Twenty years ago the University of Melbourne in partnership with the Rumbalara Football Netball Club established the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE). ASHE now sits within The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, and continues to deliver education today to both indigenous and non-indigenous young people with outstanding success.

As an example of its success, of the 338 students who attended ASHE between 2020 and 2023, 123 of those students went onto further study, and 82 went into employment. It’s an outstanding program and we’re very proud of ASHE and our partnership. These outcomes are above regional and state averages for students in lower socio-economic circumstances. The reason for this is the ASHE model of education is wholistic, culturally immersed, with wraparound support from dedicated staff who deliver it. The UoM together with partners Latrobe University and GoTafe look forward to embedding this model of education into what will now become the academic arm of the Munarra Centre.

In 2011 the Goulburn Valley Partnership was established between University of Melbourne and the Kaiela Institute. The partnership was founded on the principle of deep engagement with Indigenous organisations including the Kaiela Institute, the RFNC, and Indigenous community leaders in the region. To integrate the depth and wisdom of Indigenous cultural knowledge and teaching and learning practice.

This model has provided young people with the capacity to explore their connection to country, to culture and to community.

In 2023 the UoM further consolidated its commitment to the region through its first Indigenous-specific strategy, Murmuk Djerring. Strengthening partnerships and commitment to promoting the social, economic and cultural advancement of the Yorta Yorta people in the Goulburn Valley Region is a signature project of Murmuk Djerring.

Education will form a vital part of the excellence that the Munarra Centre will bring to the region. Munarra will also service the education needs and build the educational profile in other innovative ways. As a research hub that will support industry and community research; as an incubator for ideas that will bring together champions of the Goulburn-Murray Regional Prosperity Plan, and other enterprises to plan and to enact growth of this wonderful region. And as a place of learning to build the appreciation of all the region’s population on the beauty, ingenuity and depth of Yorta Yorta culture and practices.

As a foundation partner to the MRCE, the UoM will continue to contribute to the region for many years to come. This contribution will embed Indigenous knowledge in all curriculum and programs. This will help build a better future led by Yorta Yorta people, and its presence will have a positive impact for all who live in the Goulburn Murray Region.