In August 2024, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education will commemorate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of providing education and opportunities to First Nations students across the Northern Territory and Australia. As the nation’s only dual-sector, First Nations-led tertiary institution, Batchelor Institute delivers a wide range of educational programs that have impacted the lives of thousands of First Nations students.
Ms Pat Anderson AO, Chair of Batchelor Institute, stated, "In 2024 Batchelor Institute will enter our 50th year. Not all organisations make it to 50 years, and while Batchelor Institute had some challenging times, the core of our very being is our focus on educating and training First Nations people from the Northern Territory and Australia and we have fulfilled these needs of First Nations for generations. In 2024 we reflect on the tremendous impact our institution has had on First Nations education and community development. This milestone is not just about our past achievements but also about our future commitment to empowering First Nations people through culturally informed and academically enriching education."
A Week of Celebrations
To honour this significant milestone, a series of public events will be held throughout August. These events are designed to celebrate the achievements of Batchelor Institute and its community, and we invite everyone to join us in these festivities.
Key Events:
- Dinner under the Stars (9 August): Kicking off the 50-year celebration program, this community event at our campus in the Desert Peoples Centre in Alice Springs will feature keynote speakers, live performances, and dinner cooked traditionally in coals. The evening will bring together staff, students, alumni, precinct partners, stakeholders, and the community to connect, engage, and celebrate under the stars. The event is free and will commence at 5.30pm, with a detailed program to be released in early August.
- Learning Journeys, Land & Language Symposium (13-14 August): This two-day symposium will feature keynote speakers and presentations that delve into the integration of traditional knowledge and Western education. Highlights include discussions on language fluency, two-way education, and the gathering of cultural knowledge. Notable speakers include Associate Professor Robyn Heckenberg, Elder, Doreen Abbott, Dr. Helen Bishop, Yalmay Yunupingu and more. This event will foster dialogue and collaboration on educational strategies that benefit First Nations communities.
- Screen & Media Excellence Viewing (15 August): Held at Deckchair Cinema in Darwin, this event will showcase films and media projects created by Batchelor Institute students and alumni, highlighting the creative talents and storytelling of First Nations people.
- Music Showcase (16 August): Featuring performances by local and interstate artists, including Batchelor Institute students and alumni, at Darwin’s Bustard Town, this event will celebrate the musical heritage and contemporary sounds of First Nations communities.
- Gala Dinner Celebration (17 August): The grand finale of the celebrations will be a Gala Dinner at the Darwin Convention Centre. The evening will include addresses by notable speakers such as the Northern Territory Chief Minister and the Minister for Education. There will be performances, video presentations, and the awarding of an honorary doctorate.
Join Us
We extend an open invitation to all members of the community to participate in these events and celebrate this important milestone with us. For more information on the events and to register your attendance, please visit here.
Batchelor Institute is proud to have served the educational needs of First Nations communities for the past 50 years, and we look forward to continuing this legacy of empowerment and learning.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sean Rung - PR, Media and Communications Coordinator, Batchelor Institute
Phone: 0450 701 003
Email: sean.rung@batchelor.edu.au
Website: www.batchelor.edu.au
About Batchelor Institute: Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is the only dual-sector, First Nations-led tertiary institution in Australia. It offers a wide range of educational programs that integrate First Nations knowledge with Western education, fostering a unique learning environment that empowers students and strengthens communities.