Beneath the steady gaze of Djeera (Mt Keira), a sacred site to the Dharawal people, lies the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC), a cornerstone of support for indigenous students, a program that provides much more than just academic help, but a home away from home.
Here bonds are formed amongst the rhythmic tapping of keyboards, and laughter over shared meals and study sessions. The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Woolyungah is a place of connection, just as much as it is a place of learning.
UOW Communication and Media student and Indigenous woman, Jada Thorpe took a three-year gap after high school, unsure if university was the right path for her.
That changed when she learned about Woolyungah.
Meeting the team and seeing the support on offer gave her the confidence to apply to university and take the next step in her education journey.
Now halfway through her first year at UOW, Ms Thorpe has encouraged other Indigenous students to consider enrolling in a degree at UOW.
“I have felt so welcomed and supported throughout the beginning of my studies,” Ms Thorpe said.
“There is always someone there to help with anything, whether it’s school-related or personal.”
Woolyungah, comes from the Dharawal language and means ‘five islands’, a reference to the group of islands off the coast of the Illawarra, a place of dreaming stories and ceremony sites.
Established in 1982 as a unit within the Department of Education, Woolyungah was created to support the needs of Aboriginal students on campus. Since then, Woolyungah has evolved into an independent, culturally safe space designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across all faculties through a wide range of academic, cultural, and personal support services.
UOW has built a strong reputation for supporting Indigenous student success.
According to data from the Department of Education, between 2013 and 2023 UOW experienced an increase of 116 per cent in Indigenous student numbers, reflecting the impact of long-term, targeted support and an institution-wide focus on equity and inclusion.
The growth rate at UOW has surpassed the increase in Indigenous student enrolments recorded across both New South Wales universities and universities nationally across the same 10 year period.
According to data from the Department of Education, enrolments grew by more than 65 per cent across NSW and more than 69 per cent nationally during that period.
While this state and national progress has reflected meaningful strides in Indigenous participation in higher education, UOW’s substantial growth highlights the effectiveness of its strategic approach towards attracting and retaining Indigenous students.
Vice-President of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement at the University of Wollongong, Jaymee Beveridge said that the rise in Indigenous university enrolments across Australia cannot be attributed to one single strategy.
“It’s a multi-faceted approach. Federal funding has certainly played a role, and so has the work universities have done with high schools and communities,” Ms Beveridge said.
“We’re seeing the results of that outreach, young people are watching members of their own communities enrol and succeed. Role models are being created, and that visibility is encouraging others to follow.”
Ms Beveridge said that a student-first ethos is embedded in every aspect of WIC’s operations, driven by a clear commitment to self-determination.
The focus on empowering Indigenous leadership and giving communities the authority to shape their own pathways has proven essential in creating lasting impact. This principle has been instrumental in how WIC operates and how decisions are made to meet the unique and evolving needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Ms Beveridge said that having autonomy within her role in the Indigenous Student Success Program has enabled much of the success of WIC.
“Where to invest resources and what to resource has attributed and allowed WIC to respond and flex to our students’ individual needs,” she said.
“Engaging with our students is key to understanding trends, experiences and creating positive relationships with them on behalf of UOW.
“Staff know their roles, students’ expectations are met, and the students remain centre to all our decision making.”
The growth Indigenous students enrolling, succeeding, and graduating signals systemic progress, not only at UOW but across universities throughout Australia. It also shows that when institutions make genuine, sustained commitments to Indigenous engagement, the impact is tangible and measurable.
Despite an increase in indigenous students from 1 per cent to 1.46 per cent of all student numbers over the past decade, the figure remains significantly lower than the 3.8 per cent that indigenous people represent in the overall Australian population, according to figures from the 2021 census.
This disparity highlights ongoing issues with access, retention, and inclusion within the higher education system for Indigenous communities. It also suggests that, despite some progress, Indigenous students are still underrepresented in universities across Australia, pointing to persistent barriers that need to be addressed to ensure equitable educational opportunities.
The programs and services offered by WIC play a vital role in closing this gap between Indigenous student representation in the education system and the broader population.
Ms Beveridge said that through initiatives like the Indigenous Admissions Program and targeted support for students from regional and remote areas, Woolyungah is actively working to reduce the barriers that often prevent Indigenous students from accessing and succeeding in higher education.
Barriers to University Access for First Nations Students Infographic by Anna Wright
WIC Future Student and Outreach Coordinator, Jaime King, said accommodation and finances are the two biggest barriers that students face when considering university study.
“WIC offers the Regional Summer Camp to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students who can experience what it is like to study and live on campus,” Ms King said.
“Students have an opportunity to engage in taster sessions, engage in cultural workshops, visit areas of cultural significance and be mentored by current students.
“The Woolyungah Accommodation Scholarship (is available) for regional and remote students, and the Woolyungah Education Scholarship is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at UOW.”
Once students begin their university journey, programs like My Future Matters and tutoring play a crucial role in helping them stay on track and thrive throughout their studies. These ongoing initiatives are designed not only to assist academically but also to foster cultural connection and a sense of belonging.
“Some students have stated they don’t think they could’ve completed their degrees had it not been for the services, supports and staff at WIC,” Ms King said.
While national enrolment figures indicate that progress is still needed, Woolyungah’s role in increasing Indigenous student numbers at UOW has demonstrated the importance of the impact of culturally safe spaces, dedicated staff, and student-focused programs, where students are empowered to succeed.
