The Ngunnawal Centre at the University of Canberra was officially opened by Chancellor Professor Tom Calma AO and Minister for Indigenous Australians the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP today, after a major upgrade.
The Ngunnawal Centre, which has been supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University since 1985, moved into the new premises earlier this year but could not be officially opened due to the shift to a virtual campus necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Ngunnawal Centre gives students a culturally affirming and safe space to learn, study and escape the stresses of university life where they can get support with their studies as well as their personal lives," said Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, and Director of the Ngunnawal Centre Professor Peter Radoll.
"The Centre is a second home and the staff are a second family to a lot of our students. It's a space with a strong community feel."
There was a Welcome to Country, Smoke Ceremony and an unveiling of the official plaque at the official opening as well as tours of the new facilities.
Minister Wyatt said that the new centre would help improve education outcomes, a key component of the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
"We know that education is a key to unlocking the full potential for Indigenous Australians, and the Ngunnawal Centre will ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are supported through their studies."
