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On Wednesday, 11 March, Woolyungah Indigenous Centre proudly hosted its annual “Welcome to WIC” event, marking the beginning of a new academic year at University of Wollongong. The gathering brought together staff, Community Elders, scholarship donors and students to celebrate connection, culture and the start of another exciting year.
The event welcomed a new cohort of first year students, alongside returning students continuing their studies and postgraduate journeys, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with anticipation and pride.
The afternoon began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by Dharawal Elder Aunty Shas Robinson, whose words warmly welcomed everyone onto Dharawal Country and set the tone for the gathering. This was followed by a medicinal smoking ceremony led by Layne Brown, inviting attendees to reflect, cleanse, and begin the year with a sense of grounding and cultural connection.
This year also marked a significant milestone for Woolyungah, with a record 738 Indigenous students enrolled at UOW. The achievement highlights the continued growth of the community and the strength of the support networks that surround Indigenous students throughout their academic journeys.
During the event, Uncle Paul Chandler spoke about the importance of being part of the Woolyungah community. He emphasised the wide range of services available to students and the powerful connections that are formed through the centre - connections that often last a lifetime.
As the ceremony concluded, everyone gathered to share a meal, yarn, and reconnect. Conversations flowed easily as new friendships formed, and familiar faces reunited. The gentle smoke from the ceremony continued to drift through the gathering space, symbolising unity, wellbeing, and the shared journey ahead.
The Welcome to WIC event continues to be a highlight of the year for Woolyungah Indigenous Centre. An opportunity to acknowledge the strength and resilience of Indigenous students as they pursue their education.
As the new academic year begins, the centre looks forward to supporting students throughout their studies and continuing to foster a strong, connected and culturally safe community at the University of Wollongong. Through events like Welcome to WIC, Woolyungah continues to honour the importance of coming together, sharing culture and supporting one another on the journey ahead.