The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, an Indigenous-led educational centre in Shepparton, has been shortlisted in the 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards.
The Munarra Centre was selected in four categories - Educational Architecture, Urban Design, the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture and the Regional Prize.
Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at the University of Melbourne, said he was proud this important regional hub was being recognised.
"I am delighted that the Munarra Centre for Excellence, which incorporates a number of unique
Indigenous design features, has been short-listed in the Victorian Architecture Awards," Professor Judd said.
The Munarra Centre, which was designed by ARM Architecture, opened in July last year. It is a state-of-the-art building incorporating Aboriginal knowledge into its design and programs, symbolising decades of effort to place First Nations at the forefront of higher education.
Aligned with the University of Melbourne's Murmuk Djerring Indigenous Strategy, the foundational partnership with Munarra is crucial to embedding Indigenous knowledge and self-determination into higher education to close the educational gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
It is instrumental in the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity and Productivity Plan, a 15-year strategy focused on regional self-determination and economic inclusiveness. This collaborative effort involves local government, academia and the community to foster future leaders, empower and strengthen the community and, ultimately, bring long-term economic benefits to the region.
The University of Melbourne's connection with the Centre underlines a history of more than two decades of involvement and collaboration with the Goulburn Valley region.
Construction of the Munarra Centre was made possible through a partnership between the State Government with an investment of $30.2 million, Rumbalara Football Netball Club, the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne, which contributed $6.65 million.
ARM Architecture are an award-winning architecture, urban design, master planning and interior design practice with an international reputation for creating culturally significant buildings and precincts that stretch the boundaries of architectural and urban thought.
The Victorian Architecture Awards serve to recognise best practice in the field and inspire others to continue striving to positively shape communities through architecture.
The 2025 Victorian Architecture Award-winners will be announced at an awards night function on 27 June. State winners will be entered into the National Architecture Awards, to be announced in November 2025. More details available here.
