Cultural Awareness Presented by Brian Walker Manager Recruitment & Community Engagement

In February 2008, the University Council made the following resolution, immediately following the Prime Minister’s apology to Indigenous Australia: Monash University is fifty years old this year. But its half-century cannot compare with the tens of thousands of years in which Indigenous Australians have walked, lived and flourished across the breadth and length of Australia. Echoing the sentiments of apology and partnership affirmed by the Prime Minister, Monash reaffirms its role to advance the educational and career aspirations of Indigenous Australians. This will occur on every one of Monash’s eight campuses – metropolitan, regional and international – and in our staffing, educational and research programs. Working Together – Making a Difference

Who Are We?.6% of the Victorian population identify as being Indigenous. There is a 17 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Aboriginal people live mainly in cities and metropolitan areas. Indigenous people are proud of our heritage. Aboriginal people are not one homogenous group.

Stats that Matter 29% of young Indigenous Australians are NOT earning or learning, compared to 9% of non-Indigenous young people. The median income for Indigenous Australians is 65% that of non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous people are four times more likely to be unemployed or underemployed than other Australians. Only 2% of Indigenous people work in the private sector. Of around 28,000 employees in the tertiary sector in Victoria, there are only around 80 Indigenous employees.

Indigenous Engagement Unit (IEU) The IEU was formed from the merging of the Indigenous Student Services Unit and the Indigenous Employment & Development Unit. The IEU provides assists Indigenous students and staff with: –Support –Mentoring –Advice –ITAS –Enabling program –Employment programs –Community engagement –Providing a common space

Indigenous Engagement Unit (IEU) The IEU is available to assist University staff with: –Advice –Support –Indigenous awareness training The IUE also provides support for the IAC and AIME.

What This Means to Monash University University wide commitment. This is not solely the responsibility of the IEU. Monash recognises that the implementation of an Indigenous employment strategy requires a holistic approach and that the success will depend on this responsibility being shared by all. IEU reports directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education). Faculty and divisional Indigenous student and staff targets. Provide a culturally safe environment for students and staff. Acknowledgement and understanding by the University that in order to provide equity to Indigenous people, inequalities must be addressed. Indigenous candidates will have the opportunity to enter the University through fair and equitable programs which will afford them the chance to prove their potential.

Contacts Indigenous Engagement Unit Staffing Matters -Debra StoterBrian Walker Student Matters - Gail PizziKristel Keleher The IEU is based in building 55 of the Clayton campus and are situated in the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education)