, buy and prepare food as well as having Being in my final yera means most of the time I can be found in my room trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible… Because of the ongoing support I have recived, I know I will complete my degree, return home and begin working as a doctor in my community.” Excerpt from Khyarne Biles’ specch.
Khyarne (above) is in her final year studying Medicine at UNSW.
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“…Part of my scholarship gives me the opportunity to get industrial training throughout my degree. I have taken advantage of this and had placements in all three of the summer breaks. In my first,I worked for Leighton Contractors on an intermodal Logistics centre at Enfield. My second, I went to the mines up in the Bowen Basin with Thiess Mining and my most recent experience was with Thiess on the North West Rail Link and I found this one the most rewarding and challenging. They gave me one of the subcontractors to look after, oversee all of the safety and quality documentation to ensure it was correct and overviewing the guys on site. I am currently continuing to work on this project one day a week and it’s amazing to watch the project proceed. This work has given me invaluable experience and helped me set up many professional experience.. I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t have the support of my scholarship. I would like to thank them and all the other sponsors for their help to change so many people’s lives..” Excerpt from Edward Hyland’s speech. Edward (above) is currently in his fourth and final year studying Civil Engineering at UNSW
“I am a 19 year old proud Dharug man from the Blue Mountains and Western Sydney. I am currently in receipt of the IT NEWCOM Indigenous scholarship which I understand is the first time it has been offered to UNSW so I am greatly honoured to have earned this. …The scholarship allows me to focus on my studies throughout the semester to help me achieve my potential… I would like to say a huge thank you to the IT NEWCOM Board, Nura Gili and other donors.. These scholarships not only help me but many other Indigenous students at university, not only here but all over Australia. Without your support many students would not be able to afford to commit to tertiary studies at UNSW.” Excerpt from Pat Goulding’s speech. Pat (left) is studying a combined degree of Laws and International Studies at UNSW. Images courtesy of Maja Baska
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Director, Indigenous Programs College of Fine Arts, UNSW BCA (University of Wollongong), MA (University of Sydney)
Tess Allas has worked in the field of Aboriginal art and cultural practice since the early 1990's. She has curated and coordinated a number of exhibitions in Sydney venues including the Sydney Opera House and Carriageworks. She has curated a number of international print exhibitions in Montreal, Canada for the Montreal First Nations Festival and the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection in the United States as well as many smaller exhibitions on the South Coast of NSW. In 2011 Tess was the recipient of an Arts Fellowship from Arts NSW for further study and investigation into the history and contemporary practice of shellworking in NSW Aboriginal communities. She has written hundreds of biographies on Aboriginal artists for the 'Storylines Project' (www.storylines.org.au) which were published on the Design & Art Australia Online website (www.daao.org.au). Her print publications include essays for the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney; the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection (University of Virginia) as well as articles in Art Monthly, Art & Australia, Artist Profile and Artlink. With Daniel Browning she co-edited the 'Blak on Blak' edition of Artlink (Vol 30 No 1). With fellow artistic collaborator, Charlie Schneider, Tess created a video work Andy Warhol on Aboriginal Art which was exhibited in the exhibition Four Rooms at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide as part of the 2014 Adelaide Festival's visual arts program. RH: The vitality and unique and diverse contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, your communities, knowledge and cultural practices are so vital for people to connect with, learn from and be challenged by. Having had the opportunity to visit COFA again it’s great to see such a vibrant and strength based community of practice - an environment where friendships and artistic endeavours are clearly thriving; no doubt in large part through the approach, foundations and relationships you have built with students, staff and artists maintaining strong connections with community. Where did you grow up and who are your role models? Tess: I was born and raised in Wollongong on the South Coast of NSW. From the time I was about six months old I have been in contact with the ocean. Although dirt poor, I knew I was privileged to have been educated in the ways of the salt water. My earliest role model was my Nanna who was able to source food from the land and the sea and who was able to create a home from barely any materials. I remember well her floor rugs she created from old stockings and the handbags she made from old greeting cards and plastic flowers. She was the woman the community of what was known as ‘The Official Camp’ and now known as Coomaditchie Reserve, near Port Kembla, called upon to Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 8
help birth the babies and for help with the passing on of those whose lives were at an end. These are some of the stories I have grown up with. In 1993 I was employed at the secretariat of the World Indigenous Peoples Education Conference in Wollongong. The secretariat Director, Nerida Blair, lead by example. She showed how you could run one of the busiest offices in the country by having faith in her employees and by her commitment to the cause. I have always looked upon her as a role model for creating a happy, productive and harmonious work environment. Of late my role models have been those in the artistic fields. I am inspired by people such as filmmaker Romaine Moreton, artists Fiona Foley, Vernon Ah Kee and Richard Bell and curators Djon Mundine, Glenn Barkley and Lisa Havilah as well as my COFA colleague, the printmaker, Michael Kempson. I am especially fortunate to have Vic Chapman in my life, whom I often turn to for advice. As you can see from my answer, it takes a village ....
L-R Vic Chapman & Tess Allas
RH: How long have you been at COFA? Tess: I was first employed at COFA in 2006 as a researcher for an ‘Australian Research Council’ funded project where I investigated the arts practice of Indigenous artists living and working in the regional and urban centres of Australia. This project, known as the Storylines Project produced approximately 600 biographies and 'stubs' -incomplete bios, which were published on the Design and Art Australia website. www.daao.org.au . Our findings of this investigation have been published on a purpose-built Storylines website available to all for free. www.storylines.org.au . In 2010, after the Storylines Project finished I was employed as an academic in the School of Art Education and Art History and Theory. As of 2014, I have a new title; that of Director of Indigenous Programs where my main responsibility is to manage all aspects of Indigenous life on COFA campus. This includes managing the scholarship program, act as a supervisor/mentor to all Indigenous Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 9
students as well as those non-Indigenous students who are keen to include aspects of more inclusive histories into their academic writings, introduce Indigenous streams into the mainstream academy, ensure the continuation of the Aboriginal artist-in-residence program, curate, write and publish on Aboriginal arts, teach, create relationships with organisations that could lead to opportunities for COFA Aboriginal students and graduates.
