Korin Gamadji launches inaugural hub in Bendigo

Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) is excited to partner with Richmond Football Club to launch Korin Gamadji’s inaugural hub at the College’s Coolock Campus in Bendigo. Today, the partnership was celebrated with a launch at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct, led by Luke Murray (Indigenous Cultural Capability Manager, Korin Gamadji Institute) and Brian Turner (Principal CMCB). Special guests included Richmond Football Club players and officials who joined CMCB students and staff for a Q & A, followed by a meet and greet and activities on the oval.

Korin Gamadji is the Richmond Football Club’s centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth programs. Korin Gamadji delivers programs that support leadership, cultural growth and social and emotional wellbeing for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Building on its 14-year history, Korin Gamadji’s inaugural hub at Catherine McAuley College Bendigo will further develop the relationship that has grown over the past year between the two organisations, with several events already held, including a leadership day and AFL 9s carnival.

With a successful track record of more than a decade in delivering impactful programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged between 13 and 18 years, the Korin Gamadji hub will strongly emphasise leadership, culture, identity, health, and well-being, while integrating elite sports training and development into its programs for First Nations students.

Korin Gamadji Programs Manager Brady Cooper emphasised the importance of the location as “continuing to develop the relationship with the traditional Dja Dja Wurrung owner group of Country.”

“Building on our existing presence and initiatives in Bendigo, this hub will strengthen our connection with students and other First Nations community members in the region,” Cooper said.

“Our strong connection with the traditional Dja Dja Wurrung owner group will ensure we continue our meaningful work with these young people and the community.”

Cooper also shared that Korin Gamadji’s presence at Catherine McAuley College will encompass the whole school community.

“Our Korin Gamadji staff members will be based out of Bendigo for one day every fortnight, delivering leadership sessions across the entire school and working closely with Koorie Education workers,” he said.

“Engaging with the entire school community creates opportunities for everybody to explore leadership, culture and identity, ultimately fostering meaningful experiences that will benefit all.”

Catherine McAuley College Bendigo provides Korin Gamadji with outstanding resources to deliver various programs. These include five ovals, indoor netball and basketball courts, indoor cricket nets and eight change rooms.

Principal of Catherine McAuley College Bendigo, Mr Brian Turner is thrilled by the partnership. “The Korin Gamadji programs that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island young people through a range of Indigenous, Leadership and Wellbeing programs, align with CMCB’s values and will bring a range of terrific benefits for our community,” he said.

“Our fantastic facilities and resources at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct make Catherine McAuley College Bendigo perfectly placed for this exciting partnership. We look forward to welcoming Indigenous youth from across Victoria to enjoy the opportunities this program will provide, for years to come.”

Commencing in January 2025, the hub’s first 12 months will serve as a pilot program, with potential expansion and continuation beyond the initial year.