It's been 40 years since the Oorala Aboriginal Centre opened its doors at the University of New England, becoming one of the first centres of its kind in the country.
Today, close to 40 staff and more than 50 tutors are employed at Oorala, who themselves support around 1,100 students, and, as centre director Samantha Fowler says, carry on the legacy of its founders.
Oorala first opened on 14 April 1986, continuously operating through the time since to deliver its work "dedicated to upholding the educational rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples".
It was one of the first First Nations-focus centres at Australian universities.
In addition to educating, and offering support services, advice and programs to First Nations students at UNE, Oorala works to create a culturally-affirming place on campus, Ms Fowler said.
The centre has also served a role educating non-Indigenous students.
"We continue to build on the foundations established by Oorala's founders, to expand programs and introduce new ones for our growing cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students," she said.
"Oorala's academic team has developed units that enhance the education of all UNE students.
"These units provide valuable perspectives on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and contemporary issues. Some have become requirements for course accreditation, ensuring that UNE graduates across diverse disciplines benefit from this culturally enriching content."
The 40-year milestone is set to be marked with a number of events across 2026.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students make up almost six per cent of UNE's enrolment.
Annually, and since 1986, Oorala's Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture has presented First Nations topics by First Nations speakers.
Just a year after it's beginnings, Oorala opened the Yarm Gwanga Childcare Centre, addressing childcare needs for its students.
Oorala's birthday comes at the same time UNE shifts its self-described 'unconventional' 2026-35 strategic plan — putting focus on community collaboration and regional to global partnerships.
"We are proud to celebrate this anniversary as UNE reorients its entire approach to Indigenous education," UNE Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Professor Peter Anderson said.
"Our Strategic Plan 2026-35 commits UNE to moving beyond simply offering educational opportunities to upholding rights in, for and through education.
"This means ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a full sense of belonging within this institution, that lifelong learning aligned with community aspirations is a right, not a privilege, and that Indigenous-informed and co-designed approaches transform education into a vehicle for self-determination.
Oorala's 40 years have laid a strong foundation for that work."
UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran said Oorala's community engagement has been a constant piece of its existence.
"Since 1986, Oorala's staff have engaged with communities to better understand the aspirations of students and to address issues of access and equity," he said.
"Oorala has played an equally important role in educating UNE students about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, resilience and the complexities of contemporary matters facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"Through culturally enriching units offered across many UNE courses, Oorala ensures that UNE graduates are equipped to work respectfully in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."