RH: As shared by Uncle Vic at the COFA Indigenous Luncheon, there are now 39 Indigenous students: 28 continuing, 11 first years, currently studying at COFA. Can you share some insights about your approach and role as the Director of Indigenous Programs? L-R Amala Groom & John Waight
Tess: My approach as alluded to somewhat in my previous answer is many-pronged. Sometimes I identify a gap or a need and set about creating a solution. For example, I noticed that all the COFA students who were engaging an ITAS tutor were being tutored either in the courtyard or in the student lounge areas on campus. This is hardly ideal nor is it conducive to any form of excellence in learning. I was able to secure a room that all the ITAS tutors and students will have access to in order to conduct their sessions in private. This room has only just been open since week six of semester 1, 2014. Sometimes my approach is to identify strengths in students who can then act as a mentor to those students who are not quite as confident in their approaches to student life. Through this engagement I have witnessed students become more assertive and more engaged in their own field of study. It has also provided the catalyst for great friendships. I have always maintained an 'open-door' policy and because of this students seem to be very comfortable approaching me for many of their individual needs that range from advice on courses to more serious academic inquiry to engaging me as a 'sounding board' for their own creative processes. RH: During your time at COFA what are some of your highlights in relation to our Indigenous students/graduates/alumni? Tess: A huge highlight for me is the implementation of the Indigenous Scholarships Program that I helped set-up with the support of Lisa Havilah who initially sourced the funding for the program. Because of this program, COFA has been able to provide financial support, travel support, computers and mentorships for seven, to date Indigenous students. These students have all achieved beyond even their own expectations. It makes my heart soar when I see them engaging in the artistic and academic life on campus. I am also immensely proud of the graduate artists, educators, art workers and curators who are beginning to make their mark upon our society. People such as Jessica Bulger, Wesley Shaw, Tahjee Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 10
Moar, Frances Belle Parker and Jamie-Lea Hodges come to mind. All these graduates have secured employment in institutions within the arts and educational sectors in NSW. RH: As a practicing artist, curator, lecturer, writer, what are some of the highlights and challenges of all that you do? Tess: As a lecturer one of the greatest challenges is helping students navigate the many different approaches to understanding Australian Indigenous art and art history. As a writer the biggest challenge is the blank page especially when I can clearly see an essay or review in my mind’s eye. Putting ‘pen to paper’ can be extremely difficult. I find writing one of the loneliest of all the art forms. As curator, the difficulty can sometimes lie in convincing others of my curatorial vision and as an artist the difficulty sometimes is convincing myself that my ideas are worthy of further exploration. The highlights of what I do is seeing an exhibition I have curated come together and hanging beautifully in a gallery space; seeing my words published in a catalogue or arts journal; watching others appreciate my own work and the sheer joy of enabling students to understand an art-work, theme or art practice with a scholarly and critical eye.
L-R & Ethel Anne Gundy & Djon Mundine;
RH: What motivates you? Tess: Art, artists and the love of the creative practice. The joy of being in a studio surrounded by other creative like-minded people is a huge motivation.
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Knowing that with students there will be ‘light-bulb’ moments when they truly begin to understand a particular artist’s intention or when they see Australia’s hidden histories exposed through art and they comprehend the enormity of their understanding of this exposure. RH: Can you share a little about the impact of Cicada Press and 'Storylines Project'? Tess: The Storylines Project, which investigated the historical and contemporary artistic practises of Indigenous artists who live and work outside what is known as the ‘art centre system’, exposed the truth that many of these artists are denied access to other artists, to curators, writers, galleries and critics. I felt that as a nation we were missing out on some great talent and that these artists have a great gift to give to us if only we can provide the opportunity. Through working with Michael Kempson at Cicada Press I have been able to redress that imbalance somewhat by inviting artists at the top of their field into the printmaking studio for residencies as well as organising group workshops for lesser known but just as deserving artists from across the country. It is through these two initiatives that the Cicada Press studio has been able to strengthen its Indigenous portfolio quite considerably. This has lead to some serious attention in the form of exhibitions in galleries such as the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection at the University of Virginia in the United States in 2013 and an exhibition at the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory Cultural and Language Centre in Canada that was programmed into the 2013 Montreal First Peoples Festival. The Kahnawake exhibition has lead to invitations for three of their artists to attend the February 2015 workshop. Currently, February to May 2014, we have the exhibition Making Print at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide, which was co-curated by myself and Tandanya curator, TroyAnthony Baylis. This exhibition is part of Tandanya’s 25th anniversary celebrations. We have also been invited to stage future exhibitions for the Aboriginal Contemporary Art Museum in Utrecht in The Netherlands as well as for the Burrinja Galleries, which is part of the Dandenong Ranges Community Cultural Centre in Victoria. Collecting institutions have also become aware of the work we are doing through Cicada Press and have begun to purchase work for their permanent collections. Organisations such as Wollongong University and Wollongong City Art Gallery now own work by Indigenous artists including Wollongong local Vic Chapman. The National Gallery of Australia has asked for documentation of every single print made by an Indigenous artist that we have editioned at Cicada Press with the view to adding these to their permanent collection. As you can see the Storylines Project and Cicada Press have changed and will continue to change the Australian visual arts landscape and Australian art history. RH: For Indigenous students studying or thinking of coming to study at COFA if you could summarise in a few sentences, what would your advice be? Tess: Make the most of your time at university. At no other time in your life will you be given such access to studios, knowledgeable practicing artists and educators, equipment, peers and the time to explore your own creative ideas. Take every single opportunity you can and maximise every minute of your student life. Interview with Rebecca Harcourt Images courtesy of Scott Parlett Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 12
