Media releases

Federation TAFE has won the 2024 Wurreker Award for Innovative Koorie Learner Pathways – TAFE institute category at the 19th annual Wurreker Awards hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association (VAEAI).

The award is for new and innovative community driven or led programs and initiatives that have improved pathways and career or employment outcomes for Koorie learners in Victoria.

Federation was nominated for Koling Wada Ngal Kurrung or “Let us walk together” junior university camp, and the “Deadly As Day” aspirations day, initiatives aimed at Years 9 to 12 Koorie students.

Koling Wada Ngal Kurrung is a five-day camp open to students from across Victoria. The 2023 camp attracted a record number of participants and was held on Wadawurrung country at Federation’s Mt Helen Campus in Ballarat.

The camp focuses on exploring Federation University courses, possible future careers, and pathways into post-secondary education, as well as cultural learning and activities including visits to sites of significance and meeting with Indigenous elders.

In 2024 the camp will be delivered at Federation’s Churchill Campus on Gunaikurnai Country and has been named Werna Ngalu Wannik meaning “we walk together”. Federation will partner with the CSIRO to deliver sessions on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Federation was also recognised for the ‘Deadly As Day’, a Koorie aspirations day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across the Central Highlands region.

“Deadly As Day” is held in partnership with the Department of Education and Training and is an opportunity for Indigenous students to find out more about apprenticeships and trades careers, and post-secondary educational pathways.

Koorie youth also hear from young Indigenous role models who have achieved success in their chosen fields, and come together to connect, celebrate culture, and be empowered.

Federation has also embedded culture throughout university campuses by naming buildings and rooms in local language and creating Places of Being sites to provide a place for cultural and spiritual connection. Koorie culture, knowledge and perspective is embedded throughout the curriculum, and Federation has implemented the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy to increase Koorie employment above the national average and provide an Indigenous staff traineeship program. Compulsory Cultural Competency Training is provided for all University staff, and the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice works to drive national and regional transformational change in reconciliation.

The Wurreker Awards celebrate the people and organisations that passionately contribute to Koorie training, education and employment and highlight how high-quality learning and experience can open new pathways for Koorie people. Awards were presented at a special event on Thursday 19 September.

Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Provost, Liam Sloan

“We are so proud to have Federation recognised with a Wurreker Award. Thank you to the Aboriginal Education Centre staff for your passion, determination, and hard work in developing these innovative programs. Improving access and aspiration for First Nations students is a top priority for Federation University. We celebrate diversity, champion equity, access, and equal opportunity for all, and strive to ensure all voices are heard.”

Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Aboriginal Education Centre Manager, Katrina Beer

“It is an honour to have Federation University formally recognised as a leader in providing Koorie learner pathways. Federation’s Aboriginal Education Centre strives to make a difference through developing strong working partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver programs based on self-determination which support and inspire Koorie youth to take their next steps.”