While the Melbourne CBD grows ever higher on the horizon, the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Indigenous Education Centre at Broadmeadows is morphing just as dramatically back into its bush landscape.
The trees provide a haven in the city streetscape for birds and humans alike, while the centre last week celebrated its 10th anniversary of specialist education – a milestone for the many Aboriginal children and families of Melbourne’s north.
Founding manager Terry Kildea said the purpose-built centre had always been full of spirit and served as more than just a building for the nearly 4000 students who have come through its doors.
“The vision was to provide world-class training and education to the indigenous community in Hume,” Uncle Terry said.
“It was to bring the three tribes together – Kangan Institute, the community of Hume and the local indigenous community.
“Seeing a 14-year-old girl who gets a job after coming through and finishing a course stands out just as much as seeing a past student get a $2 million contract to play AFL.”
Centre manager Linc Yow Yeh said the institution was “committed to maximising opportunities within the indigenous community”.
Through the Gunung-Willam-Balluk Centre, Kangan Institute offers indigenous-specific education in community services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, cultural studies, land and conservation management, and building and construction.
