When you study with the NIKERI Institute, you'll gain a fully accredited Deakin degree while learning in a space with shared cultural values and belief systems. You'll take part in several on-campus week-long intensives throughout the year at our Kitjarra residences, then continue your studies online at home. We call this community-based delivery.
The NIKERI Institute offers an Indigenous Direct Admissions Program (IDAP). This is a week-long immersive on-campus program at our Kitjarra residences to help you prepare for university. All prospective students who have completed an online application to NIKERI Institute are invited to attend the program.
The program is designed to give you the study skills to succeed at university. You’ll experience on-campus study blocks similar to the community-based delivery model, start to build relationships with classmates and prepare for university life.
The Indigenous Tutorial Network helps you to gain access to a tutor in your area to help with your studies – even if you’re in the most remote of communities. The network is set up to be responsive and relevant to your individual needs.
Meaning 'learning place' in Wadawurrung language, the Kitjarra student study and accommodation residences will be your home away from home during study intensives. Located on the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, the healthy study environment includes:
We cover your transport to Deakin and back home again.
Contact us on +61 3 5227 2503 for more info about the residences, or to get travel support call 0417 102 872 or email us.
Your studies through the Institute will differ to the way that courses are usually conducted at Deakin. They have been adapted to be supportive, culturally respectful and flexible, considering the obligations and commitments you have in your home communities.
Experience the opportunity of gaining a fully accredited degree that encompasses Indigenous knowledges and experiences. All NIKERI Institute courses are adapted for community-based delivery to give you the flexibility and support to succeed. We also offer research and doctorate studies.
NIKERI Institute is strengthened by our highly experienced, friendly and professional staff and our advisory board, who maintain our ability to be a world-class education institute. All our staff have experience with teaching and learning in a culturally inclusive environment.
Professor Gabrielle Fletcher, Director
Kim Browne, Lecturer, Indigenous Knowledges
Kate Chealuck, Lecturer in Education (Primary)
Naomi David, Lecturer in Education (Early Years)
Dr John Davis, Senior Research Fellow
Dr Aleryk Fricker, Lecturer, Indigenous Education
Dr Bryan Fricker, Lecturer, Indigenous Knowledges
Rosemarie Garner, Lecturer in Education (Early Years)
Linda Gill, Teaching Scholar, Education Early Years
Dr Jessamy Gleeson, Senior Lecturer, Indigenous Curriculum Specialist
Associate Professor Sophie Goldingay, Associate Professor, Indigenous Knowledges
Penny Harry, Lecturer in Education (Primary)
Wilbert Mapombere, Lecturer in Law
Chels Marshall, Senior Research Fellow
Jorja Mckinnon, Lecturer in Education (Primary)
Suzanne Nunn, Lecturer in Land and Sea
Jodie Satour, Senior Lecturer in Social Work
Manuel Solis, Senior Lecturer in Law
Jamie Wheelahan, Lecturer in Nursing
Georgie Cameron, Marketing, Events & Project Officer
Mark Gilmore, Student Services Officer
Dale Hunt, Kitjarra Student Residential Coordinator
Kaelan Mcconville, Student Services Assistant (Scholarships)
Emmalina McLachlan, Student Services Assistant (Scholarships)
Coral Reeve, Academic Support Officer
Natasha Rossington, Team Leader Student Experience
Paula Simon, Administrative Coordinator
Mahi Solanki, Student Services Assistant (ICT Support)
Kate Towart, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Counsellor
Anna Tsiantas, Administration Assistant
We provide governance advice around key areas including Indigenous knowledge, courses, student engagement and community aspirations and partnerships. The board reflects the national scale of the Institute's activities and advises on cultural context and direction on strategic objectives.
Board members are external representatives from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, as well as internal representatives from the Institute, the Faculty of Arts and Education and the broader Deakin community.
*2021 Student Experience Survey, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
We deliberately use the terms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous, First Nations, First Peoples interchangeably and in doing so acknowledge that while people have personal preferences, none of these terms are perfect and with that imperfection each carry nuanced residual forms of colonial power. This content is developed with the core value of respect.
We're here to support you. If you have any questions or want to speak to someone about your study options, you can contact us by phone or email.
+61 3 5227 2538
1800 063 383
Email the NIKERI Institute