“…Thank you for your welcome and the opportunity to share this special occasion with you. More importantly it’s good that there are so many continuing and enrolling Indigenous students here at COFA. I hope and pray that every single one of you will finish what you came here to do because it will benefit you personally, benefit your mob( wherever they may come from) and benefit this country that we now share with other people who, over time, come from all over the world. Each one of us is an important piece of the jig-saw that Australia has become. … The time has come for fuller participation in mainstream Australia. I believe that movement is already underway with a strong presence I the Arts, theatre, Dance, in Health Care, industry, Law and Education. But we need, also to be visible an active in Retail, Banking, Business, the Trades and all other popular pursuits…. For a long time now I’ve believed that education is one of those vehicles every one of us can own, and that will takes us wherever we want to go. This is a good place to start. During my visits to COFA over the last years or so, I have seen the professionalism and dedication of educators and high quality of students in their care. Sixty five years ago when my family and I were blindly navigating the school system, we would have gladly have welcomed such a faculty and a learning environment like this…. Having worked in NSW for 39 years and revisited them often since retiring 24 years ago, I would say that an Indigenous presence in the workplace can be as effective as any written policy statement- no matter how well written. The Power of one is real! There is an opportunity to effect attitudinal change and to change the direction that Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people may take. I wish every one of you well- whatever you decide to do and wherever you decide to go.” Maayu yanayaa Travel well This is an excerpt from Uncle Vic Chapman’s welcome speech COFA Indigenous Student Luncheon Friday 4 th April To read more about the incredible life and inspiration that is Uncle Vic Chapman: http://cicadapress.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/vic-chapman-scholar-and-a-gentleman/
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Harry Allie. 2014 Coloured Diggers Photograph by Sarah Rhodes Image courtesy of the City of Sydney.
Harry Allie has worn many hats. He is a father, husband, advocate, ex-serviceman, respected Elder and key founder of the Colour Digger Movement. His story has very humble beginnings, and as Nura Gili’s Rebekah Hatfield discovers, from little things, big things grow. It is in the rural, North Queensland town of Charters Towers, 120 km west of Townsville, where this story begins. This is where the first 18 years of Harry Allie’s life takes place. His humble beginnings tell of an era in Australian History where Aboriginal People were not treated as equal. Harry sadly recounts times when, “our people were still under the Aborigines Protection Act and there were a lot of community issues at that time.” Although this law was enacted under the illusion of “protection,” it did quite the opposite, restricting their cultural practices and assimilating them to the “white norm standard.” It dictated where Indigenous People could live and work, what they could do and whom they could meet or marry. Like a lot of other young men, Harry dreamed of more. Being inspired by his Aunt and Uncles he eagerly waited to receive their stories in the mail and looked forward to following their example. As Harry shares: “I had two uncles that served in World War Two and my aunty who served in the Women's Land Army. We couldn’t afford phones so you'd always meet the postman to get a letter... It wasn’t a little "dear friend..." Flash-forward to the present day and it’s your typical frantic day in central Sydney. We are over a thousand miles away from the dust and black soil of Charters Towers; the contrast couldn’t be starker. The traffic is loud and never ending. Businessmen shoulder one another in their rush ‘to and fro’. The city is buzzing and across from me sits Harry.
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Harry has a quiet, steady nature with a warm, gentle smile. He is now in his late eighties and still as sharp as tac, cottoning-on to the discrepancies in my calculation. “Your maths should be better than mine!" he laughs, as we both struggle to work out how many years he spent working at the Post Office before enlisting with the Air Force. “No, I'm not too good I'm sorry. Even the memory thinks so, please bear with me.” Together we rediscover that Harry was employed by the Post Master General for ten years, starting as a lines man at the tender age of fourteen. L-R Uncle Harry, Jonathan Captain Webb, Jeremy Heathcote Photograph and Image courtesy of Ebony Allen
“But I felt that I wanted to do other things. Joining the air force was always in the back of my mind.” Harry was fortunate enough to have his personal qualities recognised and was selected and enlisted in the Royal Australian Air force in 1966 going onto reach the rank of Warrant Officer, the highest rank for non-commissioned ranks. Harry reminisces fondly about his life spent in the Air Force having many wonderful adventures. The highlight of his career was his posting to America. As Harry narrates: “I was sent over there to help support and prepare the F1-11 aircraft to be ferried back to Australia” He explains how it was a very interesting time to be in America because of the many political issues taking place at that time: “The trial of Watergate, the returning of the Vietnam prisoners of war, and the shooting at Wounded Knee, there was something about being over there and seeing it first-hand.” However, the life of a service man is often unpredictable and he was later posted to Malaysia, another memorable experience. Harry affectionately remembers his time in Malaysia and the strong ties he built with the local people: “There are three predominant cultures over there…I had something like sixty-odd local people working for us on the boat.” Harry deeply understands respect for the local culture was essential to making things work in a foreign land: “You’ve got to understand them…It was very enlightening. We were visitors to them, so you respected their culture.” However, that same respect was not always afforded to Aboriginal traditions. Harry sadly remembers returning Aboriginal soldiers were refused the respect they were worthy of:
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“Indigenous Veterans weren’t allowed into the RSLs. Some of the Indigenous Veterans weren't aware of their entitlement, including what other non-Indigenous Veterans were already receiving.” It was because of these inequalities Harry, along with Pastor Ray Minniecon, Dave Williams and a few others, came together to form the Coloured Diggers Movement. In sharing further about his motivation for the creation of the movement Harry says: “It's always been an objective of mine to ensure that our people are looked after in every way, especially, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans. We served our country wearing a uniform and we served our flag. But it was when we came out that things changed. We need to shed light that there were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women that did serve their country; some of them being highly decorated for what they did. We need for them to be honored for their acts of bravery and other achievements.” These sentiments have lead Harry to tirelessly work for the Coloured Diggers Movement’s since its inception in 2007. In an earlier interview, Harry thoroughly explained his sentiments and political standpoints. As he shares here: “There is a whole range of stories of national significance about Indigenous Veterans which have not been previously told, let alone fed into the school or public domain. Honouring the service contribution of Indigenous Australians to the nation is a vital part of the Reconciliation process and will feed into new and richer understandings about Australian identity and history.”
2014 Coloured Diggers at the April 2014 launch of the Aboriginal “legends” at the War Memorial. L to R: Harry Allie, NSW Centenary of Anzac Ambassador; Victor Dominello, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; Lt Gen Ken Gillespie, NSW Centenary of Anzac Advisory Council Deputy Chair; David Williams, NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans’ Association President; Pastor Ray Minniecon, Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group; Uncle Eric Robinson, Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group Elder; Geoff Wilbow, Rotary Club of Sydney President. Photograph by Sarah Rhodes. Image courtesy of the City of Sydney.
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Although Harry is retired he shows no sign of slowing down and at the time of writing, with the 25th of April fast approaching, Harry is madly working in order to prepare for the upcoming Redfern ANZAC day ceremony. “I've got to learn to say no!” Harry shares alongside the many other projects he is involved in, including the news about his new appointment: “I've been invited to be the inaugural Air force Elder, …as well as being on the committee for the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association.” “Colour on the inside didn’t matter. We were all mates,” Harry highlights. Harry also continues and tirelessly advocates for better Indigenous Education and Employment outcomes and in 2014 was awarded the Bankstown’s Citizen of the Year. His time in the Air Force has shown him that equality can exist and that it should be something that we all strive for: “There is still more work to do…the face of Australia is changing,” And as Harry’s story shows us: dreams can lead to significant changes in our road to Reconciliation.
Coloured Diggers Anzac March 2014 Image by Barbara McGrady Image courtesy of Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group
Story by Rebekah Hatfield. Rebekah is a proud Bunjalung, Wadjuri and Darumble women and in her third year studying Media and Law at UNSW. She is the 2014 Indigenous Student Officer on the UNSW Student Representative Council (SRC). Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 17
Indigenous business students from the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University and the University of Technology Sydney came together in March this year with professionals and employers from well-known organisations to network and share their experiences. The networking evening - hosted by Indigenous Accountants Australia - was the first of its kind, bringing together the perspectives of employers, professionals, recent graduates and current students in a friendly environment in Sydney's CBD. Representatives from PwC Indigenous Consulting, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and AMP Capital were among the employers in attendance, marking the calibre of the event. The purpose of the evening was to facilitate new and important connections for Indigenous undergraduate business students, as well as to offer thought provoking discussions to foster a sense of curiosity and motivation. The panel discussion that took place on the evening focused on the themes of identity, fostering a sense of community and discussing development pathways, including the many opportunities available to Indigenous undergraduates for work experience and graduate positions. Most valuably the members of the panel reflected on their own journeys, what motivates them and the things they are passionate about which resonated quite powerfully with all in attendance. “A great turn out for the first event, it can only gain momentum from here,� commented one of the attendees. Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 18
Sarah Hyland, UNSW Alumni and organiser of the Indigenous Accountants Australia networking evening said that she looks forward to this event growing and becoming an annual occurrence in Sydney. “Events similar to this are likely to become a part of Indigenous Accountants Australia’s strategy to support Indigenous business students across the country,” she said.
Sarah Hyland Project Officer, Indigenous Accountants Australia IAA website indigenousaccountants.com.au
Nura Gili and the Australian School of Business send our congratulations to Sarah Hyland for a brilliant networking event for tertiary Indigenous business students with a great mix of students, graduates, alum and industry professionals. With a Welcome to Country by Allan Maddon from Aboriginal Metro Land Council, Sarah Hyland then facilitated a discussion with the dynamic panel: Philippa McDermott, Head of Indigenous Employment and Diversity at the ABC Lindon Coombes, Director at PWC Indigenous Consulting Nathan Boyle, Policy Analyst-Indigenous Outreach Program, Deposit Takers, Credit & Insurers at ASIC Ben Eisikovich in his tjird year studying Commerce at ASB. All speakers are great Indigenous role models leading change, making positive impact and outcomes with passion, integrity and care. Their openness and ability to share such rich, poignant stories and insights across their diverse professional, educational and personal experiences as well as the mix of generations and experiences inspired many and opened up many questions from the floor. This continued throughout the evening where the opportunity for everyone to mix was whole heartedly embraced by everyone, with many dynamic conversations further questions experiences and contacts shared. Since 2012, in partnership with Nura Gili, IAA, Community and industry leaders the Australian School of Business facilitates a one day ASB Indigenous Community Forum with high school, TAFE and tertiary students, graduates, community leaders, academics and industry professionals. This year our ASB Community Forum will be held during NAIDOC week on Thursday 10 July 2014all our welcome and further details will be published in our next edition of Nura Gili News and feel free to contact me directly. Rebecca Harcourt Program Manager Indigenous Business Education Editor Nura Gili News rebecca.harcourt@unsw.edu.au Mobile : 0478492075
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by Jeremy Heathcote, Indigenous Employment Coordinator, Nura Gili Indigenous Programs.
