State-of-the-art building near completion
By Deanne Jeffers
Scheduled to officially open on June 13, 2024, the eagerly awaited Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence (MCRE) is set to transform the region by enhancing outcomes for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, learners of all ages, and the broader community and local industries.
Construction began in February 2023, and the project has now reached practical completion. Starting in mid-June, the Centre will operate as a First Peoples-led, pathways-based educational hub serving both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from Term 3 this year.
Funded by $30.2M from the State Government and $6.65M from the University of Melbourne, this initiative has advanced self-determination, with Indigenous Australians actively involved at every stage, from conception to construction. The striking architecture, featuring the Aboriginal flag design and Indigenous artworks by local artists, was built by TVN On-Country, a 70 percent First Nations-owned construction company.
Travis Morgan, chairperson of Munarra Limited emphasised the organisation’s commitment to excellence, stating, “We’re here to support other organisations and the community by providing pathways for people who may be lost in the system and championing excellence, giving our region something we can be very proud of.”
The first of its kind, the Munarra Centre will deliver culturally sensitive education, employment, health, and wellbeing initiatives, fostering inclusivity and breaking down educational barriers.
“There is a child-friendly classroom on campus so that people with children can return to school to finish their education or pursue further education and careers,” explained Travis. “Munarra will be an educational facility that showcases Aboriginal peoples’ cultural identity, providing a place where they can be proud of who they are and their culture.”
Students from the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE) will be the first to begin studying at the new campus. Located within the Shepparton Sports Precinct, adjacent to the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club, the Centre enhances the precinct’s facilities. It includes four classrooms accommodating 25-30 people each, a courtyard for performances and events for 150-200 people, a Yarning Room, an Elders Lounge, a child-friendly study space, a café, leasable office space, offices for staff, a boardroom, and a community meeting room.
The Centre covers 3,000 square meters and is situated on a 1.486-hectare site leased from the Greater Shepparton City Council under a 50-year peppercorn lease, with room to expand in the future.
The community are invited to the grand opening on June 13, where the MCRE will be opened by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins and representatives from Munarra Limited. More details are to follow.
