Yesterday marked the beginning of Reconciliation Week and it is time to reflect on how UNE has executed its commitment and responsibilities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples so far, as well as think about our role in the ongoing process of reconciliation.

As a regional university, established on the country of the Anaiwan people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the University stands, UNE is committed to supporting the educational, cultural and social advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

A key milestone was the establishment of the Oorala Aboriginal Centre in 1986. Oorala supports the unique requirements of Aboriginal people looking to undertake higher education through preparatory pathways, mentoring and other development initiatives.

Today, we have 967 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying with UNE, most of whom followed alternative pathways into university study. As at 31 March 2020, we have 33 staff who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, including eight academics.

The approval of our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by Council on 22 May 2020 represents an exciting next step in our journey to fulfill our commitments and responsibilities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Reconciliation Action Plan has been submitted to Reconciliation Australia for final endorsement.

This RAP contains UNE’s vision for reconciliation and an action plan which sets out how UNE will continue to work side-by-side with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff to create equitable opportunities in higher education, regardless of location and circumstance.

Once endorsed, this ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan will scope our capacity for participation in reconciliation activities across the three pillars of Relationships, Respect and Opportunity. Achieved deliverables, as set out in the plan, will then serve as a blueprint for further initiatives in successive RAPs.

Over the next 12 months of this ‘Reflect’ RAP, UNE will deepen its understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, knowledges and cultures, as well as implement a continuous review process to produce future RAPs that are meaningful, mutually beneficial and sustainable for the university.