Construction commences on Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence

Construction has commenced on the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence - an Aboriginal-led educational, sporting, cultural and community centre on Yorta Yorta Country in Shepparton.

Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples Christine Couzens today joined Yorta Yorta elders, the Rumbalara Football Netball Club (RFNC), Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne to mark the start of construction of the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE).

The project is a partnership between Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Kaiela Institute, University of Melbourne and Greater Shepparton City Council, and is supported by the Victorian Government. The project will work towards creating education and employment pathways for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. It will combine education, culture, the arts and sport to create healthy people, healthy communities and the leaders of tomorrow.

Couzens noted “Delivering new accessible and modern facilities will help the First Nations and sporting communities in Shepparton attract more players, host more events and draw even bigger crowds, driving economic growth and wellbeing for the area.”

The Victorian Government is investing $30 million in Australia’s first Aboriginal-led pathways-based university – home to the Munarra Academy - that will provide programs from the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) the Kaiela Institute, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative and more.

To be located within the Shepparton Sports Precinct at the south end of the Rumbalara grounds, the centre will expand the current facilities with the addition of ASHE facilities, student residential accommodation, performing arts space, a sports medicine and science consulting facility and child care centre.

Executive Chairperson for Kaiela Institute and RFNC president Paul Briggs said the plan was a win for the region and shared “The Munarra Centre of Regional Excellence signifies a critical shift in the education and knowledge of future generations of the Goulburn Murray, here on Yorta Yorta country.

“Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is a chance to achieve; a chance to enhance Aboriginal cultural identity, expression and celebration; grow in our leadership; improve our health; build our education; enhance our employment options; and move towards equitable social inclusion and reconciliation.”

Vice-President Strategy and Culture at University of Melbourne Dr Julie Wells added "Our investment will support the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE), which we have delivered in partnership with the Rumbalara Football Netball Club for 19 years and which offers meaningful pathways to learning and work for disadvantaged students.

"We are really looking forward to working with our partners in the Goulburn Valley to ensure the evolution and expansion of ASHE programs, creating opportunities for students, educators and researchers from the region and beyond.”

Indigenous-led company TVN On-Country is building the pioneering new campus, with the centre expected to open to the community in 2024.

The design of the centre celebrates First Nations knowledge, culture and entrepreneurship, with Indigenous plantings and artwork. The campus will include an Elder’s lounge, yarning rooms, teaching spaces, a wellbeing courtyard, event spaces, community meeting rooms and co-working areas.

The construction of Munarra is a flagship project in the Victorian Government’s ongoing work to supporting First Nations-led initiatives and self-determination.

More information on the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is available at rfnc.com.au/munarra/

Image top: Rumba Unity Cup Credit: Rumbalara Football Netball Club; image above concept for Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence