Indigenous students

Indigenous students

Ngarara Willim is RMIT’s dedicated support service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Ngarara Willim Centre is a place at RMIT for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to engage with their education and to be supported and encouraged throughout their studies.

“Ngarara” means gathering and “Willim” means home in the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung language, the traditional custodians of the land where RMIT stands.  

Our team offers ongoing guidance with study, living and cultural needs. We’re here to help you reach your potential.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is currently studying at RMIT, or looking to do so in the future, we encourage you to contact us or come in to visit.

Ngarara Willim is a community and they believe in you, want you to succeed and will help you reach that goal whatever it may be.

– Kimberley Lovegrove, Ngarrindjeri woman and RMIT student

Support for current students

Interior of Ngarara Willim Centre with table and artwork.

Ngarara Willim facilities

There is a Ngarara Willim Centre at each RMIT campus offering a range of free facilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Students sit outside in Ngarara Willim Place on City campus.

Gama-dji Orientation Program

A dedicated orientation program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students starting their studies at RMIT.

Tutor sits with three students outside.

Ngarara Willim tutoring

Free and specialised tutoring to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

A student wearing overalls talks to another student, standing in front of a pipe model.

Scholarships

RMIT supports a comprehensive scholarship program that addresses some of the financial, educational and difficult circumstances our students can face.

Support and engagement for non-students

Four students wearing Ngarara Willim merch

Future students

Find out how the Ngarara Willim Centre can help you with entry into RMIT programs and ensure you get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Young people wear lab coats in a laboratory classroom

Indigenous Community Outreach and Engagement

Would you like someone from Ngarara Willim to visit your community or school? Or to arrange a group visit to an RMIT campus? Get in touch and we’ll arrange it.

Indigenous Alumni pose for a group photo wearing red, gold and black sashes

Deadly Alumni

Stay connected to RMIT and Ngarara Willim after you graduate as part of our Deadly Alumni community.

Ngarara Willim News

Contact Ngarara Willim

Ngarara Willim Centres

  • City campus: Building 5, Level 1, Room 5. 124 La Trobe Street
  • Bundoora campus: Building 202, Level 3, Room 21. 225-245 Plenty Road
  • Brunswick campus: Building 514, Level 1, Room 3. 25 Dawson Street

Students can access Ngarara Willim Centre facilities from 7am-10pm, 7 days a week. Staff are onsite from 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.

Phone: +61 3 9925 4885 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri, excluding public holidays)

Email: ngarara.willim@rmit.edu.au

Facebook: facebook.com/ngararawillim

Ngarara Willim also emails students regularly about activities and opportunities including scholarships, internships, mentoring and employment, free tucker and even travel. So make sure you check your student email or visit the Canvas page for updates. Not on our mailing list? Subscribe now.

Ngarara Willim logo.

Ngarara Willim logo

Our artwork, by Wurundjeri artist Mandy Nicholson, represents the Wurundjeri ‘Welcome Ceremony’.

The artwork depicts Manna Gum leaves used to smoke an area when visitors arrive. The smoke cleanses the area of evil spirits. The leaves have swirling lines showing that they are still green and their oils still present, promoting more smoke.

The central section of the work is the smoke 'spirit' that all people must pass through to be cleansed.

The background is symbolic of the glow of fires from the camp. The fire’s warmth and light is comforting for visitors.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information