Indigenous applicants

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Indigenous applicants

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Bromley See Kee and Theresa Joachim (Yorta Yorta)

Womin djeka.

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University.

Our people are the durrung (heart) of RMIT. 

RMIT is committed to creating a culturally safe environment that values and supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people(s); where culture and heritage is acknowledged, and respected, as being core to their existence.  Our commitment is embedded in Dhumbah Goorowa and in RMITs Enterprise Agreement.

Together, we strive to create an environment where we respect each other, embrace our differences and build a sense of noogal (belonging) in our team and beyond.

We recognise and respect the unique culture and contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to our communities. We are also proud to provide cultural and personal support to our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in their journey. 

Kerr-boo-on-ool (Join) RMIT University and become part of our mob!

Meet our people

Theresa's story
Shannon's story
Aleryk's Story
Zara's story

Indigenous Staff Network

Kevin Moore, Indigenous Community Business Manager

All RMIT employees who are and have identified themselves to the University as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will automatically be entitled to membership of this network.   

Formed in November 2017, the ISN is an important network for Indigenous staff at RMIT, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, issue resolution and the harnessing of opportunities to support RMIT on its journey towards relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The ISN provides yarning circles and connections with other Indigenous staff, assistance with any goals or projects while working at RMIT, employment opportunities and sharing information about projects and initiatives across University.

Ngarara Willim 

Ngarara Willim means ‘gathering place’ in the language of the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nations, the traditional custodians of the land where RMIT's Melbourne campuses stand.

Ngarara Willim Centre provides a community space and 'home away from home' for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who study and work at RMIT. The Centre is contributing to the next generation of Indigenous leaders, who are proud of their cultural heritage and strong in their identity; and is a cultural gathering place for Indigenous peoples of the University. 

Indigenous Garden at City Campus

Bundyi Girri

From Wiradjuri: Bundyi poses the question; asking for something to be shared – shared with me / us.

Girri is futures. 

Bundyi Girri is unique to RMIT. It is a University-wide change strategy which supports non-Indigenous people in an awareness of their place, role and ongoing responsibility in their relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

As a strategic initiative of the university, Bundyi Girri forms part of RMIT's commitment to working with staff, students and communities to advance their journeys of reconciliation toward a shared future between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.  
 
It enables staff and students to form a deeper relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that is grounded in their sovereignty. 

At RMIT, this relationship is with the Kulin Nation, as it is their land upon which RMIT is located.  
All RMIT staff and students, and the institution itself have a relationship with eastern Kulin Nation sovereignty. 

Bundyi Girri workshops enable the resetting and strengthening of that relationship. 

A deep and informative history lesson on Australia's indigenous history. Closing the gap between what we were taught at school and what is truly Australia's history 
A fantastic overview of where we as a society are at, and the importance of this work at RMIT
A highly informative piece of literature that I highly encourage all to read 
I will reflect upon and likely change my behaviour as a result of completing this course
As someone who considers themselves to be a supporter of reconciliation and Indigenous Australians, there was still much that I learnt from this course 
Essential learning to assist participants who have limited understanding to start their own personal reflections

Information for prospective staff

Professional Development 

RMIT creates a working environment that enables career advancement and professional development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  RMIT is committed to improving the employment, retention and career progression outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, and as such RMIT has appointed an Indigenous Workforce Advisor who works 1-1 with the Indigenous community on RMIT regarding their professional and career development. 

Cultural Leave 

It is acknowledged that members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have responsibilities for a significant level of cultural and ceremonial obligations.  These include but are not limited to preparing for and attending community business; National Aboriginal and Islander Observation Committee Week functions; National Sorry Day and/or other relevant cultural duties and events; and fulfilling ceremonial and community obligations. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees will be granted six days paid leave per calendar year, non-cumulative, for cultural and ceremonial obligations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Additional paid special leave may be approved by the University as agreed with the employee.

Academic Pathways

RMIT has committed to developing Academic Career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through the: 

  • Vice Chancellor Indigenous Predoctoral Fellowship 
  • Vice Chancellor Indigenous Research Fellowship

These are highly regarded fellowships which provide fixed term employment opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples committed to a career in Higher Education.  The Fellowships are supported by Academic development programs in collaboration with Indigenous Education Office and Research and Innovation. 

Recruitment Process Information

Looking to secure a role with us? Here’s some of our top tips and tricks to help you with your application every step of the way.

Our programs and events

Wurrunggi Biik: Law of the Land at RMIT's city campus conjures Bundjil the Great Creator Spirit inside a towering possum skin cloak - designed by prominent Indigenous artist and RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Dr Vicki Couzens

Our Partnerships and Connections

We have many external partners that are focused on Indigenous services and connections. Links to their sites are as follows:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Significant Dates 2020

26th January 
 Survival Day 
13th February
 Anniversary of Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples 
19th March 
 National Close the Gap Day 
26th May 
 National Sorry Day 
27th May
 Anniversary of 1967 Referendum 
27th May – 3rd June  National Reconciliation Week 
3rd June
 Mabo Day 
5th - 12th July 

National NAIDOC Week  

“Always Was, Always Will Be” 
4th August
 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 
9th August 
 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 
4th September  Indigenous Literacy Day

Latest news

American Academy of Arts and Sciences welcomes Aileen Moreton-Robinson
Society and Environment
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 09 Jun 2020

Indigenous Elder Scholar in Residence and leading radical thinker Distinguished Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson has joined some of the world’s great scholars and thinkers in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Artful mob brings Indigenous knowledge to heart of research
Art, Design and Culture
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 02 Jun 2020

Harnessing the power of art to better integrate the knowledge of Indigenous communities into research has been profound and life-changing for PhD graduate Dr Elinor Assoulin.

New scholarship makes RMIT home for Indigenous students
Society and Environment
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 02 Jun 2020

A generous gift from student accommodation developer Cedar Pacific is providing accommodation scholarships to Indigenous students at Unilodge Royal Melbourne.

Tree by Louisa Bloomer

Tree: the story behind the art
Art, Design and Culture
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 27 May 2020

Kamilaroi artist Louisa Bloomer is the designer of RMIT’s new digital brand design. 'Tree' tells the story of Australian connection and diversity, along with Bloomer's own journey of cultural understanding.

Removing barriers to Aboriginal employment
Society and Environment
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 27 May 2020

RMIT researchers have partnered with Aboriginal organisations on a new project to tackle barriers to employment for Aboriginal people.

The McCraith 'Butterfly' House gives wing to exceptional creative works
Art, Design and Culture
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 07 Apr 2020

A historic house on Port Phillip Bay offers a peaceful retreat for writers and artists alike, including RMIT’s first graduate residency prize winners, who will take up residencies as programs resume.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information