Nura Gili News Edition 4 May 2013

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Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and programs across all our communities

Celebrating our students, alumni, staff and

programs across all our communities

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Editorial 3-4

Aboriginal Sky Stories Project

- A collaboration between Nura Gili and Microsoft Research. 5-7

Gathering of Indigenous Architects

Nura Gili architecture student Linda Kennedy shares about the inaugural gathering.

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Wellington- Sydney - Johannesburg

- Insights into life and times of Jess Kitch, Nura Gili UNSW Arts Law student: 10-12

Nura Gili Student Support and Outreach Officer Summa Naylor 13-14

Honouring Our Forgotten Heroes –ANZAC Day in Redfern 15-19

Building Connections 20-21

Nura Gili Programs, Studies and Events

Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander day UNSW Indigenous Spring Forum Nura Gili on the Road Indigenous Studies- Programs and Courses About us

22-27

Nura Gili News.

If you would like to contribute ideas, news, letters and / or articles please contact the editor

Telephone: 0478492075 Email: [email protected]

If you would like to contribute to Indigenous scholarships for students at UNSW and/or Nura

Gili Indigenous Programs please feel free to make initial contact with the Director of Nura Gili

Professor Martin Nakata (B.EdHons PhD)

Telephone :+61 (2) 93853120 Email: [email protected]

If you would like further information on Nura Gili’s programs, courses and facilities you are

welcome to come and visit and / or contact us:

Nura Gili Centre for Indigenous Programs

Electrical Engineering Building G17

UNIVESRITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES

UNSW SYDNEY NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA

Telephone: 02 93853805

Email: [email protected]

Website: nuragili.unsw.edu.au

If you would like further information about UNSW and our faculties unsw.edu.au

Nura Gili gratefully acknowledges the Balnaves Foundation and UBS for their support. UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G | ABN: 57 195 873 179

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:Telephone%20:+61



http://www.unsw.edu.au/

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Left to Right

Director of Nura Gili

Professor Martin Nakata

Ambassador to Denmark

Damian Miller

Nura Gili Student Services

Manager Michael Peachey

In May’s edition of Nura Gili News our stories are a testimony to our students, staff

and alumni’s contributions, collaborations and connections both here and abroad.

In our lead article Dr Duane Hamacher shares about the exciting work with Nura Gili

and Microsoft Research: ‘incorporating global Indigenous astronomical knowledge

and traditions into the WWT through the Aboriginal Sky Stories Project.”

This month, as shared in the last edition of Nura Gili News Alumni Damian Miller

begins his appointment as Australia's next Ambassador to Denmark. Damian visited

Nura Gili on the 16th of April . He is very proud of his time here and impressed with

how far Nura Gili has strengthened and grown. Brenda Gunn, Associate Professor in

Law and Peter Pomart, Program Coordinator of Aboriginal Business Education

Partners from the University of Manitoba in Canada also spent some time with us in

April during Brenda’s sabbatical as a visiting academic with Professor Megan Davis

and UNSW Faculty of Law. We will continue to build strong links with them all.

So many of our students are reaching new heights such as shared in Linda

Kennedy’s article about Indigenous architects and Jessica Kitch’s insights into how

she was chosen to attend a world summit in Johannesburg in October 2013.

Makenzie Russell presented with Tim Curtin at New College formal dinner about our

time in January with the Bourke Community. Amongst the guests was the Hon Peter

Garrett AM, MP, Minister for School Education, Early Childhood & Youth.

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Through the advocacy and leadership of Nura Gili’s Jeremy Heathcote we continue

to build strong connections with Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group in Redfern. Nura

Gili and students and staff from across UNSW attended ANZAC Day in Redfern a

number playing pivotal roles to support the day ‘Honouring Our Forgotten Heroes’.

At this stage in the semester many of our students are in the midst of assignments

and exams. We are seeing more and more students utilising the services and

facilities provided at Nura Gili in our new building in the heart of UNSW. As Summa

Naylor shares in her staff profile: “Nura Gili is such a positive place to work, it means

acceptance, integrity, pride and the list is endless” Each day we witness how much

these sentiments are echoed by many of our students, academic and professional

staff, providing an environment to support everyone to succeed.

UNSW Indigenous Winter School applications now closed, we received many more

applications than places and all applicants will be notified this month. If you are in

year twelve don’t forgot to register for our UNSW Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander Info Day and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults interested

in studying at UNSW applications are now open for this year’s UNSW Indigenous

Spring Forum –see further details at the end of this issue.

Lastly on 23rd May we are a hosting a consultation workshop on the Exposure Draft

of the Business Reference Guide to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous

Peoples. Follow this link for your invitation and more information:

http://issuu.com/nura_gili/docs/special_invitation_to_attend_consultation_workshop

..

Left to Right

University of Manitoba, Canada

Associate Professor in Law

Brenda Gunn

Program Coordinator of

Aboriginal Business Education

Partners

Peter Pomart

Editor Nura Gili News Program

Manager Indigenous Business

Education, Rebecca Harcourt

Rebecca Harcourt

http://issuu.com/nura_gili/docs/special_invitation_to_attend_consultation_workshop

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Nura Gili recently hosted Professor Curtis Wong from Microsoft Research in Seattle

to the sunny shores of Sydney. Prof Wong is the director of the WorldWide

Telescope – an interactive, online software package that takes the user through a

simulated tour of the universe. Combining cutting edge technology with the latest

research in astrophysics, the WorldWide Telescope is an unsurpassed tool for

educating the public and students about the wonders and mechanics of the cosmos.

The collaboration between Nura Gili and Microsoft Research is to incorporate global

Indigenous astronomical knowledge and traditions into the WWT through the

Aboriginal Sky Stories Project. The project will start here at UNSW, by creating a

database of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomy that is accessible to

everyone. It will be a place where Indigenous elders and communities can record

and upload their astronomy stories online to share with the world. Whether they are

videos, audio, photos, or just plain text, Indigenous people can utilise this user-

friendly software to ensure their traditions remain intact and for future generations. I

was brought to Nura Gili last year after completing a PhD thesis on Aboriginal

Astronomy in order to work on this project. I have recently been hired as a Lecturer

to further develop this project, develop and teach new courses on science and

astronomy in Indigenous culture for the Indigenous Studies major, and continue

conducting research in Indigenous astronomy. We also plan on enrolling Indigenous

students in STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics),

particularly the physics and astronomy program at UNSW. The goal is to show that

Science and Indigenous Knowledge are not at loggerheads with each other – they

can be beneficial to Indigenous communities, the public, and to scientists. It is within

this intersection that the WorldWide Telescope is centered.

Left: David Pross, Prof Curtis Wong & Jeremy Heathcote Left: John Warren (Microsoft, Prof Martin Nakata

& David Pross

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During Prof Wong’s visit, we took him, his wife, Prof Nakata and several staff

members to rock art sites around the northern region of Sydney. Led by David Pross

and Bob Pankhurst - whose knowledge of Aboriginal rock art runs deep - we visited

engraving sites on the Central Coast, such as Wahwee and Mooney Mooney, to

learn about the connection between Aboriginal culture, art, and the stars. We learned

about Baiame, an Aboriginal deity that lives in the Milky Way, and other figures in

Aboriginal traditions of the Darkinung people. After a meat-pie lunch near Brooklyn,

we ventured to Kuringai Chase National Park, where I led the group through a tour of

the Elvina Track engravings. Prof Wong and the group learned about the Emu in the

Sky (an Aboriginal constellation formed not from bright stars, but by the dark dust

lanes in the Milky Way) and had the opportunity to explore and find some of the

many engravings that cover the area. I also showed the group a ceremonial stone

arrangement nearby. It was a great opportunity to not only learn about the sites, but

to experience them first hand. The weather could not have been more ideal as

everyone went in search of engravings, running their fingers across the grooves,

trying to interpret what they mean, and generally getting a feel for the connection

between the art, the landscape, and the sky.

After exploring rock art for the best part of six hours, we drove to West Head, my

favourite view in all of Sydney with unsurpassed views of Palm Back, Barrenjoey

Head, Lion Island, Umina Beach, and the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. After

relaxing while watching the sailboats in the water and the sea eagles in the air, we

headed to the Northern Beaches for “dinner.” By the time we arrived, it was dark. We

bought fish and chips for a dozen people at Narrabeen Beach and made our way to

Collaroy beach. There were no fancy tables, no white tablecloths, and no fine wine.

Facing a brisk breeze and surrounding, a knee-high table with no lights, we stuffed

the food in our mouths under the glare of car headlamps before the food went cold.

We talked about the project, about how much better the day was being outside the

office, we laughed, we joked, and absolutely had a blast. The stars came out and

Prof Wong seemed quite excited to try out the night settings on his camera. Despite

the light pollution from Sydney, his handy camera was able to get a great shot of us

with the stars shining clearly overhead. In fact, it was so good that you could clearly

make out the shape of the Emu in the Sky towering over our heads. I began pointing

out some of the star clusters, constellations, and even Jupiter – reciting some of the

Aboriginal stories and the scientific research being conducted by astronomers.

After a long and exciting day, we made our way home. But the week’s experience

was not over. The next morning, Prof Nakata and Prof Wong joined me for a tour of

Sydney Observatory, where I have worked casually as an astronomy educator for

more than four years. With the help of Toner Stevenson, the observatory manager,

we showed Prof Nakata and Prof Wong around the exhibits, discussing some of the

many historical artefacts and instruments held in the museum. I showed them some

of the exhibits featuring Aboriginal material, including the small theatre that plays

three illustrated videos about Aboriginal astronomy. We went to the old South Dome

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telescope that was built in 1874 and looked at flares on the sun through the modern

North Dome telescope. We also looked at a simulation of the night sky in the brand

new digital planetarium. We then walked down to the Australian Hotel in The Rocks

for lunch to let Prof Wong get a taste of kangaroo pizza.

Finally, we made our way down to the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, the parent

body of Sydney Observatory. After exploring the museum though a personalized

tour, we had a great opportunity to visit the Mars rover training area. Here, PhD

students and scientists in robotics and engineering develop new technology for

planetary exploration.

During the week, we sorted out the future of the project, which will be part of an ARC

Linkage grant, built collaborations with local museums and observatories, and are

building ideas for how to develop and manage the project. We visited half a dozen

rock art sites, and explored the Sydney Observatory and Powerhouse Museum. It

was an exciting and eventful week that solidified the relationship between Nura Gili

and Microsoft Research.

Duane Hamacher

Lecturer in Indigenous Astronomy

Nura Gili, UNSW

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On Friday 19th April, I had the

privilege of attending the first

Gathering of Indigenous Architects

held at the Koorie Heritage Trust,

Melbourne.

Hosted by Indigenous Architecture

Victoria, Director Reuben Berg a

Gunditjmara man gathered with 14

other Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islanders involved in architecture

including architects, interior designers

and students from across Australia.

The one day gathering was split into 3 parts:

1. Getting to know each other - who we are, where we’re from, our achievements in

architecture. This was also a great opportunity for us to note down other

Indigenous architects/students who were not in attendance -about another ten.

2. What we’re currently working on in the profession - presentations from architects

working in NSW: Dillon Kombumerri, Michael Mossman; Victoria: Jefa

Greenaway; Queensland: Andrew Lane; an academic from the University of

Queensland: Carroll Go-Sam and designer and entrepreneur from NSW: Alison

Page.

3. Yarning circles - we broke into smaller groups to discuss: how we can encourage

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to pursue architecture as a career,

how to support current Indigenous architecture students, and how we can

collaborate with each other in the future.

It was great to see the range of work that was presented from private practice and

public sector, including community projects, culturally appropriate design,

experimental art collaborations, and responses to identity in the built environment.

Our discussions were passionate, inspiring and confronting, and this is without even

attempting to tackle the topic “what is Aboriginal architecture?”

Although it is clear by numbers that there are not many Aboriginal or Torres Strait

Islander people working in the profession of architecture, it was awesome to gather

and know that we have a network of our own mob within the bigger network of

architecture in Australia - to know that there are people to go to when we are

confronted with the challenges of being an Indigenous person working as an

architect, to share ideas, celebrate successes and collaborate for the future of our

country.

Linda Kennedy with Alison Page

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Bringing it back to the real world

It can be easy to get lost in the world of a career, and to lose sight of the bigger

picture of why we do what we do - as architects or any other profession. Getting

back to the real world can be as simple as spending time with family and friends - as

I did on Saturday.

I attended a baby shower, where I met Aboriginal playwright Steven Oliver. He told

me that his most recent musical has a leading character who is an Aboriginal

architect! His aim being to break the stereotype of what Indigenous professionals

can be - so that our younger generations can see that black fullas can see and think

‘I could be an architect’. How deadly is that!?

I also met an Aboriginal man from Queensland, Greg Kitson - a town planner!

More of us are getting our way into the field of the built environment! In just a couple

of days, my own perceptions of linking “Indigenous” and “architecture” has changed

and grown - what an inspiration!

As much as my direct passion is in architecture - any project that I participate in will

always have part of me as an Aboriginal woman within its foundations, and as

architects we cannot work on our own - on a professional level we must collaborate

with interior designers, landscape architects, urban planner, and more importantly

we must work with people - our clients, and we must use our skills to improve the

built environment for the future of the communities we are working with.

No matter what field we are working in - it is important for all of us to show our

younger generations that we can break the stereotype and achieve whatever we

want to achieve - whether it’s in health, arts, law or architecture!

