Closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
The University of Newcastle has renewed its commitment to closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Today, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin McConkey will launch the University’s 2011-2015 Reconciliation Action Plan that focuses on education, research and employment to boost outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“The University is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education,” Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Kevin McConkey said.
Through this plan, we will be able to build on our established leadership in providing access to higher education for Indigenous Australians.”
The University’s Reconciliation Action Plan addresses six major areas:
• Leading Indigenous collaborations nationally and internationally
• Additional pathways for entry to university for Indigenous students
• Increasing the number of Indigenous graduates
• Attracting a greater number of Indigenous academic and general staff
• Enhancing Indigenous research efforts, and linking research outcomes to our teaching curricula.
The University is partnering with Reconciliation Australia to deliver its Reconciliation Action Plan.
The Reconciliation Action Plan program provides a framework for organisations to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across three key areas: relationships, respect and opportunity.
Picture opportunity: The Reconciliation Action Plan launch will be held on Tuesday 6 September at the Birabahn Building from 11am.
A performance by Indigenous comedian Sean Choolburra titled You, me, unity will take place at 12pm, followed by a bush tucker lunch.
For further information please contact: