THE grand opening of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) on August 7, 2024, marked a momentous milestone in both the history of our region and the nation. As the first of its kind in Australia, the MCRE represents a significant leap forward in placing First Nations peoples at the forefront of higher education, fostering shared prosperity across our community.
The celebration began at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC), where Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Natalie Hutchins, announced the removal of the mortgage on the RFNC land to pave the way for its future expansion. The opening ceremony featured Indigenous leaders, performers, and speakers, who led a powerful smoking ceremony. RFNC President Josh Atkinson reflected on the club’s rich history, followed by a ceremonial walk towards the MCRE.
“The walk is a walk to the future. Crossing that blue bridge symbolises the deep connection between the history of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, the journey of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, and the future we envision for our people, rooted in education and Indigenous knowledge,” said Uncle Paul Briggs AO, Yorta Yorta Elder and Kaiela Institute executive chairperson.
Uncle Paul emphasised that the MCRE is not just a centre for education but also a beacon for the reclamation of language, culture, and ceremonial practices, alongside Western education across all levels—tertiary, secondary, and primary.
“This vision secures our future,” he said. “Standing on this ground, surrounded by the vibrant energy of our youth, we walk across the bridge towards a brighter future for our region and our people, opening what will become a cornerstone for our community’s growth.”
The MCRE and RFNC are now symbolically united, connected by the iconic blue bridge adorned with the word “Cummeragunja,” a nod to the historic Cummeragunja Walk Off—a pivotal moment in Indigenous history that sparked a nationwide movement for Aboriginal rights. Today, that walk continues, not just in memory but in action, as First Nations people move toward a future of opportunity, self-determination, and growth, with the MCRE at the heart of this journey.
For First Nations Australians, accessing education has been complex and challenging, shaped by the broader history of colonisation, policies of exclusion, and ongoing struggles for recognition and equity. In the face of this history, the MCRE stands as a pillar of hope for a brighter future.
“The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is supported by Rumbalara Co-Operative, Njernda Cooperatives, Kaiela Arts, and Yorta Yorta Nation,” Uncle Paul added. “These institutions form the infrastructure that will sustain the Centre’s mission, alongside the Goulburn Murray, as we pursue economic resilience.”
