About Us
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About Oorala
Founded in 1986, the Oorala Aboriginal Centre has a 25-year history of offering facilities, programs and services of a nationally recognised standard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have chosen to study at UNE.
The name “Oorala”, from a local Aboriginal word meaning “a camp” or “a place where people come together”, was chosen by Aboriginal students enrolled at UNE when the Centre opened. It reflects the historical significance of the site and its connection with the local Aboriginal community, and also highlights the Centre’s significance as a place that draws together Aboriginal students from all regions of Australia.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are welcome at Oorala and can access the student resource area, a study facility where there are computers, internet, printers, lounge and kitchen. This area is also available for students to meet with their tutors, other students, or to take time out to relax.
Location
The Oorala Aboriginal Centre is located on the Eastern side of the UNE campus, near the Faculty of Arts on Booloominbah Drive. Parking is available in the Eastern Carpark just accross Clarks Road. Visitor parking coupons are available. See Campus Maps.
Oorala Staff
Executive Staff |
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 Debra Bennell Director |
 Veronica Moore Executive Assistant |
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 Katherine Worthing Lecturer |
 Rose Lovelock Lecturer |
 Guido Posthausen Course Coordinator |
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 Tonia Ryan Student Services Officer |
 Colin Ahoy Student Relationship Officer |
 Darin Gorry Student Services Manager |
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 David Harney Resource and Compliance Officer |
 Phillipa Trelford Policy and Planning Officer |
 Cassandra Strong Administrative Assistant |
Events
The Oorala Aboriginal Centre hosts, and participates in, a number of events throughout the academic year. The Centre encourages all past, current and prospective students and interested community members to take part in these events. They include:
- The Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture:
The Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture is an annual event held in honour of Mr Frank Archibald, a revered Aboriginal community member of the Armidale area. Frank Archibald was renowned for his knowledge and interest in all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly education.
The Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture has been held as part of the University of New England Lecture Series since 1986 and is dedicated to Frank Archibald, his family and Aboriginal people of the New England region.
The Lecture, which is held every July, is presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers who are leading professionals in fields such as education, law, social justice and government. Over the years, speakers have included Noel Pearson, Lilla J. Watson, Mick Dodson, Jackie Huggins, Dr Pat O'Shane, Aden Ridgeway, Deborah Cheetham, Noel Tovey and Rachael Maza Long, Associate Professor Peter O'Mara, Mrs. Dianne Roberts and Gary Oakley. The 2011 lecture, commemorating 25 years, was presented by Ms Lynette Riley, founding Director of the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, UNE.
- NAIDOC Flagraising Ceremony, held in July each year. Find out more at http://www.naidoc.org.au/
