ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ

In the mid-1980s, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç established one of the first university student programs specifically for Indigenous students in NSW.

The university created an Aboriginal Student Support Program in 1987, later known as the Aboriginal Education Program (AEP). The AEP was established to provide Indigenous Australians studying at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç with the support needed to succeed in their studies.

With the increasing number of Indigenous Australians enrolling at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç and the need for improved academic and student support services, the AEP and Aboriginal Research and Resource Centre merged in 2003.

After a name finding competition, the new identity of ‘Nura Gili’ was born in 2004.

As a leader in Indigenous education, our purpose is to enrich Australia culturally and professionally.

We strive to enhance the capacity of Indigenous communities and individuals to engage all aspects of Australian society – ensuring Indigenous knowledge, culture and histories are embedded in all aspects of the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç community.

We provide a wide range of services, aspirational and pathway programs, Indigenous Studies courses and research allowing us to be recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in academic and research excellence.

The words Nura Gili come from the language of the Eora Nation, Nura meaning ‘place’ and Gili meaning ‘fire/light’.

Nura Gili at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç brings together these concepts to create the meaning place of fire and light.

The theme of place remains important to the many cultures of Indigenous Australia. It is therefore important for ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç to acknowledge and recognise the very place where we have all come together to work, share, study and learn.

The concept of a fireplace and fire in general reflects the warmth, relaxed and nurturing environment created by age-old fires many years ago and recreated today by the staff and students of Nura Gili.

Nura Gili values the potential that education can offer and, with the theme of fireplace in mind, we invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to gather, learn and share together; to light a torch of their own to guide them and light their way as they create their own journey.

In 2012, thanks to the generosity of the , we were able to build a state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility located at the heart of ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.

At Balnaves Place, ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ's Indigenous students have access to modern facilities and technology, free printing, and private rooms for group and individual study in a calm environment.

It’s our home on campus; a space that’s inspiring innovative and creative!

ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Indigenous Strategy represents our commitment to creating an environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, researchers and staff to thrive.

Recognising the importance of Country, community, and culture, the strategy is the first of its kind at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs Indigenous Strategy is driven forward by three pillars:

• Culture and Country,
• Give Back, and
• Grow Our Own.

This whole-of-university approach means these pillars are implemented across all the university’s operations.

ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is creating a micro-treaty with its Indigenous communities to ensure their voices are heard.

In 2023, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç responded to the Uluru Statement of the Heart by championing the Voice referendum, and while disappointment with the result was difficult to navigate, the ambition to not lose momentum in walking towards a better future remained.

And so ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç commenced a micro-treaty process to create a space for Dialogues with Indigenous students, staff and our connected Aboriginal communities.

A micro-treaty empowers Indigenous communities by enabling self-determination, ensuring their involvement in decisions affecting them directly, fostering autonomy, and addressing systemic barriers, promoting cultural inclusivity, and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and communities.

Explore ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ's Sydney campus, and get a first-hand look at the discover our study areas, cafés, and green spaces.

While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity is unique and sacred to every person all applicants and students who participate or are involved in Nura Gili Programs and/or activities are required to provide proof of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity and heritage.