Indigenous Collaboration

The University of Newcastle leads in providing education for Indigenous Australians and continues to prioritise Indigenous education through its NeW Directions Strategic Plan 2013-2015 by:-

• Embedding Indigenous knowledges into programs across the University resulting in the awareness of Indigenous knowledges and a strong commitment to social justice in the University's graduates.
• Extending opportunities for research development and capacity building for emerging and Indigenous research leaders through targeted development programs and funding support, and providing appropriate infrastructure to support the growth of research across the University
• Attracting, retaining and developing academic and professional Indigenous staff as outlined in the University's Reconciliation Action Plan 2011-2015.

The Wollotuka Institute

The Wollotuka Institute consolidates all Indigenous activities of the University into one operational and strategic body in order to provide high level advice and leadership to the University's strategic priority and commitment to Indigenous Collaboration. The four functions of the Institute incorporate Academic, Research, Indigenous Student Engagement and Experience and Indigenous Staff Employment and Development.

Indigenous Employment

It is the University's intention to assist Indigenous people to seek employment with the University, to support Indigenous members of staff, and to increase the number of Indigenous Australians working within the University.

Indigenous Cultural Competency

The Cultural Competency program has been promoted to obtain the following outcomes:

• Embedding diversity
• Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community
• Achieving academic Indigenous inclusive curriculum
• Developing resources and strategies
• Moving forward together – Indigenous collaboration

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency Workshop aims to increase participants’ knowledge and understanding about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures and help them develop skills, values, and critical reflection to enable positive changes in professional practice. The program also aims to build capacity for staff and students in working effectively within inter-cultural contexts.