Centre For Aboriginal Studies - Curtin University

Melbourne Private Schools introduces Centre For Aboriginal Studies - Curtin University in Bentley, for all your education and learning needs.

The Centre for Aboriginal Studies provides students with the skills and abilities they need to work in the community and actively promotes a positive sense of Aboriginal identity, culture and heritage. Courses cover indigenous health, community management and development, Indigenous Australian studies and indigenous media production - all designed to provide culturally appropriate education and to create new ways of learning and working in an inclusive Australia.

The Centre offers courses for Indigenous Australian, Torres Strait Islander and non-indigenous people.

The Centre for Aboriginal Studies aspires to contribute to positive social change for Indigenous Australians through higher education and research.

One of the main reasons for the success of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies is that Aboriginal people have a place on campus which holds for them a sense of belonging, autonomy and strength. Aboriginal students have a base on campus that encourages them to be in control of their own learning, that provides support services structured in a way to empower them. In this sense, the design of the Centre and its operations function as a model of Aboriginal self-determination.

The Centre is an attractive place with a feeling of open space and light; where wood and stone and ochre tones are combined within the circular central area in a building based on curved lines distinctly different from most of the other buildings on the campus. The design complements the friendly and informal atmosphere created by the staff to create a space where Aboriginal people can feel a sense of belonging.

Most of the materials used in this building come from natural resources. The clay-tile roof of most of the building contrasts with a steeply pitched metal roof in the central foyer. The foyer features timber building materials throughout.

The circular shape of the building reinforces the meaning and function of the Centre. It is also reflected in the Centre's logo - a lizard curled around in a circular shape.