This important milestone for UNE’s hub of culture, connection and community will be marked with events throughout the year. Oorala first opened on 14 April 1986, following a resolution of the UNE Council.
UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran said Oorala is recognised in higher education as one of the nation’s oldest university-based centres dedicated to upholding the educational rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It has operated continuously throughout its 40-year history.
“Since 1986, Oorala’s staff have engaged with communities to better understand the aspirations of students and to address issues of access and equity,” he said.
“Oorala has played an equally important role in educating UNE students about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, resilience and the complexities of contemporary matters facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Through culturally enriching units offered across many UNE courses, Oorala ensures that UNE graduates are equipped to work respectfully in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students now make up almost 6 per cent of UNE’s student population. Through Oorala, they have access to world-class services, programs and facilities from pre-enrolment through to graduation.
These include a campus experience for prospective students; and academic tutoring, scholarships, prizes and orientation for enrolled students. Oorala works collaboratively with other UNE services and programs to introduce and connect students with them. The TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program also strengthens existing academic capabilities and provides a pathway to undergraduate courses.
Other important Oorala legacies are the annual Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture, which charts a 40-year history of First Nations storytelling and activism, and the Yarm Gwanga Childcare Centre, which opened in March 1987 to help address the childcare needs of the growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“We are proud to celebrate this anniversary as UNE reorients its entire approach to Indigenous education,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Professor Peter Anderson.
“Our Strategic Plan 2026–35 commits UNE to moving beyond simply offering educational opportunities to upholding rights in, for and through education.
“This means ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a full sense of belonging within this institution, that lifelong learning aligned with community aspirations is a right, not a privilege, and that Indigenous-informed and co-designed approaches transform education into a vehicle for self-determination. Oorala’s 40 years have laid a strong foundation for that work.”
Current Oorala Director Samantha Fowler said the centre remains true to its original intention – to create a culturally affirming place on campus for students – but has evolved through initiatives like the school-based Ronyera Ekina school program for prospective students, Yinga Kara orientation and Oorala Student Ambassador program for current students. It also celebrates the academic and community success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through the annual Oorala Awards.
“We continue to build on the foundations established by Oorala’s founders, to expand programs and introduce new ones for our growing cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students,” she said.
“Oorala’s academic team has developed units that enhance the education of all UNE students. These units provide valuable perspectives on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and contemporary issues. Some have become requirements for course accreditation, ensuring that UNE graduates across diverse disciplines benefit from this culturally enriching content.”
In 2026, Oorala employs more than 38 staff and 52 tutors, who support approximately 1,100 students. These scholars follow in the footsteps of over 1,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates from UNE.
