An innovative study hub in a remote part of south-east Arnhem Land, Northern Territory is changing the lives of its local students and its graduates who are currently studying at Macquarie University in Sydney.
The Wuyagiba Regional Study Hub is designed to facilitate two-way learning – the learning and exchange between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of each other's knowledge. It was established as a trial in 2018 by Numbulwar and Ngukurr elders with the support of Macquarie University, the Australian Government and The Nature Conservancy.
Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University Dr Emilie Ens said: "The Wuyagiba Study Hub has exceeded our expectations. When we set it up last year we hoped that it would help bridge the gap for post-secondary students from the local area between remote Country high school and the demands of a big city university and lifestyle. Of the 15 students who graduated late last year, 13 of them enrolled at Macquarie University. Ten remain studying a variety of courses including education, Indigenous studies and environmental management."
"This year we've got another 20 students taking part in the course at Wuyagiba", said Ngukurr elder Kevin Rogers. "We hope they'll follow in the footsteps of last year's graduates and move on to Sydney
