New beginning at Notre Dame Broome as Indigenous Research Centre officially opened

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Winter 13-8-2008

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Broome Campus

Publication Place

Broome

Abstract

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s (UNDA) Broome Campus will host the official opening of UNDA’s Centre for Indigenous Studies on August 21.

The Most Rev, Christopher Saunders, Bishop of Broome, will bless the work of the Centre which will then be launched by the University Chancellor, Dr Michael Quinlan.

Following the blessing and opening Professor Patrick Dodson will deliver the inaugural Reconciliation lecture in the campus’ Graduation Square.

The Centre for Indigenous Studies focuses on teaching, research, cultural outreach and cultural training and aims to invest in Indigenous skills and knowledge at the individual, community and regional level.

Based in Broome the Centre will promote and integrate the Broome Campus mission of Reconciliation across both UNDA’s Fremantle and Sydney campuses and aims to create educational pathways for people in the Kimberley and beyond.

The Centre has been operating since the end of 2007 and has already seen new partnerships develop between the University and the community.

It is hoped these partnerships, created through research, will assist in establishing positive outcomes for Indigenous people.

The Centre’s first research project was commissioned by the Western Australian Drug and Alcohol Office and involved evaluating the impact of liquor restrictions on the sale of take away and packaged liquor exceeding 2.7 per cent in Fitzroy Crossing.

Stephen Kinnane, researcher with the University’s Centre for Indigenous Studies, said the Centre was already creating lots of interest.

“We’ve already attracted a number of research projects and there has been plenty of student interest also,” Mr Kinnane said.

“We hope the Centre will be part of a new era at Notre Dame and that the links we will create will benefit not only the people of the region, but impact on those further afield.”

Media Contact: Mike Doyle on 9192 0669 or Stephen Kinnane on 9192 0651.

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