MVCE Future Aspirations Camp 2025 - What a Deadly Week!

Over four days, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from Victoria’s eastern region came together for a unique camp experience that blended culture, creativity and career exploration. Hosted by Swinburne, in partnership with the Moondani Vocational Centre of Excellence (MVCE), the Future Aspirations Camp gave students the opportunity to connect deeply with culture and Country while discovering pathways through vocational education and training (VET).

Honouring culture

The camp opened with a focus on grounding students in culture and connection. A Smoking Ceremony led by Aunty Julie Coombes welcomed students to Country, followed by activities like a bush walk, outdoor games and a “Get to Know Me” Bingo session that encouraged bonding and storytelling.

The camp included a guided cultural tour at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne, which helped students explore how culture continues to evolve. The Koorie Heritage Trust plays a vital role in celebrating the history and identity of Aboriginal people from South Eastern Australia. Swinburne’s collaboration with the Koorie Heritage Trust also supports cultural competency training for university staff, further embedding First Nations perspectives into its institutional fabric.

Exploring career opportunities

Across Swinburne’s campuses, students got a firsthand look at vocational pathways through engaging, hands-on workshops.

At the Wantirna campus, they tried their hand at bricklaying in a VET Taster session facilitated by John Claxton, Swinburne VET Teacher and Jane Clancy, Swinburne Manager, Carpentry and Bricklaying. This was followed by STEM-based exploration at the Knox Innovation Opportunity & Sustainability Centre (KIOSC), where students tackled real-world challenges through technology and collaboration. KIOSC inspires and empowers students with the skills and knowledge they need for their future careers, through engaging, innovative programs.

At the Croydon campus, students explored carpentry in another VET Taster session, where they worked together to construct a bridge.

They also learned about upcoming opportunities through the MVCE, including a future-focused art initiative titled the MVCE Art Project by Morganna. Scheduled for April 2026, this two-day creative workshop will see students design an augmented reality (AR) experience sharing Indigenous knowledge tied to Swinburne’s Indigenous Learning Circles. 

Hosted by Swinburne’s School of Design and Architecture, the workshop will involve collaboration with First Nations creative practitioners, exploring the Kulin peoples’ seven seasons and six layers of Wurundjeri Country. 

Students will develop creative, digital and cultural skills, with their work turned into an AR experience by EyeJack and showcased in a community exhibition. 

Creativity and leadership

Leadership and creativity were central themes, particularly during the visit to Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus. Students participated in a LEGO robotics workshop and then took part in a fashion and cultural art session led by Aboriginal-owned label Gammin Threads,  showing how culture can be both modern and entrepreneurial.

A visit to the Richmond Football Club offered insight into leadership and teamwork. As a long-time Swinburne partner, the club has delivered sports diploma programs to over 1,000 students, with collaboration extending to education, research, diversity and community initiatives.

Celebration

The camp wrapped up with a community BBQ at the Croydon campus, hosted by Swinburne. Families, staff and students came together to reflect on the experience and celebrate the journey.

The 2025 MVCE Future Aspirations Camp highlighted the importance of cultural pride and showcased the pathways available through VET education. Students left empowered, informed, and inspired, ready to take on their futures with confidence and connection. The future is bright for these young leaders.