Students, staff and community members have gathered on Darumbal Country to celebrate the opening of a new First Nations Precinct at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North campus, marking a significant step in strengthening support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The precinct has been created as a dedicated hub for cultural connection, learning and community engagement, with the university aiming to provide a strong foundation for Indigenous student success.
Professor Adrian Miller, who works in public health, said the opening represents an important milestone for the university and the communities it serves.
“Today is about opening the First Nations Precinct at our Rockhampton campus and creating a base for Indigenous student success and community engagement,” the Jirrbal man said.
“We’re on Darumbal Country and we’ve been working with Darumbal Elders to ensure their vision and their views were taken into consideration when we were developing not only the concept, but the physical space as well.”
Named Yirragu Nulu Nhugul, meaning Here We Belong in the Darumbal language, the precinct reflects a strong sense of belonging and cultural identity.
The name emerged through consultation with Darumbal language custodian Aunty Nhaya Nicky Hatfield, who worked with the university to find words that captured the meaning and purpose of the new space.
Professor Miller said the precinct is intended to be a place where students feel connected and empowered to bring their cultural knowledge into their studies.
“We hope it will mean a central point of connection, a central point for the expression of identity, and a place where students can express their Indigenous knowledges as well,” he said.
The development of the precinct also builds on the university’s long history of Indigenous higher education initiatives.
Professor Miller said the new space represents an evolution of earlier programs and reflects ongoing collaboration with Traditional Owners and community leaders.
“It’s quite special that we now have the granddaughter of Aunty Irene Hatfield, who played such an important role in earlier Indigenous programs at the university, helping us shape this next chapter,” he said.
CQUniversity leaders say the precinct will not only support students studying on campus but also strengthen opportunities for those in regional and remote communities.
Professor Miller said the university’s multi campus and dual sector structure means it is uniquely positioned to support students who want to study without leaving their communities.
“A lot of people want to study but don’t necessarily want to leave community, or the place where they want to live for the rest of their lives,” he said.
“That’s where we are uniquely placed as a university to not only deliver curriculum but also support people studying from a distance.”
The new precinct is expected to become a central gathering place on campus where culture, education and community connection come together for future generations of First Nations students.
