Premier

Aboriginal-Led Education Campus For Goulburn Murray

28 February 2023

The Andrews Labor Government is on the way to delivering a state-of-the-art Aboriginal-led educational, sporting, cultural and community centre on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton.

Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens today joined Yorta Yorta elders, the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne to mark the start of construction of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE).

The Labor Government is investing $30 million in Australia’s first Aboriginal-led pathways-based university – home to the Munarra Academy - that will provide programs from the Academy of Sport, Health and Education, the Kaiela Institute, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative and more.

MCRE will deliver culturally responsive education, employment, health and wellbeing programs that drive broad, long-term economic benefits and shared prosperity for the region and Victoria.

Indigenous-led company TVN On-Country is building the pioneering new campus, with the centre expected to open to the community in 2024.

The design of the centre celebrates First Nations knowledge, culture and entrepreneurship, with Indigenous plantings and artwork. The campus will include an Elder’s lounge, yarning rooms, teaching spaces, a wellbeing courtyard, event spaces, community meeting rooms and co-working areas.

The construction of Munarra is a flagship project in the Government’s ongoing work to supporting First Nations-led initiatives and self-determination.

More information on the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is available at rfnc.com.au/munarraExternal Link

Quote attributable to Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams

“We are creating education and employment pathways so local First Nations communities can drive economic growth for their regions – the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence provides the Shepparton community with the infrastructure they need to make that happen.”

Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens

“Delivering new accessible and modern facilities will help the First Nations and sporting communities in Shepparton attract more players, host more events and draw even bigger crowds, driving economic growth and wellbeing for the area.”

Quote attributable to Executive Chairperson for Kaiela Institute Paul Briggs OAM

“The Munarra Centre of Regional Excellence signifies a critical shift in the education and knowledge of future generations of the Goulburn Murray, here on Yorta Yorta country.”

Quotes attributable to Chairperson for Munarra Limited Travis Morgan

“The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is a demonstration of the strong allyship between the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, The University of Melbourne, the Kaiela Institute, and the Andrews Labor Government.”

“It shows what is possible when a joint commitment of delivering social, community and economic prosperity is adopted by all as an everyday focus, with benefits for the region and nationally.”

Quotes attributable to Vice-President Strategy and Culture at University of Melbourne Dr Julie Wells

"Our investment will support the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE), which we have delivered in partnership with the Rumbalara Football Netball Club for 19 years and which offers meaningful pathways to learning and work for disadvantaged students.”

"We are really looking forward to working with our partners in the Goulburn Valley to ensure the evolution and expansion of ASHE programs, creating opportunities for students, educators and researchers from the region and beyond.”

Reviewed 27 February 2023

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