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On 14 February 2026, the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) hosted its annual WAS Welcome Event, celebrating 16 recipients of the 2023 Woolyungah Accommodation Scholarship (WAS).
The WAS Scholarship supports regional and remote students in their first year of study by assisting with accommodation costs and helping to ease the financial challenges associated with relocating for university.
The WAS Welcome Event is a significant occasion each year, bringing together new students and their families to be formally welcomed onto Country. The event began with a Welcome to Country delivered by Aunty Barb Nicholson, followed by a smoking ceremony led by Uncle Peter Button.
This special day provides an opportunity for incoming students to connect with Elders, community members, and WIC staff, who will support them throughout their academic journeys. Aunty Barb spoke about the importance of cultural protocols, reminding students to listen to and respect the guidance of their Elders and families.
Students were also given the chance to meet one another, engage with local Elders, and connect with accommodation staff. They were introduced to the WIC team, who will play a key role in supporting them as they transition into their studies at the University of Wollongong.
Following a shared meal, students, their families, and WIC staff walked to Kooloobong Village to assist with orientation and settling into accommodation. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation, with many smiling faces, a few emotional moments, and a shared sense of opportunity as students embarked on this new chapter.