News
Published on
February 27, 2025
Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) celebrated its partnership with Richmond Football Club earlier this month, launching the Korin Gamadji inaugural hub at the College’s Coolock Campus in Bendigo.
The launch took place at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct and was led by Luke Murray, Indigenous Cultural Capability Manager at the Korin Gamadji Institute, and Brian Turner, Principal at CMCB. Special guests included Richmond players, followed by a meet and greet.
Korin Gamadji is the Richmond Football Club’s centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth programs. It delivers initiatives that support leadership, cultural growth, and social and emotional well-being for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Building on its 14-year history, Korin Gamadji’s inaugural hub at CMCB will further strengthen the relationship that has developed over the past year between the two organisations. Several events have already taken place, including a leadership day and an 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, “We are 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 extend to the whole school community.
“Our Korin Gamadji staff members will be based in Bendigo 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, including five ovals, indoor netball and basketball courts, indoor cricket nets, and eight change rooms.
CMCB Principal, Brian Turner, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “The Korin Gamadji programs, which empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through a range of Indigenous, leadership, and well-being programs, align with CMCB’s values and will bring a range of terrific benefits to our community.”
“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.
This article was originally published on Catherine McAuley College Bendigo's website on 20 February 2025.
