RMIT wins major TAFE award for Aboriginal education

RMIT wins major TAFE award for Aboriginal education

RMIT’s Indigenous student support centre, Ngarara Willim, has won the 2025 Wurreker Award for Innovative Koorie Learner Pathways – TAFE provider.

Presented by the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association, this award recognises TAFE institutes that deliver community-driven programs. These initiatives strengthen pathways and employment outcomes for Koorie learners.  

Nicole Shanahan, Senior Manager, Indigenous Education, shared her team’s joy at receiving the award. 

"This award is especially meaningful as it is recognition from our community," Shanahan said.

"We’re thrilled to be acknowledged for our work empowering Indigenous learners throughout their studies and into careers."

RMIT’s Senior Manager, Indigenous Education, Nicole Shanahan celebrates with Djerami Callope, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Student Success (Vocational Education). RMIT’s Senior Manager, Indigenous Education, Nicole Shanahan celebrates with Djerami Callope, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Student Success (Vocational Education).

As the Ngarara Willim Centre nears its 30th anniversary next year, it stays engaged with Aboriginal communities. The centre ensures RMIT’s learning opportunities reflect the goals of Aboriginal communities and learners.  

One in four Indigenous learners at RMIT comes from a rural or remote area. The Ngarara Willim Centre creates a sense of belonging through culturally enriching events, including camps and social gatherings. An annual Careers Fair connects Indigenous learners with RMIT’s industry partners, employers, and Aboriginal organisations. 

Shanahan thanked RMIT’s College of Vocational Education for its partnership in ensuring Indigenous student success. 

Mish Eastman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Vocational Education and Vice-President, welcomed the award.  

She said the college was committed to Indigenous student success, which involved having culturally competent staff and initiatives that develop skills tailored to Indigenous learners. 

"RMIT aspires to be the top choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners seeking tertiary education," Eastman said.

"We provide meaningful and culturally safe opportunities for Indigenous learners and will keep expanding these."

The award was presented at a special event on Thursday 2 October 2025.  

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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 - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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