Victoria University has launched its First Nations Action Plan 2025-2028, a framework aimed at advancing its strategic commitment to Protecting Country.

The plan was introduced by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker, and Director of Victoria University's (VU) Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit director, Karen Jackson.

It prioritises privileging First Nations cultural practices and incorporates guidance from Elders and knowledge holders on learning, teaching, research and community engagement.

Ms Jackson, a Yorta Yorta woman who led the plan's development in consultation with First Nations students and staff, described it as a significant step forward.

"The First Nations Action Plan is a crucial step in acknowledging the need for positive and progressive change, and working together with commitment, connection and courage," she said.

"The plan will drive positive outcomes for the lives of First Nations students and staff."

Ms Jackson emphasised the importance of shared responsibility.

"We are asking non–First Nations students and staff to listen deeply, do the heavy-lifting and seek out the many available tools that are required to meet these challenges," she said.

The plan outlines actions across five areas.

It aims to achieve steady, incremental growth in the number of First Nations students and staff at VU, while ensuring retention and success rates for First Nations students match or surpass those of non–First Nations students.

Upgrades to the Aboriginal History Archive are planned to enhance its global impact, influence, and accessibility.

The plan commits to extending First Nations-led research, increasing pathways to doctoral degrees and post-doctoral employment, and creating national and international research collaborations.

Additionally, it aims to deepen relationships with First Nations partners, organisations and communities.

Professor Shoemaker expressed pride in the initiative.

"With the First Nations Action Plan we make a renewed and focused commitment to listen carefully to our First Nations colleagues, and to focus on the application of First Nations knowledges on the way we grow, learn and teach," he said.

More than 350 First Nations students are currently enrolled at VU, which boasts a success rate for First Nations higher education students of 87.1 per cent, the highest in Australia.

Success rates for First Nations TAFE students stand at 86.2 per cent.

Bachelor of Biomedicine student and Bandjalung woman, Tahnee Towers, credited both Moondani Balluk and the VU Block Model for her academic success.

"It has been an amazing resource and culturally safe space," she said.

"It's a place where connection with other strong, deadly mob is possible."