Geraldton Universities Centre launches new Reconciliation Action Plan

Staff, students and community members gathered this month to celebrate the launch of Geraldton Universities Centre’s new Reconciliation Action Plan.

The Reflect RAP was unveiled at a smoking ceremony performed by Yamatji Nation elder Derek Councillor Sen. at the end of GUC’s student orientation activities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students account for about 8 per cent of the centre’s enrolments.

Director Natalie Nelmes said the new plan would give GUC further direction on how to help all students achieve their goals.

“Providing outreach and opportunity for the Aboriginal community to higher education and supporting Aboriginal students through every step of the learning journey to graduation, and even beyond, has been a major strategic focus for GUC since inception,” she said.

“Our Reflect RAP provides an opportunity to formalise these current strategies, identify gaps and provide practical actions to drive our contributions to reconciliation.”

More than 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have graduated since GUC opened its doors in 2002.