New Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Spaces
This project began in 2023, with conversations with the Indigenous community at the University around culturally safe spaces. With funding from Student Services Amenities Fees (SSAF), we are pleased to share that two new dedicated spaces are now open in Fisher Library and SciTech.
These two new spaces are directly informed by insights shared by over 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students. From these conversations, we understood that students not only look for places to study but also for spaces that provide a sense of community and have a connection to culture through artwork, events and activities.
These two new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Student Spaces will not only function as study spaces but will provide Library support and cultural events throughout the year for staff and students.
These spaces are now available and we will continue to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff to ensure the spaces are best utilised to support academic success and cultural wellbeing.
The spaces have been designed with a mix of furniture from Indigenous and non-Indigenous suppliers and feature parts of the Library’s newly commissioned placemaking artwork by Warlpiri and Gamilaraay artist Jessie Waratah, Walking on Country.
We are looking forward to seeing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community at the University enjoying the spaces.
These are pilot spaces in the Library and will continue to be improved throughout the year. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to use these spaces for events, please reach out to the Library's Indigenous Engagement Officer (Pippa Herden) or send a message to Library Admin.
Fisher Library space
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Space in Fisher Library is a hybrid study and event space, with plenty of room for work and socialising.
This is a great location for students wanting to study individually or in groups, or who are looking for a central and accessible location on campus to relax and hang out. Through our consultation process, we found that there was a desire for a quiet study environment with some background noise and easy access to Library facilities. Throughout the year we will have lunches, morning teas and cultural events in the space.
This space is mob and ally friendly. It is open and accessible to all students, with priority and specific support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.
No bookings are required for general use of the space, however we welcome Indigenous staff or student groups and collectives to contact the Library’s Indigenous Engagement Officer (Pippa Herden) to book the space.
Location: Fisher Library, level 3 (next to the Fisher Services Hub).
SciTech space
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Space in SciTech is a bookable study room and a private meeting space. With a kitchenette, whiteboard and capacity for up to 10 people, it's perfect for group study, meetings and or small workshops.
This space can be booked only by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff of the University. We encourage Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) tutors and tutees, Mentoring Our Brothers and Sisters (MOBS) mentors and mentees, and Indigenous postgraduate students to make use of this space. Please share this around to your tutors who can book on your behalf as well.
Bookings are mediated through the Indigenous Engagement Officer (Pippa Herden) and Library Admin; you can book up to 2 hours before your booking time. At the time of your booking you can access the room without staff. However, please ensure you have your booking confirmation on hand, in case you may need to show the Library desk staff. If there are any issues please contact either email addresses linked above.
Location: SciTech
Directions: Walk through the front entrance of SciTech, from here walk through to the top left corner of the Library. It is the last study room. If you are having trouble, please ask the staff at the desk and they’d be more than happy to show you the room.