Creativity, culture at Swinburne’s Future Aspirations camp
Swinburne’s Moondani Vocational Centre of Excellence (MVCE) hosted 18 First Nations students from across Victoria recently at its Future Aspirations Camp.
The camp provided students with a vibrant introduction to vocational education and training (VET) and invites them to imagine what their own Swinburne journey could look like.
Fostering creativity, connection and cultural learning
Students stepped into VET life and heard from a current Diploma of Community Services student, offering them a glimpse into studying at Swinburne. Her experience helped many imagine their own pathway and feel more confident about the support available through the Moondani Toombadool Centre and the MVCE team.
Key points
- The Future Aspirations Camp welcomed 18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Victoria to explore vocational education and training pathways at Swinburne University of Technology
- Students took part in hands-on creative activities, cultural learning and campus experiences designed to build confidence and connection
- The program highlighted the impact of culturally safe learning environments, mentoring and community for young people planning their futures
Creativity was central to the camp, with students using professional screen and media equipment to produce haunted house films and stepping into Swinburne’s podcast studio to record their own shows. Their ideas, humour and storytelling were on full display across these projects.
A highlight of the camp was the Hidden Worlds on Wurundjeri Country art workshop led by Aboriginal artist Deone West. Students explored the Wurundjeri seven-season calendar and created artworks reflecting culture, connection and Country.
The workshop is part of a broader project coordinated by lecturers in Swinburne’s School of Art and Design – Dr Jane Connory, Ms Morganna Magee and Dr Kate Robertson – with the MVCE team, in partnership with Boroondara Arts Centre. The students’ work will be exhibited during NAIDOC Week in July at the Boroondara Arts Centre before the project enters its next phase later in the year, where these art pieces will be transformed into an augmented reality experience.
Building connection and a sense of belonging
Beyond the workshops, the camp included trips to the Melbourne Zoo, games at the State Sports Centre in Parkville and a celebration at Luna Park.
Students also took part in yarning circles, supported one another, reconnected with peers and strengthened their sense of belonging. These shared experiences created opportunities for students to build friendships and a strong sense of community.
“The family that has been created through this program is life changing. The mentors and Elders that I’ve met have helped guide me through my latest years in high school, prepare for the future and deepen my connection to my culture,” said one of the camp participants.
For some, the camp has already inspired next steps, with one student looking to pursue work experience with the MVCE team.
The camp left a lasting impression, strengthened confidence, deepened cultural connection and reinforced the importance of spaces where young people feel supported and inspired about their futures.
“This camp has benefited me in ways that I can’t put into words. The friends that I have been blessed to spend hours with, talking, laughing, bonding through banter and stories. Sharing smiles and guidance, creating a family of brothers, sisters, Uncles and Aunties…these camps cannot possibly run often and long enough for the attendees to be satisfied,” another participant said.
