At Ormond, we are working toward a future in which all Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as central to our national identity; and in which all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are able to achieve their academic potential.
In 2008, the College took steps to ensure this was truly reflected in the Ormond community by establishing the Ormond College Indigenous Program, which was devised by then President of the Senior Common Room Associate Professor Jane Freemantle, staff, faculty and students.
The Indigenous Program has two parts. Firstly, it engages with and supports Indigenous students in partnership with the University of Melbourne. Students join the Ormond community and are provided academic, pastoral and peer-to-peer support by our Freemantle Fellow and other dedicated staff and students. Indigenous students are supported to maintain connections with their own communities and country; to succeed in their studies and to thrive as Ormond residents. We also work to engage Indigenous students by breaking down as many financial barriers as possible.
This artwork represent the College’s commitment to reconciliation. Created by Ormondian Anzak Newman, it incorporates the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags as well the thumbprints of members of the College community as a symbol of their dedication to reconciliation.
Over a decade since the program was established, nearly 200 Indigenous students have called Ormond home, from first year undergraduates through to graduate students, from many different cultural and language groups right across Australia. Key to this has been the generous support of many benefactors, which through our expansive financial assistance program have enabled many Indigenous students to be part of the Ormond community.
A second key focus of the Indigenous Program is educating our College community about Indigenous cultures. Non-Indigenous staff, students and faculty come together with our Indigenous community for training in Indigenous health, culture and heritage and cultural awareness training is part of the Orientation Week program for new students. In addition, special events and guest speaker presentations are centred around current and historical Indigenous affairs including marking key dates such as NAIDOC Week. Further, it is standard practice to open Ormond events with an Acknowledgement of Country, and for Wurundjeri Elders to perform Welcome to Country ceremonies for large-scale special occasions.
We can be very proud of how far we have come as a community over the last decade. As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan the Indigenous Program will continue to ensure Indigenous cultures remain a cornerstone of the Ormond experience.
Share your Ormond story
What are your memories of the Ormond Indigenous Program? Is there a particular cultural event which stands out? Tell us more.
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