Linda Kennedy

Photo of the gathering of Indigenous

Architects in Victoria

Linda Kennedy is a Dharawal and

Wiradjuri woman from the South

Coast. She is 25 years of age,

currently in her third year studying

Architecture at the University of

NSW having enrolled as a mature

age student. Linda grew up in an

Aboriginal Housing Commission

and is passionate about culturally

appropriate design.

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Insights into life and times of Jessica Kitch, Nura Gili UNSW Arts Law student:

Where are you from/where did you grow up?

I am a Wiradjuri woman from Wellington, near Dubbo. I have lived in Wellington

since I was 10 years old. Before that I was living in Liverpool, Casula.

What are you currently studying?

I am in my second year at UNSW but my first year of Arts/Law degree. Last year I

completed the Diploma of Humanities.

What motivated you to come and study at UNSW?

Winter School did it for me. I attended UNSW Indigenous Winter School in 2011

when I was in year 12 and it was the best experience. I loved the atmosphere

especially when we were all gathered in one place and I felt more at home because

of the 'Nura Gili family.' If it were not for the Nura Gili family, I probably would not

have studied here. It helps with homesickness a lot especially with fellow-Welloites

like Mick, Cheryl, Monique and Tjanara.

I also did UNSW Indigenous Pre-programs in 2011 and again, that familiar bond was

still strong. It was good because going to Winter School meant that I already knew a

few people in my Pre-programs law classes. I'm still really good friends with

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everyone I did pre-programs with! Every function at Nura Gili is a good laugh- with

last year’s Halloween party a real highlight.

When did you first get involved at the PCYC Wellington?

My Mum got a job there when I was in high school. I became involved by being there

and participating in the activities. As I became older, I started helping out with

Kidzcare and other activities like dances. I have volunteered at the Wellington PCYC

for about three years now. Kathryn, the current manager asked me to help out

because there were too many kids and when they take them for excursions they can

get a little excited and slightly out-of-hand.

What are some of the highlights and challenges of volunteering?

With Kidzcare especially I prepare food, supervise, play games, do arts and crafts

and have a laugh the entire time, they're all such characters. I did have a kid once

say he was going to poison me and cast a spell on me... it was a laugh though.

There is no real downside to helping out especially when it comes to children. I want

to encourage participation at the PCYC for the younger generations because then

they will have somewhere to go and something to do if they need that. It is always

good seeing the police interact with the kiddies. Sometimes they see the cops for the

first time and get a little scared because some parents warn children if they are bad

the police will take them away, but then they talk with them and become more

familiar with the kids. This means if they are ever in trouble, they know that they can

turn to the police.

I also volunteer at socials and events, running the canteen or BBQ at fundraisers.

I have also been to the Wellington PCYC's Ball as a speaker and performer.

Congratulations on being chosen as the NSW PCYC representative to attend

the One Young World Youth Summit in Johannesburg in October this year-

how were you nominated?

I was nominated to attend the Bluestar program.by the police officer at Wellington

and the PCYC Manager. Bluestar is a leadership program organised by PCYC and it

involves selecting youth to attend 4 camps over the year. From the camps, two

people, one boy and one girls are chosen to be youth delegates for the NSW PCYC.

This involves attending functions and attending the Bluestar camps again as a

supervisor. It also involves meeting with the PCYC Board and discussing our

experiences in PCYC and as a youth delegate.

On the 13th of April I attended the PCYC's annual gala dinner. At this dinner I met

and introduced the premier of NSW, The Hon. Barry O'Farrell MP, Premier of New

South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney. I also met Jack Vidgen and Shelly

Craft. It was here that the PCYC CEO Chris Gardiner announced that I would be

attending the youth conference in Johannesburg from the 2nd - 5th October 2013.

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Possibly one of the most exciting things of my life because I've never been overseas

before!

I'm going along with the male youth delegate, Josh, who is from Sutherland as well

as a boy called Ater who has been involved in Mr Gardiner's Sudanese program. At

this conference there are people from all over the world. At last year’s summit held in

Pittsburg, USA over 1500 delegates attended. I am definitely looking forward to the

speakers and hearing what they have to say about issues around the world.

Who are your role models?

As cliché as this may sound, my role models are my Mum and my Aunty. These two

women are so resilient and have nothing but love, especially when it comes to

family. They have been through hard times, really hard times, but they still manage

to keep things together. They're so resilient and strong that it just makes me proud to

be part of the family. Also my Pop who keeps his head up and works his bum off! I

wouldn't be as funny, cheeky if he wasn't around.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years?

In 5 years I would have finished uni. I would like to be working in a top tier law firm

and be able buy my Mum the farm she has always wanted; a place where my little

sister could feel at home in and always call home.

Any tips for young Indigenous people considering their future?

There are going to be times that you don't feel like you deserve to be doing things,

whether it is studying or going overseas, or just any opportunity really. Get over it

and embrace it! Things happen for a reason and make your family and community

proud, give the kids someone they can look up to.

Anytime you feel like giving up, talk to someone. Nura Gili is a place that you can go

to if you want someone to talk to whether it be students in the same year as you,

students older than you, the staff or even Mama Cheryl. This is what helped me get

through my first year of uni.

Would you recommend others to come and study at Nura Gili, UNSW?

Definitely! For me, my Mum's family are really close, so moving when I was 17 to

come to Sydney was scary. Nura Gili is like my family and I wouldn't be where I am

now and I certainly wouldn't be getting the opportunities I am if it weren't for Mama

Cheryl and the crew.

Interview with Rebecca Harcourt

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Student Support and Outreach Officer

Where did you grow up?

I’m from Armidale, born and raised in a small country town.

It’s not as small as some but small in comparison to the big

city. We moved to Sydney when I was 15 and wow, we left 2

traffic lights and around 10 roundabouts for endless traffic

lights and endless roundabouts! It was a big change and I’m

glad to have two places to call home, the city life does agree

with me but I still love getting home when I can.

When did you first start working at Nura Gili?

I began working at Nura Gili in 2004, I turned 21 the year I

started and I just turned 30 this year. That’s got to say

something about Nura Gili - it’s an awesome community,

family and people orientated workplace!

Tell us a little bit about your current role –

I’m the Student Support and Outreach Officer. I’m here to support current and future

Indigenous students at UNSW. Supporting current students throughout their program

at UNSW with all enquiries, there’s nothing we can’t handle - if we can’t help we’ll

refer you to someone who can and if we don’t know anyone who can, we’ll find out.

We have a close working relationship with faculties and facilities including the Hub,

Aspire and UNSW Medical Service to ensure we can assist our students well by

working together.

I also support future students through programs, presentations and events. I

coordinate a Science and Engineering program for Indigenous students in years 7-9.

This program aims to stimulate interest in the areas of mathematics, engineering,

technology and science. I also contribute and assist the team with supervising and

facilitating; UNSW Indigenous Winter School, UNSW Indigenous Pre Programs and

UNSW Indigenous Spring Forum.

I work very closely alongside Leearna Williams our Recruitment Officer to attend

school visits, expo’s and community events, I love getting out into the community

and schools, it’s a definite reward when we head out to schools and meet the future

leaders of the world. Students are becoming more engaged and seemingly

motivated and clear on what they want to do after school.

· Different programs you are involved in/ facilitate etc

· Different people you work with here at UNSW- NG, faculties , hub, aspire

· Externally in outreach work /programs etc

Left: Jess Kitch & Christina Slow with PCYC Police Officer

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What is the highlight for you about working here?

A highlight would definitely and ultimately be, knowing that someone is going to

inspire you. Coming in seeing how hard students are working to achieve their goals

is inspiration enough and sometimes I’ll read an application from a prospective

student or have a yarn to a student and their words whether written or spoken have

reached me. You know you’re on the right path when you get to take something

away from your job.

What are your top tips for new students at Nura Gili, UNSW just starting their

studies? Ask questions, seek assistance when you need it and make yourself aware

of all services available to you. If you don’t ask, you won’t know.

What are your top tips for Indigenous students in primary and high schools?

Work hard, try your best and talk to your parents, family and teachers about your

interests. If you’re interested in Science, Drama or whatever your interests may be,

there may be after school activities within your community that you can attend.

Who are your role models?

My role model is my Mum, she doesn’t know the words ‘no’ or ‘can’t’, they aren’t in

her vocabulary. There’s nothing she won’t attempt and there’s no-one that she won’t

help. She’s a strong fierce and independent woman whose values are stamped

within me.

What does Nura Gili mean for you?

Nura Gili means all things positive. It means acceptance, integrity, pride and the list

is endless. These are the things I feel when I think of Nura Gili and they’re exactly

the same things I feel within my home and family life. I’m a proud Nura Gili fan!

I recently came back from leave as I was home with my son so it’s been great to see

some familiar faces and also get to know some of the new faces, I had a long 20

month break but I have jumped back in head first as always and I’m loving it!!! When

I returned to work we were still at the house on the corner of Botany and High

Street’s and I am happy I returned in time to be a part of the move to our modern

and very visible awesome new home on campus. Our new home is great, we have a

great spot, awesome space and loads of traffic, it’s great to see students piling in to

work and socialise with each other.

Interview with Rebecca Harcourt

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The Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Service Association and the Coloured Digger Committee once again worked to provide our community the annual ANZAC event where both Indigenous and Non Indigenous returned service personnel and community can join together to honour, recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen

The Theme for our 2013 event was to focus on the Prisoners of War especially those who were of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.

The Redfern Aboriginal ANZAC Day Commemoration has been designed to:

appropriately honour, recognise and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and servicewomen.

raise awareness in the wider community about the service and sacrifices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families.

highlight the need for greater recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Servicemen and Servicewomen in official commemorative ceremonies and at memorials.

The Redfern ANZAC Day has prompted calls by NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Diggers and their families for a commemorative sculpture or memorial recognising their service and sacrifice.

Linda Boney from the Prince of Wales Hospital is the daughter of an Aboriginal Prisoner of war Percy Suey. When Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 Percy was taken as prisoner-of-war by the Japanese and put to work on the construction of the Burma railway. While a prisoner of war Percy “Gunner” Suey was hit on the head with the butt of a rifle by a Japanese guard. At wars end he embarked at Singapore (on the same ship the Highland Chieftan that had transported overseas) and disembarked at Sydney on the 11th October 1946.

Percy returned to Moree but during the late 1970’s became a missing person and he was never found.

Jeremy Heathcote BSocSc

Indigenous Employment Coordinator -

Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit |

Secretary Babana Aboriginal Men’s Group/Nura Gili

Follow this link to the latest issue of Babana News: issuu.com/babanaaboriginal/docs/babana_news_closing_the_gap_and_coloured_digger_ed

https://mail.unsw.edu.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jKEboz3OHkqRB7cmcvig5PzL0hPsGNAIVxPLWpTGY5PmrrvFWfrv0mqRnpL72pPf2CR801qj6vM.&URL=http%3a%2f%2fissuu.com%2fbabanaaboriginal%2fdocs%2fbabana_news_closing_the_gap_and_coloured_digger_ed

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Many UNSW students, staff and alumni from Nura Gili, Muru Marri Indigenous

Health Unit- Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Australian

School of Business and the Faculty of Law participated in the day.

“It was a great experience to be involved in the Babana Coloured Digger Anzac Day

service. It was a great honour to be able to help present the thank you gifts to the

honoured guests of the day. I would definitely encourage other students to volunteer

their time next year as it is an amazing experience to be a part of.”

La Toya Pinner, Nura Gili Student FASS, UNSW

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“There was an incredible feeling of solidarity both at Redfern park and then later at

the block. I was particularly impressed by NSW Governor, Marie Bashir and Clover

Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney. Both women are very genuine in supporting the

appropriate recognition of Indigenous Australians and were particularly humble on

the day.”

Sarah Hyland, Nura Gili Student Ambassador, ASB, UNSW.

“The Coloured Diggers ANZAC

Day March represented a great

opportunity for the UNSW ASB

Young Alumni to not only

volunteer, but also honour and

recognise Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander

servicemen/women. Our

volunteers Daniel Alizadeh, Doug

Sibika and Chloe Yu spent the

day arranging the venue,

ushering the march, handing out

meat pies and cleaning up. It was a rewarding experience for all involved to be able

to participate in such a significant event attended by many in the wider community.

Thank you to Babana Aboriginal Men's Group for organising the successful event,

and also Rebecca Harcourt for facilitating the connection with Babana .”

Eugene Kwek, Young Alumni ASB Alumni, UNSW.

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“I am quite amazed about the amount of input that goes into the Coloured Digger March and well received the march is. I was pleasantly surprised also by the amount of input by volunteers and participation by UNSW faculty and staff with this sort of support and assistance gladly given the Coloured Digger March can only grow and be received by a far wider and more diverse audience.”

Kelvin Brown, Lance Corporal KCWBrown (RAsigs) Nura Gili postgraduate student ASB UNSW

“It was a great privilege to be there. My overwhelming headline impressions were:

1. What a privilege and honour to be asked

2. How accepting everyone was of me as a non-Indigenous person

3. The warmth, familiarity and community demonstrated amongst everyone gathered

4. How well the organisers combined good organisation, informality & spontaneity

5. The significance of the event

Some highlights for me:

The wonderful sense of community demonstrated at Redfern Park as people were

honoured for their service to a nation that has been slow to honour Indigenous

Australians and even slower to address issues of justice. There was a humility and

love for one's fellow man/woman that was significant and moving. Being asked to

join the march was a wonderful gesture of kindness to me and other white

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Australians. While I felt a bit of a fraud being in the midst of the many community

members, it was memorable and a great privilege.