L-R Mitch Stevens, Damian Shannon, Samantha Joseph, Jeremy Heathcote
John Holland Group are working to increase the number of Indigenous graduates. They have been working with UNSW Australia and Nura Gili since 2012 to raise awareness of the many opportunities within the company. Samantha Joseph is leading the way in NSW. As John Holland Group’s Indigenous Affairs Officer she is tasked with the responsibility of looking after all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in the area. Recently she organised a VAPS tour to share the work that is being carried out at the Sydney Opera House. The tour was led by the first ever Indigenous …graduate Mitch Stevens who along with Damian Shannon, from the Human Resources Division are both of who are proud UNSW Alumni. Jeremy Heathcote Nura Gili’s Indigenous Employment Coordinator asked each of our alumni why they decided to work for John Holland Group and what they enjoy most about their positions.
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My knowledge of the construction industry was relatively small and John Holland was one of the few construction companies that I had actually heard of. When I also heard they were committed to Aboriginal participation and that I would have the privilege to work on the Sydney Opera House VAPS Project, I was certain John Holland was the right choice.
I love the constant challenges faced every day. The pressure to meet a target safely and within a budget although testing at times also brings out the best in everyone. There is nothing more satisfying then pouring that final slab or getting the clients sign-off on time. What I enjoy most is the working environment. The team I work with make it an easy place to show up to day to day not to mention the constant laughs that everyone has around the office. Mitch Stevens
I was intrinsically attracted to the construction industry and John Holland has a reputation as an employer of choice. Being a part of the Graduate program allows me to gain a broad insight into the organisation, through various rotations across the whole Human Resources spectrum. I am really enjoying the variety of task. The past three months have been a huge learning curve. Damian Shannon
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The corporate sector offers a unique opportunity to promote opportunities for Indigenous people. The opportunities are varied, possess longevity and provide favourable outcomes. I am a lawyer by profession, so whilst I possess no knowledge of construction and engineering the company’s commitment to Indigenous participation solidified my decision to work for JHG. I really value and enjoy the opportunity to contribute to shaping the lives of Indigenous people, especially the younger generation who are entering their career as graduates and interns. In the time I have been at JHG I have witnessed their growth and maturity as professionals and individuals. I have also been inspired by the level of goodwill amongst many in the company and the willingness to incorporate Indigenous culture into JHG culture. It has proven a successful combination and a demonstration that the oldest living culture in the world can work side by side with the corporate sector. As the Indigenous Affairs Advisor NSW/ACT I am fortunate to be in the driving seat to educate and advocate for change in the Indigenous space, and I am happy to say this is being achieved! Examples of this include the holding of Indigenous Smoking Ceremonies at the commencement of construction work at projects, the employment, retention & training of Indigenous people and the investment in Indigenous students, young people and organisations. It is a further recognition that whilst the corporate sector possesses the financial means to enable this, it allows highlights the tremendous benefit gained by JHG in increasing the levels of cultural awareness amongst staff and enhancing engagement with the Indigenous community. If any students are interested in finding more about employment opportunities at JHG please contact Jeremy Heathcote who can arrange for a discussion with the Indigenous Affairs Advisor. Samantha Joseph
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By George Brown, IBA On Thursday 27th March the AGSM Australian Graduate School of Management hosted a gathering with a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders business professionals at the Hub, in Darlinghurst. The focus of the round table discussion was to create an opportunity to listen to insights and expertise on the issues that are relevant to the various and growing needs of the Indigenous business sector and the ways in which our programs might be able to contribute. Rebecca Harcourt, Program Manager, Indigenous Business Education at the Australian School of Business welcomed participants, and set the scene for discussions:
Above George Brown
“During the last few years, I have been gathering “intelligence” with the Indigenous Business Sector: Supply Nation, Jawun, Gilimbaa, Message Stick, Reconciliation Australia, Indigenous Business Australia, National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, PWC Indigenous Consulting, National Indigenous Corporate Network to name a few. Notwithstanding the longevity and respect for wealth of knowledge and expertise amongst community organisations such as Aboriginal Land Councils. Through talking with a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and stakeholders about the various and growing needs of the sector; additionally reading, observing and engaging in the dialogue about what is currently offered, I believe it’s crucial we engage further to understand the potential of what we could meaningfully offer in the postgraduate and professional training executive sector. This has also been greatly informed by our UNSW Indigenous Business Education programs and forums and in particular the experiences of our own Indigenous students and alumni. In 2014 my goal is to build on this learning to bring a greater focus with integrated consultation and wider engagement with the Indigenous business sector to: a) Identify how we can engage and leverage the ‘best fit’ of what we, here at UNSW, currently offer to meet specific professional business needs & capabilities of and across the Indigenous sector b) Address ‘gaps’ where we have the capacity to develop tailored courses in conjunction, including recognised accreditation with our Masters programs such as our AGSM MBA and MBT programs. c) Scope where we may be able to assist and engage with emerging identified research needs and opportunities of the sector such as procurement, supplier diversity, second tiering, joint ventures and risk management.
