The Oorala Aboriginal Centre

For over 35 years, the Oorala Aboriginal Centre has offered services, programs and facilities of a nationally recognised standard to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who have chosen to study at UNE.

The name "Oorala" was chosen by Indigenous students enrolled at UNE when the Centre first opened in 1986. It was chosen based on a local Aboriginal word meaning "a camp" or "a place where people come together". Our name reflects the historical significance of the site and its connection with the local community. Our name also highlights the Centre's significance as a place that draws together First Nations students from right across Australia.

Our Service

Our deadly and dedicated team at Oorala are on hand to provide information and advice about all aspects of studying at UNE. We are your key point of contact from the time you apply through to the time you graduate, and every moment in between. Our Student Experience Team will check in with every student twice a trimester, providing you with a one-on-one opportunity to ask about matters unique to your experience.

Students often ask us about:

  • Course information
  • Managing enrolment – enrolling in units, withdrawing from units & taking a leave of absence
  • Access to our FREE tutoring program
  • Scholarships – what’s available and how to apply?
  • College and other accommodation options in Armidale
  • Study load – how many units you should study to suit your commitments
  • Assignment extensions
  • Deferring an exam or applying for special considerationAccessing other specialised services such as Counselling, Advocacy & Welfare and Accessibility and Wellbeing.
  • ABSTUDY and Away from Base Centrelink allowances

Our People

The team at Oorala are focussed on your academic success and wellbeing while you are a student at UNE. We acknowledge that your success also means a great deal to your community.  We work hard to make your career aspirations a reality and have a broad range of staff who will walk alongside you on your study journey.

Our Place

The centre is a culturally safe study space located on the Armidale campus and is accessible for on-campus students, as well as our online students who will visit the campus throughout the year. Make sure that when you are in town, you call in to meet our team and use our amazing facilities.

All our students have access to the Indigenous Students Hub, a myLearn site dedicated to you, our Indigenous students at UNE. This is Oorala’s virtual space where you can connect with us, with other students and have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities to support your study at UNE.

Read more about our 35-year history