Ms Gillard officially opened the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, saying it was an investment in the education of indigenous Australians.

Oorala Aboriginal Centre director Diane Mumbler was elated the Deputy PM and Minister for Education recognised the centre and its contribution to “closing the gap”.

Ms Gillard commended the work of the staff and their passion in delivering support to indigenous Australians pursuing higher education.

Ms Mumbler said the centre, which the organisation moved into last year but was officially opened yesterday, was “culturally successful”.

“The building is designed to reflect indigenous learning and the connection to the natural environment,” she said.

“Aboriginal people can relate to their culture in an educational centre and can maintain their

identities.”

According to Ms Mumbler, the aim of the centre – and the staff’s goal – was to encourage Aboriginal people to participate in higher education.

Ms Gillard said the centre was part of the Government’s endeavour to give indigenous Australians the same chance to finish secondary school and move into higher education as mainstream

Australia.

Ms Gillard also opened the UNE’s new learning commons yesterday.

UNE pro vice-chancellor Eve Woodberry said there had been a shift in how students learnt.

The university needed to provide resources that facilitated learning.

The commons includes the academic skills office, student assist, IT assistance, study services, library services, research support, special needs support, career development, personal counselling and academic writing help.

Ms Gillard said the facilities would give students the chance to learn with the best tools the 21st century had to offer.

As the former university librarian Ms Woodberry said she was proud to have the learning commons officially opened.

“This has been an absolute passion of mine,” she said.

“It is... comparable to any other university in Australia. It gives us the competitive edge.”