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Most of all to ensure we are listening so that our engagement is two way and builds on relationships, shared expertise, knowledge and delivers meaningful outcomes over a sustained period. Our AGSM round table hosted and facilitated by Professor Nick Wailes, with the invaluable guidance from Nura Gili’s Director Professor Martin Nakata and our Nura Gili colleagues Jeremy Heathcote and Zeita Davis, provides one of the first steps towards this. In addition we have and continue to be involved in a series of consultations to ensure we identify with you, your priorities and identify within three months some tangible proposals we are able to offer.” Professor Nick Wailes Academic Director, MBT and Head of AGSM Online then facilitated a series of questions and group discussions which we mapped out and presented back to the group as a whole. Many of the themes, experience and ideas raised presented a wealth of opportunities for engagement and priorities were shared. Above Professor Nick Wailes
As UNSW Indigenous Law student Nathan Boyle, who works at ASIC, Australian Security and Investment Commission in the Indigenous Outreach Program stated: “It was a great opportunity to provide information about current opportunities and areas that require improvement in the Indigenous business sphere. The fact that senior people at the Australian Graduate School of Management and the Australian School of Business held consultations with recent Indigenous graduates and established Indigenous Business owners to determine what was needed, shows that they are serious about making a genuine impact… It’s exciting to think that the MBA may have structured courses teaching management and governance from an Indigenous perspective.” Other participants agreed, such as Damian Shannon, UNSW Alumni and now working in HR with John Holland Group: “Discussions like these are important in formalising the linkages between the AGSM, UNSW alumni, Indigenous professionals, the business sector and the Indigenous community.” And Brett Chamberlain who shared: “I enjoyed catching up with fellow Indigenous graduates and Nick and exchanging points of view in a collaborative, nurturing and encouraging environment. The fact that Nick Wailes, was a key driver for the night along with Rebecca Harcourt was very reassuring and strengthens the ties that I have with Nura Gilli, ASB and AGSM. The AGSM roundtable helped me put things into perspective and I was very happy to reinforce the message that we need to be on the same page to help and enrich each other particularly in the various fields of business. Following on from the excellent work ASB and AGSM are already doing with Nura Gilli, it was great to also contribute to how the ties between Indigenous business students at UNSW could be formalised, institutionalised and strengthened going forward. Some of the ideas on how this could manifest were very exciting and the fact that Nick was genuinely impressed with some of them was awesome. If some of these initiatives are adopted and framed by AGSM I think we in the Indigenous business space and future Indigenous students and professionals Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 24
coming through would feel extremely excited and comfortable with this relationship. Especially if it can be formalised and provide aspirational value to many Indigenous students and provide the framework to access the "big end" of town.” Kat Henaway, who graduated with a Bachelor in Community Management in 2013 at Macquarie University 2013 and is currently studying with SSE- the School of Social Entrepreneurs, captured the spirit of the discussions which continued way beyond the allotted time: “The AGSM Business Roundtable, expertly facilitated by Prof Nick Wailes and Rebecca Harcourt, was a great opportunity to participate in Indigenous business innovation. I met a bunch of very impressive Indigenous entrepreneurs, executives and managers doing great work for communities. All in all, a very informative, exciting and inspirational event!"
George Brown George Brown recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian School of Business, UNSW and is currently working at Indigenous Business Australia. George will be facilitating workshops at forthcoming Connect 2014: Leading Change in Business in Sydney 26 & 27 May 2014 – see link for more details. https://supplynation.org.au/connect
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The Oceania Cup is a three daylong invitational Oz-Tag tournament. This year it was held in Auckland, New Zealand from Friday the 27th until Sunday the 30th March. Indigenous Oz-Tag Australia sent seven teams to compete with a group of over hundred and fifty people. I was selected to play in the Men’s under 21 team and was very proud to be given this opportunity to represent my family and my community. I arrived in Auckland in the afternoon of Thursday the 26th and was amazed at the natural beauty of the countryside. We were lucky enough to stay in the Crowne Plaza, which is a luxury hotel. On Thursday afternoon, we had one final training session that went well. After training, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our team dinner, which was being held that night. The dinner was lovely and it was a great opportunity for everyone involved to socialize and meet some new people. We all had an early night excited for the days to come. I woke up excited on Friday morning. I was excited to show other countries what Indigenous Australia’s could do. We travelled to Trusts Arena by coach, which was about twenty minutes away from our hotel. The Oceania Cup started with the opening ceremony, where each country performed a dance or performance that reflected their culture. The other competing countries included Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand Colonial, New Zealand Maori’s, Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, and Lebanon. The opening ceremony was a great chance to gain an insight on each of these cultures. We had two games on Friday. We played Fiji and Samoa with one win against Fiji and a tough draw against Samoa. After our first two games we were happy with how we went but we knew that there was f room for improvement. A highlight of the day was performing a cultural dance before playing both games.
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On Saturday we played 3 games against Tonga, Cook Islands, and New Zealand Maoris. With two draws against Tonga and New Zealand, and a loss against New Zealand Maoris. The highlight of the day was performing a traditional war dance against the New Zealand Maoris while they were performing the Hakka.
Sunday was finals day, we finished second overall in the rounds and were to play the Cook Islands in elimination semi final. Unfortunately, we went down 5-3 to the eventual winners who defeated Tonga in the final. We finished 3rd overall, I am incredibly proud of this. I would like to thank Dr Jennifer Harris, Associate Dean Undergraduate, the Australian School of Business and Adrian Williams, Head of Property Finance AMP Capital for sponsoring me. Without their support I would not have been able to attend the Oceania Cup. Overall, it was a privilege to be able to represent Indigenous Australia and share a little bit about our culture with other nations. It was an amazing experience to play a sport that I love, for my culture and meet some new life long friends, as well as be exposed to other cultures and their traditions. Dylan Booth Dylan is currently in his second year studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the Australian School of Business.
