Post by University of New England (AU)

When Oorala Aboriginal Centre was founded at UNE, no one could have predicted the scale of its impact. From its early days in temporary accommodation, it has grown into a thriving hub of culture, connection and community. This week we marked 40 years of Oorala, and the enduring partnership between UNE and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with a celebration and reflection on our Armidale campus. Thank you to Oorala's trailblazing founding Director, Professor Professor Lynette Riley AO, who returned to make a powerful and touching keynote address; as well as Oorala Director, Ms Samantha Fowler; Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, Professor Peter J. Anderson,; and UNE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Moran, for their insights. Thanks also to Mr Robbie Griffiths for conducting a cleansing smoking ceremony; Ms Larissa Ahoy for a warm welcome to Anaiwan Country; the Lyāmbay Dance Group for a beautiful performance; and all who came to celebrate this special milestone. “The impact of Oorala rippled through families and communities,” Prof Riley says - and the effects can be seen in the thousands of students who have gone on to create change across Australia. Take a closer look: https://lnkd.in/gctMTcvR #ProudToBeUNE #HigherEducation #FirstNationsNews #IndigenousEducation