First Year Indigenous Orientation Camp 2023

We had so much fun hosting our inaugural First Year Indigenous Orientation Camp!

Held on Gunaikurnai Country in Gippsland, at Camp Coolamatong, we had 25 participating students who experienced a variety of culturally significant and exciting activities. These included a Welcome to Country and Smoking ceremonies from Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), a cultural tour facilitated by GLaWAC, as well as fun team building activities which focused on students getting to know one another.

This camp helped enable First Nations students from all different areas of Australia and disciplines to learn more about Gunaikurnai Country and return to Monash with new friendships and a fresh sense of confidence and belonging.

We had some amazing feedback, one student said they enjoyed being “surrounded by Mob and creating friendships at Monash”, and that the experience of camp was “making the first day of Uni not as intimidating”. Most students said that they felt a “sense of community” and were more likely to engage with future WCI events.

We are so excited to have more fun like this, and share meaningful moments with all of the WCI students in 2023!