University of Melbourne commits to Indigenous Excellence with launch of Murmuk Djerring strategy
Murmuk Djerring, the University of Melbourne’s Indigenous Strategy 2023–2027, sets a proactive, innovative and ambitious approach to strengthen the University’s work for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Murmuk Djerring, meaning ‘Working Together’ in Woi Wurrung language, reinforces and extends the University of Melbourne’s commitment to Indigenous excellence in higher education and research, self-determination and improved social, economic, and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Five priority areas form the bedrock of the new strategy. They are:
- Leadership
- Place, Heritage and Culture
- Partnerships
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Truth-telling and Justice
These interrelated priorities will be progressed through the strategy’s 21 Signature Projects.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Barry Judd said Murmuk Djerring marks a significant step-change in how the University supports and collaborates with Indigenous peoples, both inside and outside of the University.
“Over ten months, hundreds of Elders and Traditional Owners, University leaders, staff, students and community members contributed to Murmuk Djerring’s development,” Professor Judd said.
“Their collective input supported the University commitment to confront its colonial past and work towards a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and knowledges are acknowledged and celebrated through their reflection in every aspect of University life.”
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell reiterated the University's commitments articulated in Murmuk Djerring.
“The launch of Murmuk Djerring is a watershed moment for the University,” Professor Maskell said.
“The strategy’s commitments resolutely reflect its underlying message of ‘Working Together.’ This approach resonates with the eloquent call in the Uluru Statement from the Heart for Australians to ‘Walk Together’ with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for a better future.”
Murmuk Djerring can be viewed at unimelb.edu.au/murmuk-djerring.
Banner image: Murmuk Djerring – Working Together is an artwork by Samantha Richards, a proud Indigenous woman from the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Tribes. It reflects the University's Indigenous strategy, illustrating layers of the land, generations of Indigenous peoples, their rich cultures and histories. It symbolises unity in diversity, learning, sharing, and a collective striving for a brighter future.