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At the end of last year I completed my International Studies degree at UNSW. I began my degree with big ideas about working for an NGO in some remote African village; however I have completed it with far greater concern and interest in the injustices in my own country and community. After undertaking electives in Australian Indigenous studies I left wanting to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and organisations. This led me to pursue an internship with the Aurora Project, who place social science, legal and anthropology students and graduates in Indigenous organisations for 5-6 week internships. In January and February, I was placed with the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern who work with Indigenous communities in Sydney and around the country to deliver programs in diverse areas, including arts, cultures, health, education, employment, sport and the digital sphere. During my internship I got a taste of a lot of the different sides of the NCIE’s work, the areas of most interest to me were the Indigenous Digital Excellence (IDX) Initiative and the Afterschool Program. From my point of view, the most exciting and unique element of NCIE’s approach is its commitment to change the language and dialogue around Indigenous communities from a focus on disadvantage and deficit, to a focus on excellence, empowerment and pride in over 70,000 years of culture and innovation. One of my favourite details about NCIE’s organisation culture is that they have an ‘Aunty in Residence’, whose role is to provide support and pastoral care to staff (an idea which was new to me and which I thought was brilliant).
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The IDX Initiative is still in its very early stages, but its long-term aim is to support Indigenous communities to leverage digital technologies to enhance individual and community wellbeing. This ranges from improving digital literacy and cyber safety awareness, to supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs to create things such as new apps, to supporting communities to pass on and promote language and culture using digital technologies. My work with the IDX Initiative included helping to organise a major strategy planning workshop attended by NCIE staff, community representatives and major supporters, the Telstra Foundation. The day of this workshop was the most exciting and rewarding of my internship as I really got the chance to see the passion, eloquence and the deep knowledge and understanding of my colleagues as they discussed the challenges and nuances involved defining IndigenousDX and ‘wellbeing’, where to invest limited resources, the relative importance of individual vs. community benefits, as well as their hopes and dreams for Indigenous Digital Excellence.
While at NCIE, I would always look forward to 3pm, when I would get to leave the computer screen and go and join the kids at the Afterschool Program. One of the coolest things for me was to witness some of the cultural education, such as the kids pointing out their Country on the map of Indigenous Australia, and talking about their families and their Country. Other highlights were being totally smashed in one on one basketball by kids half my size (what skill!) and accompanying the students to workshops at Sydney Story Factory, where they get to explore their creative writing skills. Some of the staff talk about how they were never given the opportunity to attend programs which gave them cultural support and education, and this gives me a lot of hope that these children will be the first generation to grow up with pride and knowledge of their own cultures as the norm rather than as a constant struggle. To any students interested in working with or learning more about Indigenous organisations, I would highly recommend undertaking an Aurora internship or getting involved with NCIE (http://ncie.org.au). Katherine Rosonakis
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UNSW holds the key to your answers… How do I get into UNSW? What if I don’t have the ATAR score needed to study the degree I want to study? What do I want to study? How will I financially support myself? Where am I going to live? What type of support will I receive? Is it fun being a UNSW student?
Come along to our Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Info Day and open the door to the answers to your questions… Our Info Day is designed to provide you with an interactive UNSW experience that will leave you feeling inspired and wanting more… Program Meet and Greet with Professor Martin Nakata (B. Ed. Hons. PhD)|. Director of Nura Gili and Michael Peachey Nura Gili Student Services Manager Intro to UNSW Campus tour Faculty visits Accommodation tour Student Life @ UNSW Question and Answer session And more…. Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities 30
Target Audience and Area
Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander TAFE students studying the Tertiary Preparation Certificate Sydney Region
Date: 20th August Time: 9am – 3pm Transport will be provided from allocated pick up spots. This service is free. Morning Tea, lunch and nibbles will be provided.
Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Info Day Please visit www.nuragili.unsw.edu.au or call Nura Gili on 02 9385 3805 for registration details.
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“I want students to walk away from us believing that they have the ability to be anything they want to be as long as they have a dream and they never give up” Leearna Williams.
