Woolworths Group is investing $10 million into a national First Nations residential college championing Indigenous excellence.
An initiative of the University of Technology Sydney, the college will be Indigenous designed and led, with Indigenous programs, an Indigenous library, a family history research centre and an arts centre. It will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to choose a residential college that, at its heart, celebrates their identity, cultures and traditions.
It has the backing of more than 50 Indigenous leaders.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci says Woolworths is proud to work with the university to help provide new educational pathways for First Nations students.
“Not only will this college be Indigenous led, it will welcome students of all nations and cultural traditions and will be a model of the inclusive Australian society we wish to work and live in,” he says.
“We believe in the power of education to transform lives. When supported by employment pathways, the college will not only place culture at the heart of learning, but will provide career opportunities and cultural sharing across our entire group.
“The partnership is part of our commitment to seismic change for Indigenous outcomes and building a more inclusive nation, embodying Woolworths Group’s purpose of creating better experiences together for a better tomorrow.”
Once built, the college will provide scholarships and cost-covered accommodation for Indigenous students, strong connections with schools and employers, and nurture the future Indigenous leaders of the nation.
The publicly accessible arts centre will be promoted as a place for sharing culture and showcasing events in collaboration with a range of education, cultural, community, industry and government partners.
Building works for the college will commence in 2025.