The University of Canberra has re-signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF), expanding its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes across academic, research and innovation, employment, and community engagement.
The renewed agreement is based around four core initiatives. First, the student experience through guest lectures by IMF staff, case studies and internships for the first time. Second, cooperation and collaboration in research where UC researchers will be able to undertake research supporting the IMF. Third, professional and corporate development support from UC to the IMF organisation and their staff, and lastly, collaboration and support for UC and IMF events such as NAIDOC week celebrations.
UC's lead on the collaboration, Associate Lecturer of Sports Management, Stirling Sharpe says the partnership is being renewed with great enthusiasm from both sides.
"This provides a fantastic opportunity to work alongside an organisation who is doing great work in improving the lives of Indigenous Australians and we are excited to extend the partnership and the objectives to reach a greater number of students and assist the IMF in more ways than before," said Mr Sharpe.
"We have a great vision for the future of this partnership and what it can achieve for all involved."
Director of the IMF, Robert de Castella says education has always been a vitally important component in all the IMF programs.
"Education provides the tools for our young Indigenous men and women to drive positive change, and inspire and support their families and communities," said Mr de Castella.
"This MOU and our ongoing partnership with UC will enable the IMF to strengthen our offering and align our education strategies to meet the needs of our 100 IMP graduates and expand our programs across remote, regional and urban Australia."
The University signed the initial MOU with the IMF in 2017, with the renewed MOU to broaden the original agreement's objectives and provide various opportunities for UC students.