Photo- Winter School 2012
Each year Nura Gili attends Indigenous and non-Indigenous careers expos and conducts our ‘Light and Fire’ presentations at schools and TAFEs as part of our Recruitment and Outreach activities. We travel throughout Sydney and across Regional NSW. The careers expos provide us with the opportunity to share information about Nura Gili and UNSW with prospective students and members of the community. Nura Gili invites schools, TAFEs, individuals and organisations to visit our Kensington campus where we conduct our presentation with you, including a tour of the UNSW campus. Visit us at Balnaves place- Home of Nura Gili and we will provide you with a great opportunity to learn firsthand more about Nura Gili’s programs, entry pathways and all about the different programs you can study with us Let us know if would like us to have a stall at or your school, TAFE, organisation or expo and if you would like to visit us here on campus Leearna Williams Nura Gili Student Recruitment Officer For more information please contact: Nura Gili on (02) 9385 3805 or email asknuragili@unsw.edu.au
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The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is one of Australia's leading research and teaching universities, with 9 outstanding faculties that offer courses in a range of different study areas, UNSW is a great choice to undertake your degree. At UNSW, we take pride in the broad range and high quality of our teaching programs. Our teaching gains strength and currency from our research activities, strong industry links and our international nature; UNSW has a strong regional and global engagement. In developing new ideas and promoting lasting knowledge we are creating an academic environment where outstanding students and scholars from around the world can be inspired to excel in their programs of study and research. Partnerships with both local and global communities allow UNSW to share knowledge, debate and research outcomes. UNSW’s public events include concert performances, open days and public forums on issues such as the environment, healthcare and global politics. With 9 outstanding faculties, over 300 study areas, located in one of the best cities in the world, over 50,000 students from every country in the world and commitment to Indigenous education and research ‘make UNSW your first choice’ Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Arts and Social Sciences is a recognised leader in arts, social sciences and, humanities teaching and research. With leading academics and industry experts, we offer you professionally relevant degrees and internationally recognised research opportunities. Study Areas: Arts, Australian Studies, Criminology, Dance, English, Film, History, International Studies, Indigenous Studies, Journalism, Languages and Linguistics, Media, Music, Performing Arts, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Secondary Education, Social Science, Social Work, Sociology and Anthropology, Theatre and Performance Studies. arts.unsw.edu.au Australian School of Business Recognised as one of the top business schools in Australia, our business degrees have been designed for the very best students, and suit a variety of career aspirations and interests. We offer you a flexible and creative teaching environment that ensures learning is cutting edge, and will connect you with some of Australia’s leading business experts to support your professional ambitions. Study Areas: Accounting, Actuarial Studies, Business Law, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Information Systems, International Business, Marketing and Taxation, asb.unsw.edu.au Faculty of Built Environment Built Environment is where the brightest students from around the world converge to study design, planning, construction, management and impacts of man-made buildings and infrastructure. We focus on the design, management and delivery of the 21st-century city and all its landscape, interiors, urban fabric and industrial design. Study Areas: Architectural Computing, Architectural Studies, Construction Management and Property, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning be.unsw.edu.au
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College of Fine Arts (Paddington Campus) As Australia’s premier Art, Design and Media school, COFA will help you unleash your creative potential, develop your skills and carve a niche that will set you up for a successful life as a professional artist. Study Areas: Art, Art Education, Art History, Design, Media Arts, Fine Arts cofa.unsw.edu.au Faculty of Engineering The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW is the largest in Australia, with the widest range of undergraduate degree choices, numerous scholarships and strong links to industry. We offer you 26 undergraduate degrees as well as several dual degrees. You will have the opportunity to take part in various student-led projects such as building solar cars; designing formula-style racing cars; and competing in the international Robocup soccer league. Our graduates are professionally accredited to work in Australia and around the world, and are offered jobs in the private sector, consulting, finance, government, academia and more. Study Areas: Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Mining Engineering, Software Engineering, Surveying and Spatial Information Systems, Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering Petroleum Engineering eng.unsw.edu.au Faculty of Law UNSW Law School offers the highest-rated law degree in Australia. Founded over 40 years ago, we constantly strive to lead and inspire change through public engagement and outstanding research. We will enable you to apply a rigorous, socially-responsible legal education to a diversity of careers. Study Areas: Law law.unsw.edu.au UNSW Medicine UNSW Medicine is one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious medical schools and offer innovative and unique teaching with links to some of Australia’s leading teaching hospitals, in both urban and rural NSW. We have an enviable track record in cutting-edge medical research and provide facilities that are world class. The Bachelor of Exercise Physiology is a recent addition to the Faculty’s well-established six-year undergraduate Medicine curriculum leading to the awards of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS). Study Areas: Medicine, Exercise Physiology med.unsw.edu.au Faculty of Science The Faculty of Science offers specialist degrees such as Psychology, Optometry, and Medicinal Chemistry, as well as degrees that allow students to explore the breadth of science before selecting a major. If you have a curious mind, want to learn from world renowned researchers and need a degree that is relevant to current issues, look no further than Science at UNSW Study Areas: Anatomy, Aviation, Biology and Biotechnology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Food Science, Genetics, Geography, Marine Science, Materials Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Medical Science, Nanotechnology, Neuroscience, Optometry and Vision Science Pathology, Pharmacology, Physics, Psychology, Physiology science.unsw.edu.au Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW Canberra) At the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra, UNSW offers undergraduate degrees in arts, business, engineering, science, and technology as part of training for midshipmen and officer cadets of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Study Areas: Arts, Business, Engineering, Science unsw.adfa.edu.au
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Nura Gili provides pathways to learning opportunities that embrace Indigenous knowledge, culture and histories. Nura Gili strives for excellence in educational services and works towards assuring participation and access to all the programs it offers. The staff and students at Nura Gili support community outreach programs to actively spread the message of the availability of tertiary studies. Staff and students also work to promote the centrality of arts, culture and heritage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples - throughout UNSW and the wider community. The words Nura Gili are from the language of the Eora Nation, Nura meaning ‘place' and Gili meaning ‘fire/light'. Nura Gili at UNSW brings together these concepts to create the meaning ‘place of fire and light'. The theme of place remains important to the many cultures of Indigenous Australia. The University of New South Wales acknowledges and recognises the very place that we have all come together to work, share, study and learn as the traditional lands of three separate Aboriginal communities: the Bedegal ( Kensington campus), Gadigal (City and College of Fine Arts Campuses) and the Ngunnawal people (Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra). The site of UNSW is located near an 8000 year old campsite around which the people of the area taught culture, history and subsistence. From an age old past through to the present the site holds significance as a place for gathering, meeting, teaching and sharing. The concept of a fireplace and fire in general reflects the warm, relaxed and nurturing environment created by age-old fires many years ago, and recreated today by the staff and students of Nura Gili. The shared inspiration , drive and purpose for the staff and students of Nura Gili is that they belong to a community on campus where there is a fire burning, where people come together to share, as has been done for thousands of years. Nura Gili values the potential that education can offer, and with the theme of the fireplace in mind, we invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to gather, learn and share together, to light a torch of their own, to guide them, and light their way as they create their own journey.
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