I was also moved by the various elements of ceremony, the smoking ceremony,

dance and music, speeches and hospitality back at The Block. When we arrived at

the Block as the police horses stood against the foreground and the background of

the city, I was reminded of how much there is to be done. The sense of ownership

that the traditional owners feel for the land (demonstrated and sensed by me at the

Block) is in stark contrast to a sprawling city and its people who pay little regard to

the land and fail to understand what it means for the traditional custodians.

The honouring of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders was wonderful. The

dance, presentation of Percy Suey's medals, presentations, prayers, song, Bible

reading and speeches all helped to create a fitting tribute to a forgotten contribution

to our nation. All in all, it was a memorable two and a half hours. Thanks to all

involved, especially Jeremy and the 'Babana' Men's Group -what a wonderful group.

Professor Trevor Cairney, Master of New College, UNSW.

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On Thursday 18th April 2013 at New College (NC) formal dinner Nura Gili student

Makenzie Russell together with NC student Tim Curtin presented on behalf of the

student group about our experience in January when we travelled to Bourke as

Volunteers PCYC*.

Their reflections included: “The trip proved to be very worthwhile because it not only gave us first-hand insight into the socio-economic disadvantages of a rural indigenous community, but it also broadened our perspectives through a cultural immersion which challenged us physically, intellectually and emotionally. The trip established a relationship with a remote community and enhanced our relationship with Nura Gili.”

Makenzie, Tim with additional encouragement from the Master of New College,

Professor Trevor Cairney invited more students to be involved with a second trip with

the Aboriginal Community in Bourke later this year. The Master also announced New

College’s ongoing commitment to building reciprocal relationships with the Bourke

Aboriginal Community.

*As shared in Edition one of Nura Gili News:

http://issuu.com/nura_gili/docs/nura_gili_new_edition_1_february_2013

http://issuu.com/nura_gili/docs/nura_gili_new_edition_1_february_2013

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The Hon Peter Garrett AM, MP, Minister for School Education, Early Childhood &

Youth and the local member for the federal electorate of Kingsford-Smith was

present as the key speaker at the dinner. He was very interested and impressed by

our students and guests at the dinner and encouraged more students to take the

opportunity to learn from Indigenous Australians. After the Minister’s speech New

College students had the opportunity to ask questions of the Minister who

generously responded with frank and considerate insights.

Special guests at the dinner included Nura Gili’s Jeremy Heathcote; Aunty Ali

Golding, Elder in Residence with UNSW Faculty of Medicine, her granddaughter

Monica Stewart; Nura Gili students Sarah Hyland, Khierah Salam, Jayde Hagan,

Kelvin Brown, Scott Parlitt; Lisa Harrison President of PCYC Bourke, Carol Vale

formally SAFE Families Director and myself.

Rebecca Harcourt

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Dear Year 12 Student,

What’s next? Want to explore your options and possibilities? Then come along to

the UNSW Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Info Day and have all your

questions answered.

Our Info Day is a great opportunity for you to get the right information regarding your

degree choices, scholarships, accommodation, student life, entry pathways and

more. You will have the chance to interact and chat face to face with faculty staff,

UNSW service providers and current UNSW students as well being taken on a

guided campus tour by current UNSW students.

Through your participation in the Info Day we aim to:

Promote awareness of UNSW and Nura Gili programs

Promote a strong focus on higher education

Build a relationship between you, a prospective UNSW student, and current

UNSW students

To assist in closing the gap between transitioning from high school to

university

To inform you of opportunities and entry pathways into degree programs at

UNSW

Target Audience

Year 12 Indigenous high school students within the Sydney Region

TAFE students studying the Tertiary Preparation Certificate

Date: Wed, 24th July 2013 I 9:00am – 3:00pm

Rex Vowels Theatre, UNSW

Kensington Campus SYDNEY NSW 2052

Transport will be provided from allocated pick up spots. This service is FREE.

We encourage school representatives and parents to attend the info day as well.

