Indigenous Student Charter
Swinburne’s Indigenous Student Charter is a collaborative document shaped by extensive consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Artwork: Awabakal by Michelle Searle
Our key principles
In addition to the Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that reflects Swinburne's dedication to making reconciliation central to its culture, the Moondani Toombadool Centre has developed and integrated the Indigenous Student Charter.
Being and Becoming
Swinburne staff value the knowledge and viewpoints that Indigenous students bring to the university. They appreciate the cultural diversity among Indigenous students and are dedicated to supporting them throughout their education in a way that respects and embraces their cultural identities.
Being and Belonging
Swinburne understands the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for Indigenous students. It is committed to supporting and celebrating their unique contributions to the Swinburne community by focusing on creating an environment that fosters connection, inclusivity and a strong sense of belonging.
Cultural Responsiveness
The Swinburne community is committed to promoting Indigenous cultural awareness, understanding, and respect among all its members, with an emphasis on cultural responsiveness and encourages active participation from both students and staff.
Indigenous Perspectives and Standpoints
Swinburne is committed to decolonising education by incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. The university understands the need to challenge and remove colonial practices to create a fair and inclusive learning environment for Indigenous students.
The Indigenous Student Charter consists of four principles: Being and Becoming, Being and Belonging, Cultural Responsiveness, and Indigenous Perspectives and Standpoints.
Indigenous Student Charter
Explore more
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Indigenous Academic Success Program
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Scholarships for Indigenous students
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Careers and employability for Indigenous students
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Cultural engagement for Indigenous students
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Indigenous spaces and places
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Orientation for Indigenous students
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Graduation for Indigenous students
The story of this painting named Awabakal is underpinned by the four principles of the Indigenous Student Charter, which are expressed as four message sticks holding the knowledges of Being and Becoming, Being and Belonging, Cultural Responsiveness, and Indigenous Perspectives and Standpoints.
The emu and kangaroo tracks
The tracks on the message sticks represent the students' journey forward mimicking the gait of the emu and kangaroo as they are both only able to walk forward.
The manna gum leaves
The leaves represent our connection to land, the beautiful lands of the Wurundjeri people.
The circle
The circle supporting the message sticks represents the coming together to listen and learn to share building strong relationships and understanding the importance of a diverse range of cultural knowledge and perspectives that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students bring.
The red space
The red space represents the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their connections to Mother Earth. The different surrounding dots are supportive of the unique relationship with the wider Swinburne community encouraging connectivity, inclusivity and a profound sense of belonging.
The tree
The tree symbolises a holistic way of teaching and shared ways of being connected. It incorporates growth and an inclusive learning environment.
The journey pathway
The pathway across the painting represents the students' journey, their ways of walking together and respectful shared connections. The circles along the pathways promote active participation and engagement through empowering self-confidence, courage, resilience and strength along their pathways to success.
Contact the Moondani Toombadool Centre
If you have any questions about our programs and services, contact the Indigenous Student Services team at indigenousstudents@swinburne.edu.au.