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MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
Koori Express proves popular with indigenous students
RMIT University is again opening its doors to indigenous participation in tertiary
education via its popular “Koori Express”. This free bus service will ferry
indigenous students and their families from areas ranging from Warragul to
Hamilton to RMIT’s Open Day in Melbourne on Sunday 9 August.
RMIT Indigenous Education Liaison Officer, Eric Clarke, said this year they were
expecting over 60 people to take part.
“We came up with the Koori Express idea three years ago and it’s become more
popular each time we’ve run it. This year students and their families will be coming
from Morwell, Moe, Drouin, Warragul and Bairnsdale. We’ve even had interest
from our Hamilton Learning Centre, mainly from the community of Heywood, with
people coming from there as well this year,” said Mr Clarke.
Now in its third year, this initiative is organised by RMIT’s Ngarara Willim Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Centre to encourage indigenous students to explore a
range of education options at RMIT including: pre-apprenticeships, TAFE,
undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.
The program also encourages people who may be missing school-based
qualifications, but who have professional and life experience, to attend. Potential
students will have the chance to meet the staff of the Centre and meet current
indigenous students at RMIT.
“It’s an exciting occasion for us. Many of our students are now taking part in
RMIT’s Lead program as Ambassadors and Mentors, and they will help us to
encourage and motivate new indigenous students to study at RMIT and follow in
their successful footsteps.
“Meeting current indigenous students and hearing about their experiences, some of
which include study overseas as well as their academic achievements and support,
is one of the highlights of the Koori Express day trip for the students,” he said.
The Koori Express comprises of four or five star buses that transport students from
their home area to RMIT and back in the day with lunch provided. The Koori
Express is free to all prospective indigenous students and family members who
sign up to come on board.
For interviews or comment: RMIT University Indigenous Education Liaison
Officer, Eric Clarke, (03) 9925 4885.
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Communications, Deborah
Sippitts, (03) 9925 3116 or 0429 588 869.
30 July, 2009
NEWS 
