A SIGNIFICANT step toward bolstering support for First Nations people and enhancing regional higher education access, equity and opportunity was taken by La Trobe University. The University pledged over $1M in 2023 to establish a thriving partnership with Munarra Limited over the next three years.
This investment includes five new proposals among a total of seven commitments. These include scholarships for all First Nations students at the Shepparton campus, a fully funded role for student engagement, support, and recruitment, a guaranteed three-year revenue share for Munarra, and Munarra being chosen as the preferred partner for cultural awareness training for La Trobe staff.
“The commitments reflect the confidence we have in Munarra, its vision and our partnership,” said former vice-chancellor professor John Dewar AO, who finished his tenure at the beginning of 2024. He emphasised La Trobe’s commitment to investing in initiatives that will help both institutions achieve their collective ambitions.
Uncle Paul Briggs AO, executive director of The Kaiela Institute, welcomed La Trobe’s funding pledge, stating it will deliver tangible benefits to the communities they serve. Associate professor, Michael Donovan, La Trobe University’s pro vice-chancellor (Indigenous), noted that this is an exciting development for the whole community.
Lisa McKenzie, chair of the La Trobe University Shepparton Regional Advisory Board, said the Munarra Centre will be an incredible asset that will have the capacity to transform lives.
“Munarra Limited and La Trobe share a commitment to equity and outcomes, and it will be exciting to see the benefits of this partnership unfold,” Lisa said.
This collaboration is an achievement for both organisations, following many fruitful discussions in the months prior. La Trobe University and Munarra Limited will formalise these proposed commitments into written agreements in accordance with the memorandum of understanding, which was signed on November 3, 2024.
