30 May 2017: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will have greater access to services and more opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles thanks to a new partnership to be announced today between the University of Canberra and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF).
The University will acknowledge National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) by signing a memorandum of understanding on collaboration with the IMF in a move that will strengthen its commitment to engaging with and fostering the growth of Indigenous Australians.
Founded by Australian former world champion marathon runner Robert de Castella, the IMF uses running as a vehicle to celebrate Indigenous achievement, resilience and culture, and to promote healthy and active lifestyles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Under the agreement, the University will work with the IMF on a number of activities including the development of student internship programs, access to facilities and services, scholarships and volunteer initiatives.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini said the University was committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Professor Saini said the agreement was in line with the framework set out in the University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Plan 2017 – 2021, which was released last month.
“The University of Canberra is committed to undertaking active and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Professor Saini said.
“We’re focused on building strong networks with reconciliation at the core and the opportunity to continue to work with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation embodies this commitment.
“The University and the foundation want to embolden Indigenous Australians to strive for more and to be their best selves. Collaboration is key to achieving these outcomes and we’re looking forward to working together.”
The IMF is committed to promoting active lifestyles throughout Indigenous communities around Australia and reducing the incidence of Indigenous disease. It also aims to create Indigenous role models.
The IMF runs the annual Indigenous Marathon Project, in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women participate in the New York City Marathon each year.
Mr de Castella said he was delighted to work more closely with the University.
“Education is a powerful mechanism for enabling us to fulfil our potential in life and for Indigenous Australians it is even more important to find ways to achieve and facilitate this,” Mr de Castella said.
“This partnership will enable the Indigenous Marathon Foundation to develop a strong and vibrant link between our Indigenous runners, their families and communities, and higher education.
“I am thrilled to partner with this leading Institution that has for many years done so much for our Indigenous people.”
National Reconciliation Week is celebrated across Australia each year between 27 May and 3 June.
It commemorates two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919
Claudia Doman: 0408 826 362