Indigenous spaces and places
Explore Swinburne's inspiring and dedicated Indigenous spaces and places.
Artwork: Awabakal by Michelle SearleExplore our inspiring Indigenous spaces and places
The Moondani Toombadool Centre has collaborated with Indigenous architects, Wurundjeri Elders and experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to create culturally significant places on each of our campuses. These spaces ground and connect students, staff and visitors to Wurundjeri Country.
On this page:
Wominjeka signage and Indigenous flags
‘Wominjeka’ is Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung language that translates to: ‘Welcome, what are your intentions?’
Each of Swinburne’s campuses welcomes students, staff, and guests with Wominjeka signage and acknowledges the ancient connection the Wurundjeri people have to the land and places where Swinburne’s campuses are located.
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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. -
The Wominjeka signage on the ground at Swinburne's Croydon campus entrance.
Moondani Toombadool Centre
The Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) is responsible for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne, including governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture and engagement.
Hawthorn
AD108 (MTC hub) and AD229 (MTC offices)
Croydon
CB106
Wantirna
WD258
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Students walking past the Moondani Toombadool Centre building on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. -
The Moondani Toombadool Centre logo on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.
Indigenous Student Lounge
The Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna campuses have an Indigenous Student Lounge. Drop in and network with other Indigenous students in a quiet and culturally safe environment.
Hawthorn
AD226
Croydon
CB106
Wantirna
WD258
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Four students sitting in the Indigenous Student Lounge. -
Decorative details in the Indigenous Student Lounge.
Indigenous Learning Circles
Swinburne has transformed the Hawthorn, Croydon and Wantirna campuses with Indigenous Learning Circles – embedding Indigenous culture on campus, highlighting Swinburne’s commitment to reconciliation and encouraging connection to Country and cultural exchange.
Integrating aspects of Country, people, culture and art, the Indigenous Learning Circles are located at the Wakefield Gardens in Hawthorn and the Central Gardens in Croydon and Wantirna, and are connected to the Aunty Dot Peters AM Flowering Grasslands.
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The Indigenous Learning Circles at Wakefield Gardens on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. -
Two students sitting under a tree at the Indigenous Learning Centres on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.
Aunty Dot Peters AM Flowering Grasslands
These spaces serve as a culturally unique eco-space of Indigenous flowering grasslands located at the Wakefield Gardens in Hawthorn and the Central Gardens in Croydon and Wantirna, and are connected to the Indigenous Learning Circles.
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A student learning about the Aunty Dot Peters AM Flowering Grasslands on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. -
Native flowers blossoming in the Aunty Dot Peters AM Flowering Grasslands.
Artwork sites
Swinburne's Hawthorn campus is home to various artworks created by Indigenous artists.
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Dr Andrew Peters mural by street artist Adnate on the CH building wall facing Burwood Road. -
'Kulin' mural by artist Robert Young at the MTC office in the AD building. -
Details of 'Kulin' mural by artist Robert Young on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. -
'Connection' mural by artist Mandi Barton on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus. -
'Connection' mural by artist Mandi Barton on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.
Table tennis corner
The table tennis corner, which features Swinburne's Reconciliation Artwork titled 'Gathering Knowledge', by artist Arbup Ash Peters, is located at the Wakefield Gardens in Hawthorn and the Central Gardens in Croydon and Wantirna.
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An Indigenous student at the table tennis corner on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus
Explore our Indigenous student services
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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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Orientation for Indigenous students
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Graduation for Indigenous students
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Indigenous Student Charter
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.