Media releases

A ‘Place of Being’ (Dyata) to be unveiled tomorrow at Federation University Australia’s Wimmera Campus will enable students, staff, and the wider community to experience spiritual and cultural practices, including smoking ceremonies. 

The ‘Place of Being’ is part of Federation’s mission to create culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students and to build awareness of connection to country amongst non-Indigenous people.  

The design and development of the space has been undertaken in consultation with local traditional owners and community leaders. 

It features a custom-made firepit designed by Whipp Designs creator Michael Whipps in collaboration with designer and proud Wotjobaluk-Gunditjmara woman, Tanisha Lovett.  

The steel artwork that encloses the firepit features Indigenous people hunting, canoeing, and telling stories around a campfire, with Mt Arapiles or Gariweld as the backdrop.  

Five log seats surround the firepit, representing the region’s five local clans: the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk. 

‘Places of Being’ are also being established at Federation campuses in Ballarat and Gippsland, along with other actions including: 

Dual naming of Federation buildings, art acquisitions and merchandise, which celebrate local Indigenous artists. 

Scholarships for 30 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to complete a special delivery of the Graduate Certificate in Social and Community Services and HDR Indigenous Scholarships in Traditional Land Management, Legal Frameworks and Health in Community. 

Incorporating global and Indigenous perspectives and enshrining Indigenous knowledge and culture in Federation’s programs. 

Online cultural awareness training for Federation staff. 

The ‘Place of Being’ launch at Federation’s Wimmera Campus will feature a smoking ceremony and welcome to country performed by local Elder Jenny Beer from Barengi Gadjin Land Council and will take place on Friday, 3 June from 1.00pm to 2:30pm. 

The event is being held during Reconciliation Week on Mabo Day, in recognition of the Wotjobaluk nations receiving their Native Title rights in 2005. 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) and CEO TAFE, Liam Sloan 

“The ‘Place of Being’ is part of our work to break down barriers of isolation for our Aboriginal and Torres strait islander staff, students and wider community and for all to have a spiritual connection to country.” 

“I’m proud that Federation University have collaborated effectively with community and Elders to create this amazing space, on our campus, which has been designed to bring community together showing respect to the heritage of our country and people.” 

Quotes attributable to Campus Director Wimmera, Christine Brown 

“This is an important day for our Wimmera Campus, our students and the local community.  

“Dyata provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’, with a culturally safe space to learn, to share stories, to teach others and to connect with both country and culture.”   

“Just as importantly, it also provides opportunities for all non-indigenous students, staff and the wider community, to gather, to enquire, to educate and immerse themselves in understanding and learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”    

“It is only through collaboration, consultation and inclusion that the Place of Being has come to fruition, and I wish to acknowledge and thank each and every individual who has contributed to its creation.” 

Quotes attributable to Aboriginal Consultant / Trainer Yanng Nalung Maligundidj, Joanne Clarke 

“We have wanted a space that provided a sense of belonging. I hope Dyata can be seen as a place for healing and where our community can feel safe to practice their culture.” 

“A place of spiritual connection to country, for your thoughts and feelings to process. And where cultural practises may be held for learning, coming together and healing. My place of being.”