World Footy News

The Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI), based in the ME Bank Centre, at the Richmond Football Club was officially launched by Prime Minister Julia Gillard today.

 

The KGI provides opportunities for young Indigenous people to participate in programs to develop leadership, vocational skills and training and ultimately assist them in creating sustainable careers.

 

“The Korin Gamadji Institute is confirmation that the work of Reconciliation isn’t always about the big gestures. The transformative power of education should never be underestimated, and the Korin Gamadji Institute will be responsible for changing lives,” said Prime Minister Gillard at the launch.

 

Prime Minister Gillard thanked the Richmond Football Club and KGI Director, Belinda Duarte for the vision and perseverance to establish the Korin Gamadji Institute and open up new possibilities for Indigenous youth.

 

“It is not only a place for young people to develop valuable skills for the future, but a place that the broader Indigenous community will benefit from for many years to come,” Prime Minister Gillard said.

 

Belinda Duarte, Director of the Korin Gamadji Institute, said the centre, which has been operating for over 12 months, is the first of its kind in Australia.

 

“It’s been really positive to see how the Korin Gamadji Institute has already connected and engaged members of the Indigenous community, both in Victoria and interstate,” said Ms Duarte.

 

Ms Duarte said over 1500 Indigenous people have already participated in programs and initiatives at the centre.

 

“The positive feedback and overwhelming support we have received give us great energy moving forward. There have been some excellent outcomes already but we are convinced there is so much more this facility can do,” Ms Duarte said.

 

The centre’s programming includes Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) Camps for students aged 13-15 years to develop their leadership skills and cultural connection. Already, eight REAL Camps have taken place, with participants travelling from all over Victoria and Central Australia to attend.

 

Ms Duarte said the AFL can be a powerful and positive influence and she is proud that the Richmond Football Club can assist the Korin Gamadji Institute to create meaningful pathways for young Indigenous people to develop their skills and carve out rewarding careers.

 

Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale thanked Prime Minister Gillard and the Federal Government for helping turn the vision of the KGI into a reality.

 

“A lot of people have worked extremely hard to bring the KGI to life and it has been wonderful to witness the number of young Indigenous people that utilise the facility since the doors were opened,” Gale said.

 

“Today’s launch is a really significant step forward and we appreciate the support the Federal Government provided the Richmond Football Club and the KGI administration. With that comes great responsibility and we will continue to work together to ensure the KGI delivers great outcomes for the Indigenous community.”

 

Korin Gamadji Institute background:

- Korin Gamadji means “Grow and Emerge” in the Woi Wurrung language

- The Federal Labour Government contributed $6.75 million for the establishment of the KGI. $2 million was provided by the previous government through the Department of Sport

- The $6.75 million came from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). Julie Gillard was the Minister responsible before becoming Prime Minister

- As part of this, the Victorian Indigenous Youth Advisory Council (VIYAC) is a new tenant of the KGI. This is an important partnership to develop groups of young people to utilise KGI facilities

- KGI Director, Belinda Duarte, is a proud descendant of the Wotjobaluk nation, and the country of Poland.