The official opening of the new and improved Woolyungah Indigenous Centre was a special day for its director Jaymee Beveridge.
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"I'm very excited. The space is just amazing," she said on Wednesday.
The opening of the $750,000 facilities at the University of Wollongong fulfils a vision held by Ms Beveridge since she first took up her post in 2018.
"One of my responsibilities when I first started in January, 2018 was to consider a refurb in the next five years,"she said.
"However on commencement of employment, I noticed that the place was tired , the energy was tired and it wasn't particularly conducive to students studying and the success of our students.
"This was especially the case for those students who were 'off country'.
I'm very excited. The space is just amazing.
- WIC director Jaymee Beveridge
"So I guess I escalated that as a priority. We commenced planning in April and fast forward nine months and we have this amazing space that is safe, that is conducive to students studying and excelling."
Reconstruction has involved upgrading the internal student and tutor facilities, new computer labs to provide increased access, establishing more of a collaborative learning space, additional quiet study spaces and higher degree research spaces.
The outdoor area also provides an increased area to study along with a fire pit for cultural ceremonies and a modern-day yarning circle.
Bistro chairs have been installed facing the outer circle for story telling which academics can also use for teaching. The kitchen/amenities area has also been upgraded.
"Overall the long-overdue upgrade will provide greater connection and particularly help students who are ‘off country’ to be supported," Ms Beveridge said.
Of visual significance, visitors to the centre will now be greeted by two local dreaming creatures – a two metre by two metre artwork which has been hand welded with reinforcing steel.
"It provides a landmark that helps people identify WIC on campus," she said.
Ms Beveridge added the centre now featured bright and engaging collaborative, social and focus areas for its students to thrive.
The refurbishment was funded jointly through UOW’s Student Services & Amenities Fee and the Commonwealth Indigenous Student Success Program funding.
"Today is a day to celebrate. It really is an amazing space for students and staff alike," she said.