Weemala Indigenous Higher Education student performing a traditional Indigenous dance at the birthday celebrations.

Landmark week for Indigenous higher education

This week Australian Catholic University (ACU National) celebrated two landmark events related to Indigenous Education - the Launch of the its national Centre for Indigenous Education and Research (CIER) and the Weemala Higher Education Unit's 20th Anniversary.

The CIER was established earlier this year following a restructure of the Indigenous education units, which are located across the University's six campuses. The Centre encompasses the office of the Director located at McAuley at Banyo and the four Indigenous Higher Education units -Yalbalinga located at Mount St Mary Campus, Strathfield and also covering Mackillop Campus, North Sydney; Weemala, located at McAuley at Banyo Brisbane; Jim-baa-yer located at St Patricks Campus, Melbourne and also covering Aquinas Campus, Ballarat; and Dhara Daramoolen located at Signadou Campus, Canberra.

The Centre's newly appointed Director, Associate Professor Nereda White, said CIER staff will be committed to working collaboratively within the University to maintain excellent national standards in Indigenous education.

"The aim of CIER is to provide excellence in teaching and learning, student support, research and community engagement related to Indigenous higher education," she said.  "The Centre will also aim to foster reconciliation and support the aspirations of Indigenous people and their communities."

Vice Chancellor Professor Greg Craven unveiled the CIER logo at the Launch, which was designed by David Williams from Gilimbaa.  The event also included guest speaker Professor Mark Rose from Deakin University, an acknowledgement of the traditional owners by Elder Aunty Valda Coolwell and a performance by the Doongalla Dancers.

Celebrations for Weemala's 20th Anniversary followed the Launch, with past and present staff and students as well as Weemala supporters gathering to reflect on the accomplishments of Weemala over the past 20 years and to celebrate many successes to come. Entertainment featuring dances from the Torres Straits was provided by Weemala students.

When the Weemala Indigenous Higher Education Unit was established on the Brisbane campus in 1989, there were only a small number of Indigenous students enrolled. Today, there are 130 students enrolled on the Brisbane campus, and approximately 310 Indigenous studying across the University, in courses including education, nursing, business, arts and theology. The success of Indigenous students at ACU, which is recognised nationally, is attributed to the support of University staff especially those staff of the Indigenous Support Units.
 
Dana Thompson, graduate and event organiser of the Weemala birthday celebrations, sums this up when she says: "Weemala is not only a place to study. It is also a place where people make friends, find family and celebrate their culture and history with pride. Weemala is always a welcome place for Indigenous people on campus and provides a cultural meeting place for all students, staff and visitors."