Bay Mob Indigenous Health and Education Expo
Kids from the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency perform.
The University’s Yulendj Indigenous Engagement Unit has teamed up with Peninsula Health and other partners to help improve access to services for Indigenous people.
The fifth annual Bay Mob Indigenous Health and Education Expo was held at the Peninsula campus in September.
More than 500 people came to hear from health and education service providers who are keen to improve access for Indigenous people, whose health and education outcomes are consistently the lowest in Australia.
In a fantastic family atmosphere, the Monash Peninsula Activity and Recreation Centre (MPARC) hosted around 40 service providers, as well as art activities. Karate, zumba and tai chi demonstrations promoted a healthy lifestyle while a petting zoo, reptile handler, face painting and jumping castles entertained the kids.
Attendees learnt about services ranging from optometry to university study opportunities. Health checks and a healthy lunch were available for all.
Indigenous students and staff at Monash volunteered on the day, which demonstrated what Monash is doing to support Indigenous people via study and employment within the University. Demonstrations were provided by paramedics and staff from the Faculty of Information Technology.
The Yulendj stall was well supported with many people finding out about study options and pathways to study. One attendee is currently studying in Queensland but is considering transferring to Monash after speaking with Kristel Keleher, the University’s Indigenous Student Recruitment Officer.
Photo: Kids from the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency perform. VACCA is the lead Aboriginal child and family welfare organisation in Victoria, protecting and promoting the rights of Aboriginal children and young people. Thirty per cent of children in out of home care are Indigenous, despite only representing 2.5 per cent of the population.