Released 07/12/2024
A new ‘Yurauna’ is being delivered at the CIT Bruce Campus to replace the current facility being relocated as part of the transition of the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) out of the Reid Campus in mid-2025.
Yurauna, a Wiradjuri word meaning ‘to grow’, is CIT’s dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Educational Centre of Excellence, offering tailored culturally appropriate courses to improve literacy, numeracy and communication, and providing vocational training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
CIT Yurauna offers diverse courses beyond vocational training, including art and cultural activities, empowering Indigenous communities, and preserving culture. It will feature culturally sensitive and sustainably designed purpose-built learning spaces, art rooms, community meeting spaces and childcare facilities, providing wraparound support for students and their families and places for the community to come together.
To produce a culturally appropriate location for students and teachers, the ACT Government partnered with Guida Mosely Brown Architects and Kaunitz Yeung who have led a series of co-design workshops with representatives from the Yurauna and the Ngunnawal community to inform the design concept.
In early October 2024 the building contract for a new CIT Yurauna at CIT Bruce Campus was awarded to BYCC Alliance, a First Nations controlled company, delivering construction excellence and social outcomes with a commitment to exceed the statutory minimum of 2% of Indigenous participation in the delivery of the project.
“The appointment of design and construction partners specialised in co-designing and delivering with local communities reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to the success of the Yurauna project and to the broader goal of providing a diverse and comprehensive education ecosystem while strengthening First Nations economic participation in the ACT,” said Minister for Skills Michael Pettersson.
“Designing with Country principles will continue to be reflected in the design finalisation and construction of this invaluable cultural, educational and community space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
At a traditional smoking and cleansing ceremony earlier this week, led by Ngunnawal Traditional Custodian, Bradley Bell, and attended by project partners and representatives from Infrastructure Canberra and CIT, Minister Pettersson celebrated the start of construction preparation works with the official turning of the first sod, a long-standing tradition in the construction industry.
“Today we mark a significant milestone in the delivery of CIT Yurauna: the preparation for the commencement of demolition and preparation of construction ahead of the Centre’s opening in mid-late 2025,” said Minister Pettersson.
The delivery of a new Yurauna at CIT Bruce Campus is part of the broader CIT Woden Campus project providing students with the skills and training required for tomorrow’s careers in industries such as IT, cyber security, business, hospitality, hairdressing, media, and music.
CIT Yurauna will be operational at the CIT Bruce site in 2025, and ready to welcome students, community members and those passionate about preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
For more information about the CIT Woden Campus Project, visit builtforcbr.act.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Gillian Geraghty, Director General of Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR):
“The design for the new Yurauna at CIT Bruce Campus, has been an iterative co-design process, informed through multiple stages of engagement and collaboration with the Ngunnawal community including a Walk on Country.
“Yurauna has been designed to ‘tread lightly’ and have a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Building materials that evoke nature and reflect the colour of the bush and a building layout that allows for the “flow” of energy through the site are integral to the design.”
Quotes attributable to Christine Robertson, CEO of Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT):
“Today marks a transformative moment for CIT as we break ground on the new Yurauna building at CIT Bruce and celebrate the launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). These two milestones highlight CIT’s deep commitment to reconciliation, cultural respect, and creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, and communities.
“Reconciliation is a journey of action, reflection, and collaboration. Our RAP outlines tangible steps to strengthen cultural awareness, engage respectfully with First Nations communities, and create lasting change within CIT and beyond.
“CIT is proud to take these steps alongside our First Nations partners and community leaders, as we ensure that reconciliation is woven into the fabric of who we are and what we do. Together, we are creating pathways to opportunity, respect, and success for generations to come.”
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases