“Knowledge is a key plank to Indigenous development. Melbourne Model graduates need to have the know-how to ensure resources and interventions will make a difference to Indigenous communities,” Professor Ian Anderson says.

Professor Anderson has been appointed Director of the new Murrup Barak - Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development which will be launched today. The Institute will provide a focal point for work in Indigenous Studies across the University and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous Australian communities.

This week’s launch of the Murrup Barak- Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development will also incorporate the inaugural Narrm Oration which will be presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Massey University, New Zealand, Professor Mason Durie. Professor Durie is also a leading spokesperson on Maori health and academic development.

Professor Durie says the new Institute presents an opportunity to accelerate Indigenous development within a spirit of partnership and future focused opportunities.

“Indigenous development in modern times recognises dual goals: full participation in society, education and the economy and full participation in the Indigenous world and Indigenous networks. A focus on only one of those goals will be out of step with the aspirations of Indigenous peoples and realities of the 21st Century.”

EVENT DETAILS
Launch of Murrup Barak - Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development and Narrm Oration
DATE: Thursday 5 November 2009
TIME: 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The oration is due to start at 6:15pm and the launch will start at 6:55pm.
VENUE: ‘The Spot’ (Basement Theatre),
Faculty of Economics and Commerce,
198 Berkeley Street, Carlton (corner of Pelham Street)

Details of the Narrm Oration
SPEAKER: Professor Mason Durie, Professor of Mãori Research and Development & Deputy
Vice-Chancellor (Mãori & Pasifi ka) at Massey University in New Zealand
TOPIC: ‘Indigenous Partnerships: The Academy as a site for enduring relationships and the transmission of old and new knowledge