Welcome

Vice-Chancellor's message

The University of Sydney has an outstanding international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. It is a place that values its students, drawn as they are from across the country and across the world.

The Koori Centre on the Camperdown Campus, and Yooroang Garang on the Cumberland campus both provide outstanding support for students drawn from Australia€™s first peoples. The staff of these units help students with everything from additional tutorial support, to advice on taking advantage of all the opportunities that the University has to offer.

More generally, the University has several scholarships for Indigenous students that can help you financially during your time at the University.

If you are thinking about a university course, do come and visit us, or make contact with either the Koori Centre or Yooroang Garang.

We are proud to count Charles Perkins, the first Indigenous Australian university graduate and an inspirational figure, amongst our alumni. Since his days at the University, our community of Indigenous students has continued to grow, and we are keen to welcome you to the University.

I hope that you will see how intellectually rewarding, and fun, time spent as a student at Sydney can be!

Dr Michael Spence
Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Welcome from the Director

On behalf of the academic and administrative staff I welcome you to the Koori Centre.

In welcoming you I'd like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the Country on which the University of Sydney and the Koori Centre stands: the Cadigal people of the Eora Nation.

The Koori Centre is fortunate to have many outstanding teachers, who have dedicated their careers to improving educational outcomes for Indigenous Australian people. They keep abreast of educational practices for Indigenous learners, and strive to inform non-Indigenous people of the practices and principles of attitudinal change that will contribute towards a more cohesive community of Australians.

The Centre prides itself on its research-intensive culture and the teaching staff are highly regarded as academics with specialised knowledge in Aboriginal education and affairs.

Along with their close relationships with Indigenous Australian communities, they are highly sought-after by local, state and federal committees for contributions to important policy development and practice.

Their involvement and commitment plays a significant role in providing opportunities for students to learn about new issues and developments.

The Koori Centre is blessed with friendly, helpful and committed administrative staff, who deal with the day to day operations of the Centre as well as providing support for staff and students. They are responsible for assisting prospective students and Indigenous and non-Indigenous students of the University.

Support includes administration of the Cadigal Special Entry Scheme; an Academic Skills Program; and the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme.

The Koori Centre is one of the largest Indigenous Australian centres in the country and has a long and distinguished history of promoting equity of access, improving participation and educational outcomes for students.

The Koori Centre provides policy advice, administrative services, and most importantly student support. In addition, our Indigenous Australian research library is accessible to all students.

The Koori Centre is a cultural haven for Indigenous Australian students, helping them find their place within the many faculties of the University. It also provides them with a computer lab and a common room where they can study, meet, or just relax and have a yarn.

I know you will enjoy studying at the University of Sydney and hope you utilise the abundant facilities, services and opportunities available to you. The Koori Centre is here to support Indigenous students and non-Indigenous students who are interested in Indigenous Australian Studies.

Enjoy your learning journey, as it will be one that you remember for the rest of your life. I wish you all the best with your study and in your future endeavours.

Janet Mooney
Director, Koori Centre