PVC- Indigenous Strategy UNSWIS_Final_SIGN OFF_18 October 2018 low res for | Page 13

From the Director of the Nura Gili
Indigenous Programs Unit
This strategy is the first of its kind in the history of
the University of New South Wales. It provides an
overarching direction and framework for Indigenous
education, employment and research at UNSW, and
allows key stakeholders (such as faculties, schools and
divisions) to tailor programs and services that meet the
needs and aspirations of Indigenous staff and students.
It moves beyond a ‘tick-a-box’ culture to encourage the
development of meaningful and robust relationships
that promote genuine engagement between Indigenous
peoples and the broader UNSW community, not
because each has to, but because each wants to.
This strategy builds on the success of Nura Gili and
enhances and expands its existing programs and
services which have proven to-date, to be effective
in addressing the low Indigenous recruitment,
retention and completion rates that are typical of
higher education institutions in Australia. As we move
toward 2025, Nura Gili will be critical to the successful
implementation of the strategy, particularly in relation
to the ‘Grow our Own’ pillar.
‘Grow our Own’ begins in the future student
space where we aim to recruit Indigenous students
to programs such as the Indigenous Science and
Engineering Program (years 7-9 Indigenous students),
the UNSW Indigenous Winter School Program
(years 10-12 Indigenous students) and the UNSW
Indigenous PrePrograms (year 12 leavers). This
early engagement is absolutely critical to changing
Indigenous student expectations and attitudes toward
higher education study.
The ‘Grow our Own’ pillar also focuses on current
students with the goal of achieving high Indigenous
retention rates across all degree programs at UNSW.
Key factors for success include a high quality 24/7
study space facility, adequate scholarships (both
residential and stipend) and dedicated support and
academic staff to service the needs of Indigenous
students in a culturally sensitive way.
The establishment and implementation of the
Indigenous Studies major/minor, honours and PhD
programs, provides a pathway for Indigenous students
into academia. Post-doc opportunities and recruitment
of Indigenous staff into teaching roles and research
only roles, will nurture a culture of inclusion and self-
determination, increase PhD supervision capacity, and
improve research output and collaboration to sustain
the next generation of Indigenous leaders that are able
to competently navigate the many political and cultural
systems in Australian society.
Developed under the leadership of Professor Megan
Davis, I am confident that the Indigenous Strategy
will position UNSW as the university of choice for
Indigenous students and staff. I am very pleased to
be part of a progressive institution that has a genuine
commitment to the improvement of Indigenous
outcomes in higher education. As the Director of Nura
Gili and as a Yuin man, I am privileged, humbled
and excited at the prospect of contributing to the
development of the next generation of Australia’s
Indigenous leaders.
Associate Professor Reuben Bolt
Director, Nura Gili
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