About the Institute

Background

The Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle is designed to consolidate all Indigenous activities of the University into one operational and strategic body in order to serve the University's strategic priority and commitment to 'Indigenous Collaboration' as outlined in the University ISP "Building Distinction" 2007-2011. The four functions of the Institute incorporate:-

  • Academic
  • Research
  • Indigenous Student Support and Development and
  • Indigenous Staff Employment and Development

Combining these roles into an Indigenous Institute has produced a cohesive framework and provides an integral structure that can deliver leadership in ensuring Indigenous outcomes are met across the whole University, placing the University as a best practice model nationally.

Aim

The Institute aims to provide a structure that will encapsulate the future plans of the University, national Indigenous education priorities, and the directions of our local communities. To meet this objective and successfully implement the necessary strategies for development and enhancing capacity, engagement, collaboration and building distinction for Indigenous education at the University of Newcastle, the Institute reports to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and Global Relations and has a management group consisting of three Directors including:-

  • Professor and Chair of the Management group and Institute Director, Academic and Research
  • Institute Director, Indigenous Health and
  • Institute Director, Indigenous Student Support, Employment and Collaboration

Although the Head, Discipline of Indigenous Health is a Co-Director of the Institute therefore as a Director having a responsibility to the DVC (Academic and Global Relations), the direct report is to the Head of School, Medicine and Public Health.

The three Directors share responsibility for strategic planning, evaluating, budgeting and managing resources. Each Director has operational responsibility for activities in the areas of 'Academic and Research', 'Indigenous Health' and 'Indigenous Student Support, Employment and Collaboration'.  This leadership allows the Institute to have a high level of input and influence both within the academic and research profile and within the University services profile. The University would be a leader in recognising the importance of Indigenous education by high level staff appointments that encourage Indigenous self determination and governance.

Outcomes

The main outcomes identified by the Institute include:-

  • Increased Indigenous research opportunities providing researchers across the University to work in collaboration with the Institute. It is anticipated that the Institute's collaboration and endorsement of Indigenous research of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers across the University will strengthen successful research outcomes.
  • Increased access to the resources and expertise of all staff of the Institute and collaborative arrangements with other staff across the University to further enhance the programs offered to Indigenous students.
  • Enhanced strategic outcomes through combined skills and experience of Directors and the provision of strong leadership, integrity and inclusive decision making.
  • An environment that is conducive to the highest ideals of working with Indigenous communities in relation to research, teaching and support in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner.
  • Development of programs and strategies that attract, support and develop high quality academic and general Indigenous staff.
  • Increased resources to strengthen the opportunities for inclusive Indigenous curriculum development.
  • Increased international collaboration to enhance support, teach and research.

Indigenous Collaboration across the University will be incorporated into all the activities of the Institute. It will be the active responsibility of all Institute staff to demonstrate how cross University relationships will contribute to the outcomes of the Institute and their relevant portfolios. These strategies and relationships will be reflected clearly in the Institute's Operational Plan. Relevant reference groups may be established to consult and provide input on specific proposed strategies.

To ensure the Institute is positioned within the University as a foundation for providing leadership and direction in relation to Indigenous education at the University it is imperative that strong relationships are maintained across all areas of the University.