A LEARNING centre designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Deakin\u2019s Waurn Ponds campus has won the Education Institute of the Year award at the third annual National Dreamtime Awards. <\/p>\n
The accolade was awarded to Deakin\u2019s Institute of Koorie Education (IKE) based on nominations from across the country before it was forwarded to a judging panel for final selection. <\/p>\n
Each year, the awards recognise and acknowledge Indigenous excellence in Australia, with both existing students and alumni choosing to nominate IKE for the gong this year. <\/p>\n
Associate Professor Gabrielle Fletcher, education director at IKE, said the award solidified the hard work of the staff and students who were dedicated to the institute and its commitment to diverse communities. <\/p>\n
\u201cTo be recognised in our dedication to student-centred learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the communities these students come from is very humbling.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe award confirms that we\u2019re on the right track in making education accessible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in an environment that\u2019s culturally safe, respectful and enabling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Associate Professor Fletcher said although IKE was among three other high-calibre nominees who were vying for the title, she believed it was the institution\u2019s community-based education format that saw Deakin get across the line. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe were in excellent company, however IKE has paved the path for our people by pioneering and delivering mixed-mode education, allowing students to study both on campus and off campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis gives Indigenous peoples access to higher education while staying in their communities and maintaining their various cultural, family, community and work obligations.\u201d<\/p>\n
More than 1,000 students have graduated from the institute since its inception, including Victoria\u2019s first Indigenous magistrate Rosemary Falla, who was named Deakin Alumni of the Year in
\n2016. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A LEARNING centre designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Deakin\u2019s Waurn Ponds campus has won the Education Institute of the Year award at the third annual National Dreamtime Awards. The accolade was awarded to Deakin\u2019s Institute of Koorie Education (IKE) based on nominations from across the country before it was forwarded to […]<\/p>\n