REGISTER NOW @ http://www.whatson.unsw.edu.au/events/view/88/year-12-

aboriginal---torres-strait-islander-info-day

For further information please call:

Leearna Williams 02 9385 8306 or Summa Naylor02 9385 1642

or via email [email protected]

http://www.whatson.unsw.edu.au/events/view/88/year-12-aboriginal---torres-strait-islander-info-day

http://www.whatson.unsw.edu.au/events/view/88/year-12-aboriginal---torres-strait-islander-info-day


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Wednesday 4th to Friday 6th September 2013

“All I wanted was to be a university graduate in a degree that I knew I would love and attending the Spring forum in 2011 helped me to do that. They inspired me to follow my dreams, they gave me the confidence to apply and just go for it and they helped me every step of the way “

Quinton Vea Vea

Quinton is currently in his second year at UNSW studying Exercise Physiology. If you are you Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adult considering further study at university, the UNSW Indigenous Spring Forum could be for you! The whole program, including meals, travel to and from UNSW and residential accommodation is provided at no cost to the student.

Applications now open –

nuragili.unsw.edu.au/springforum.html

For further information please call Summa Naylor 02 9385 1642 or

Rebecca Harcourt on 02 93859746 or email [email protected]

http://www.nuragili.unsw.edu.au/springforum.html


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“I want students to walk away from us believing that they have the ability to be anything they want to be as long as they have a dream and they never give up”

Leearna Williams.’

Each year Nura Gili attends Indigenous and non-Indigenous careers expos and conducts our ‘Light and Fire’ presentations at schools and TAFEs as part of our Recruitment and Outreach activities. We travel throughout Sydney and across Regional NSW. The careers expos provide us with the opportunity to share information about Nura Gili and UNSW with prospective students and members of the community.

Nura Gili invites schools, TAFEs, individuals and organisations to visit our Kensington campus where we conduct our presentation with you, including a tour of the UNSW campus. Visit us at Balnaves place- Home of Nura Gili and we will provide you with a great opportunity to learn firsthand more about Nura Gili’s programs, entry pathways and all about the different programs you can study with us

Let us know if would like us to have a stall at or your school, TAFE, organisation or expo and if you would like to visit us here on campus

Leearna Williams

Nura Gili Student Recruitment Officer

Nura Gili on the Road- Light & Fire Presentations

Roadshow 4: 6th – 10th May 2013

Glen Innes, Guyra, Inverell, Moree, Wee Waa, Tamworth


Mudgee, Wellington, Cowra, Forbes, Orange, Bathurst


Albury, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Young

ACT & Region Indigenous Careers Expo: 21st May 2013

Presentation @ CIT in Canberra: 22nd May 2013

Schools Presentation @ Queanbeyan High School: 22nd May 2013

For more information please contact: Nura Gili on (02) 9385 3805 or email

[email protected]


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Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that offers students the

opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the history and cultures of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Indigenous Studies programs, plans and

courses at UNSW are designed to prepare students to constructively navigate a

range of debates around ethics and Indigenous knowledge that they are likely to

encounter in their future professional engagements with Indigenous matters.

All Indigenous Studies courses can also be taken by undergraduate students in any Faculty as General Education or Free electives.

For more information please contact:

Nura Gili on (02) 9385 3805 Website: nuragili.unsw.edu.au/indigenousstudies

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Nura Gili provides pathways to learning opportunities that embrace Indigenous knowledge, culture and histories. Nura Gili strives for excellence in educational services and works towards assuring participation and access to all the programs it offers. The staff and students at Nura Gili support community outreach programs to actively spread the message of the availability of tertiary studies. Staff and students also work to promote the centrality of arts, culture and heritage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples - throughout UNSW and the wider community.

The words Nura Gili are from the language of the Eora Nation, Nura meaning ‘place' and Gili meaning ‘fire/light'. Nura Gili at UNSW brings together these concepts to create the meaning ‘place of fire and light'. The theme of place remains important to the many cultures of Indigenous Australia. The University of New South Wales acknowledges and recognises the very place that we have all come together to work, share, study and learn as the traditional lands of three separate Aboriginal communities: the Bedegal ( Kensington campus), Gadigal (City and College of Fine Arts Campuses) and the Ngunnawal people (Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra).

The site of UNSW is located near an 8000 year old campsite around which the people of the area taught culture, history and subsistence. From an age old past through to the present the site holds significance as a place for gathering, meeting, teaching and sharing. The concept of a fireplace and fire in general reflects the warm, relaxed and nurturing environment created by age-old fires many years ago, and recreated today by the staff and students of Nura Gili.

The shared inspiration , drive and purpose for the staff and students of Nura Gili is that they belong to a community on campus where there is a fire burning, where people come together to share, as has been done for thousands of years.

Nura Gili values the potential that education can offer, and with the theme of the fireplace in mind, we invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to gather, learn and share together, to light a torch of their own, to guide them, and light their way as they create their own journey.

Nura Gili News Edition 4 May 2013

Documents

Transcript of Nura Gili News Edition 4 May 2013