About us
About UNSW
Established in 1949, UNSW has a long history of learning, teaching and research excellence. With seven prestigious award-winning faculties, 47 schools providing world-class education, and with more than 63,000 students from 132 countries, UNSW has a reputation for graduating the top earners and most employable students in the country.
UNSW has three campuses located in Kensington (main campus), Paddington (Art & Design), and Canberra (Australian Defence Force Academy). Our main campus is in Bidjigal/Bedegal Country and is situated near an 8000-year-old campsite. The campsite was a place where the Aboriginal people of that country would gather and meet to teach their culture, knowledge and stories to the next generation of leaders. The significance of UNSW being located near this historical educational site means the campsite traditions of gathering, meeting, teaching and sharing are being carried from the past into the present.
Nura Gili History
In the mid-1980s, UNSW established one of the first university student programs specifically for Indigenous students in NSW. The university created an Aboriginal Student Support Program in 1987, later known as the Aboriginal Education Program (AEP). The AEP was established to provide Indigenous Australians studying at UNSW with the support needed to succeed in their studies. With the increasing number of Indigenous Australians enrolling at UNSW and the need for improved academic and student support services, the AEP and Aboriginal Research and Resource Centre merged in 2003.
After a name finding competition, the new identity of ‘Nura Gili’ was born in 2004. In the language of the Eora people, Nura means place and Gili means fire/light. Nura Gili brings together these concepts to create the meaning ‘place of fire and light’.
As a leader in Indigenous education, our purpose is to enrich Australia culturally and professionally. We strive to enhance the capacity of Indigenous communities and individuals to engage all aspects of Australian society – ensuring Indigenous knowledge, culture and histories are embedded in all aspects of the UNSW community. We provide a wide range of services, aspirational and pathway programs, Indigenous Studies courses and research allowing us to be recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in academic and research excellence.
About our centre –
Balnaves Place: Home of Nura Gili
It’s important for us to provide you with a space that’s inspiring innovative and creative, a space that will give you the best possible start to your higher education. In 2012, thanks to the generosity of the Balnaves Foundation, we were able to build a state-of-the-art teaching and learning facility located at the heart of UNSW. At Balnaves Place, you have access to modern facilities and technology, free printing, and private rooms for group and individual study in a calm environment. It’s our home on campus, and designed for you!
Nura Gili – Place of Fire & Light
The words Nura Gili come from the language of the Eora Nation, Nura meaning ‘place’ and Gili meaning ‘fire/light’. Nura Gili at UNSW brings together these concepts to create the meaning ‘place of fire and light’. The theme of place remains important to the many cultures of Indigenous Australia. It is therefore important for UNSW to acknowledge and recognise the very place where we have all come together to work, share, study and learn. The site of UNSW is near an 8000-year-old campsite around which the people of the area taught culture, history and subsistence. From an old age past through to the present, the site holds significance as a place for gathering, meeting, teaching and sharing. The concept of a fireplace and fire in general reflects the warmth, relaxed and nurturing environment created by age-old fires many years ago and recreated today by the staff and students of Nura Gili. The idea that there is a place at UNSW where a fire has been burning, a place where people can come to gather and share is indeed the inspiration, drive and purpose for all involved in the Indigenous programs and services at UNSW. Nura Gili values the potential that education can offer and, with the theme of fireplace in mind, we invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to gather, learn and share together. To light a torch of their own to guide them and light their way as they create their own journey.
UNSW Indigenous Strategy
UNSW Indigenous Strategy represents our commitment to creating an environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, researchers and staff to thrive. Recognising the importance of Country, community, and culture, the strategy is the first of its kind at UNSW. UNSW’s Indigenous Strategy is driven forward by three pillars – Culture and Country, Give Back, and Grow Our Own. This whole-of-university approach means these pillars are implemented across all the university’s operations.
Confirmation of Aboriginality
While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity is unique and sacred to every person all applicants and students who participate or are involved in Nura Gili Programs and/or activities are required to provide proof of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity and heritage.
Acknowledgement of Country & Welcome to Country
The difference between an Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country is often not well understood. The Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous explains these differences and provides contact details for the appropriate cultural authority should further information be required.
Indigenous Student Success Programme Reports
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Acknowledgement of Country
UNSW is located on the unceded territory of the Bidjigal/Bedegal (Kensington campus), Gadigal (City and Paddington campuses) and Ngunnawal peoples (Canberra) who are the Traditional Owners of the lands where each campus of UNSW is situated.
