Milestone for Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence

Shepparton’s new Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) reached an important milestone, completing its roof featuring a large Aboriginal flag design, bringing the opening of the new centre one step closer.

The development of the Centre is an example of what can be achieved through a self-determined governance model, from the Indigenous-led design and construction to the empowerment of Indigenous people who will study at the Centre from 2024. The University of Melbourne is a founding partner, in addition to Munarra Limited, Rumbalara Football Netball Club, and the Kaiela Institute.

The Centre will be an Indigenous-led pathways-based education facility for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students – the first of its kind in Australia. With Shepparton housing the highest Indigenous population in Victoria outside of metropolitan Melbourne, the Centre will create a significant uplift in opportunities and pathways for the community. Upwards of 90 students annually are set to benefit from culturally responsive education, employment, health and wellbeing initiatives, with education programs set to grow in coming years.

Construction of the Centre has been supported by a Victorian Government investment of $30.2 million and $6.65 million from the University of Melbourne, as the principal education partner. The University also supports the project through its commitment to the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) that will be relocated within MCRE and renamed the Munarra Academy upon completion of the build.

When completed, the Munarra Academy will provide an education platform with a strong focus on strengthening and embedding Indigenous culture (with a distinct focus on Yorta Yorta) across design, the curriculum and programming. It also aspires to create employment pathways and opportunity for the local Aboriginal community.

“The Munarra Centre will provide the basis for Indigenous community led excellence in education and training and act as a hub to facilitate regional employment and research,” Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), University of Melbourne, said.

“Munarra although Indigenous led will make a difference for all who live in the Goulburn Valley region.”

For more information visit: https://rfnc.com.au/munarra