Woolyungah Indigenous Centre is helping First Nations students rewrite their future.

Words Diana Ioppolo, Ignite Content

Images Sarah Tedder, Bear Hunt Photography

For First Nations students, education is the key to transforming their lives and opening doors to a brighter future. At the University of Wollongong (UOW), with support from Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC), they’re more likely to make it happen. Part student support service and part home away from home, the centre has helped hundreds of First Nations students create lives beyond their imagination.

WIC was founded in the early 1980s to provide a space for First Nations adults to gain numeracy and literacy skills. The centre has evolved into a full-service student support centre backed by government funding. With a mission to support First Nations Students through their educational journey, WIC is committed to increasing the participation and engagement of First Nations students at UOW by providing programs, services, and facilities while fostering a community environment.

As a former student of the centre, Executive Director of Indigenous Strategy at the University of Wollongong Jaymee Beveridge knows firsthand how the service can help. Born to a single teenage mum with mental health challenges, Jaymee came to university soon after becoming a mother, determined to give her child a different life. Now that she has gone on to break the mould, she’s back at the centre to help others do the same.

When Jaymee returned to the centre as Executive Director five years ago, WIC had supported around 380 students. That number has increased to 567, and last year included the highest ever-number of First Nations graduates.

“Most of our students are the first in their families to attend university,” said Jaymee. “And for many, it’s their first time away from their families and community. It’s an entirely new environment for them, and we’re here to support them in both the educational and cultural sense.”

Jaymee’s focus has been creating a space where students can be their complete, authentic selves. “You see students at different times, and they could be feeling joyous, stressed, anxious – whatever they’re feeling, they know they can come into this space and feel safe,” said Jaymee.

Bachelor of Public Health student Josie seconds this sentiment. “I’ve always felt so welcomed by the staff and the community,” said Josie. “Whether I want to study, socialise, or just relax – it feels like my second home.”

Beyond supporting students’ educational journeys, Jaymee also feels a strong sense of responsibility beyond the academic experience. “Our team has a clear mantra. We appreciate our responsibilities go beyond our job descriptions and that we have a cultural responsibility to our students,” said Jaymee.

WIC supports students from day one, with activities such as welcoming ceremonies inviting families and local elders to help introduce the university experience. Other examples include the Guided Peer Support Program, which matches second- and third-year students with new students to help them navigate the higher education space, while the My Future Matters Program offers employment opportunities.

“It’s helped me find work that aligns with my degree, which can be really hard to do,” said Kaitlin, a Bachelor of Social Work student. “We’re able to work with high school students, give back to the community, and get paid – the opportunities have been awesome.”

For students like Josie, WIC has defined her university experience. “Without WIC, I think I would have given up on myself, gone home to my small town, and got into who knows what,” said Josie. “Instead, I’m working through my degree and having some of the most amazing experiences while giving back to the community.”   

Find out more about Woolyungah Indigenous Centre at uow.edu.au or follow them on Instagram @uow_woolyungah

Facebook @woolyungah