The MoU between the University and the Wiradjuri Condoblin Corporation will be signed on Tuesday, January 19 with official proceedings to start at 11.30am.
Four years of discussions between the organisations will culminate in this landmark MoU, said Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Ian Goulter.
“This MoU will be a valuable model for Aboriginal people’s participation in education. While the University has an existing MoU between our School of Dentistry and Oral Health and the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, the Condoblin MoU is more expansive.
“The Condoblin MoU is about the core business for the university – education for jobs, and high quality research. It also develops strong relationships with the community and elders in the Wiradjuri nation. The MoU has key themes of enhancing pathways from secondary to tertiary education, collaboration and research opportunities for Aboriginal people to undertake their own research, and educating people regarding social and emotional wellbeing to support others in their local community.”
The corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Percy Knight, said the signing would be an “historically significant event”.
“It will see CSU work with a key community organisation and open up opportunities within Wiradjuri country. Together we’ll be delivering on improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people and our services will be not just to the Wiradjuri nation, but other Aboriginal Australians.”
WHAT? Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Charles Sturt University
and the Wiradjuri Condoblin Corporation
WHEN? From 11.30am on Tuesday, 19 January 2010
WHERE? Site of the Wiradjuri Study Centre, Corner of William and Cunningham St, Condoblin
Key facts about CSU and Indigenous people:
- The MoU will link with the Djirruwang Program. This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Program boasts 14 years of successful mental health education.
- About 1.3% (370) CSU students are Indigenous Australians.
- The University’s Indigenous Education Strategy came into effect in late 2008 and incorporates Indigenous Australian content into all of the University’s undergraduate course offerings. It also positions CSU as one of the leading Australian higher education institutions in Indigenous education.
- The University launched its Centre for Indigenous Studies at Dubbo Campus in 2008. The Centre is responsible for the strategy’s delivery and governance.
- CSU has had an Australian Indigenous Employment Strategy since 2005. The current strategy aims to increase the overall representation of Indigenous staff to three per cent. In 2008, the University provided $200 000 to recruit Indigenous staff.
- Several teacher education staff studied the Wiradjuri language and culture in 2009.
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