Construction of a "state-of-the-art Aboriginal-led educational, sporting, cultural and community centre" on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton has begun, the Victorian government announced Tuesday morning.
Yorta Yorta Elders and representatives from the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Kaiela Institute and University of Melbourne joined Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens at an event to mark the start of building works for the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence.
The Victorian government is investing $30 million in Australia's first Aboriginal-led pathways-based university, home to the Munarra Academy, that will provide programs from the Academy of Sport, Health and Education, the Kaiela Institute, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative and more.
The Munarra Centre will deliver "culturally responsive education, employment, health and wellbeing programs" the government says will drive long-term economic benefits and shared prosperity for the region and the state.
Indigenous-led company TVN On-Country is building the new campus, which will include an Elder's lounge, yarning rooms, teaching spaces, a wellbeing courtyard, event spaces, community meeting rooms and co-working areas, and is expected to open to the community in 2024.
In a statement, the Victorian government described the construction of Munarra as "a flagship project in the government's ongoing work to supporting First Nations-led initiatives and self-determination".
More information on the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is available here.
Ms Couzens said delivering new accessible and modern facilities will help the First Nations and sporting communities in Shepparton attract more players, host more events and draw even bigger crowds, driving economic growth and wellbeing for the area.
Victorian Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams said the government is creating education and employment pathways so local First Nations communities can drive economic growth for their regions.
"The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence provides the Shepparton community with the infrastructure they need to make that happen," she said.
Kaiela Institute executive chairperson Paul Briggs OAM said the Munarra Centre signifies "a critical shift in the education and knowledge of future generations of the Goulburn Murray, here on Yorta Yorta country".
Munarra Limited chairperson Travis Morgan said the Centre "shows what is possible when a joint commitment of delivering social, community and economic prosperity is adopted by all as an everyday focus, with benefits for the region and nationally".
University of Melbourne Vice-President Dr Julie Wells said the university's investment will support the Academy of Sport, Health and Education, "which we have delivered in partnership with the Rumbalara Football Netball Club for 19 years and which offers meaningful pathways to learning and work for disadvantaged students".
"We are really looking forward to working with our partners in the Goulburn Valley to ensure the evolution and expansion of ASHE programs, creating opportunities for students, educators and researchers from the region and beyond," she said.
