Around 50 people joined at The University of Melbourne’s Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) in Shepparton for its opening ceremony yesterday morning.
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A didgeridoo performance accompanied a smoking ceremony outside of the building, and a morning tea and speeches followed in the Nixon St building.
ASHE manager Leonie Dwyer said this year marked the 16th year the program had been running.
“The aim was to create opportunities, education and employment in a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region,” Mrs Dwyer said.
“It’s been very successful - when you see young people coming in and wanting to be involved in education around role models and Aboriginal teachers, it’s a very positive environment.”
Rumbalara Football Netball Club president Paul Briggs also spoke at the morning tea and expressed his excitement about the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, to be utilised this year.
“Everyone’s really excited about that,” he said.
Yesterday’s ASHE opening also marked the first day of term for 2020.
Mrs Dwyer said last year, there were 120 student enrolments, which had allowed staff at the program to “lead the way” in creating indigenous leaders.
“It’s all about capturing knowledge and education and engaging with each other and the rest of the community in a culturally safe way,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome.”
Although this week marks orientation enrolment week, and classes start next Monday, enrolment for ASHE is ongoing throughout the year.