MTC Future Aspirations camp blends STEM and Indigenous culture

Swinburne University of Technology’s Moondani Toombadool Centre recently hosted 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across Australia for week-long Future Aspirations Camp. 

The Future Aspirations Camp, held at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus, blended cultural activities with university experiences to provide an immersive experience for Indigenous students. 

This camp had a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focus, providing students with the opportunity to participate in various STEM-focused experiences. 

Interactive learning experiences

Students were taken to the Aviation Simulation laboratory, where they tested various simulation technologies, hosted by student ambassadors. This immersive activity helped them understand the complexities of aviation and flight technology, while fostering teamwork and building bonds as they interacted with the student ambassadors.

Next, students visited the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav), which is hosted at Swinburne. Here, they participated in an interactive session led by Swinburne astrophysicist Dr Kirsten Banks, who shared insights into Indigenous astrophysics and engaged students in discussions about the field. 

Students with a particular interest in astrophysics joined breakout groups where they worked more closely with Dr Banks and explored topics relevant to their interests. Students also used virtual reality technology to further immerse themselves in the world of astrophysics.

At Swinburne's Centre for Transformative Media Technologies Capture Studio, students  got to scan and digitise their bodies using the motion and volumetric capture technology and insert themselves directly into a video game.

Additionally, students participated in an Indigenous health workshop, led by Swinburne Professor of Nursing and proud Wiradjuri woman, Professor Maria Mackay. During the session, students worked with medical training dummies and utilised the digital anatomy lab. 

Professor Mackay provided practical demonstrations, showing what Indigenous health looks like in practice and offered valuable insights into culturally safe health care. This workshop deepened student’s understanding of Indigenous approaches to health and wellbeing. 

Creative excursions

As part of the camp, excursions were organised to complement the on-campus activities and provide further opportunities for cultural enrichment. 

One of these excursions was to the Australian Open on Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day, where students participated in the Welcome to Country ceremony, delivered by Aunty Joy Murphy Warren. While there, students got to meet Australian Olympic champion and Indigenous icon Cathy Freeman AC, musician Budjerah and attend an Indigenous dance workshop.

Students also visited the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Here, they met with Indigenous project and game designers, who provided valuable insights into the industry. Students learned about the creative process behind game development and the various stages involved in bringing a game to life, further expanding their understanding of potential career pathways in the sector.  

Connecting through art, film and dance

Throughout the camp, students participated in various workshops to foster creativity and connection. 

This included an art workshop facilitated by an Indigenous artist, who guided students to create their own works. This session provided a supportive environment for meaningful conversations about contemporary Indigenous art and its role in storytelling. 

Students also participated in a film workshop with Swinburne sports journalism and Diploma of Screen and Media team, where they were taught skills, such as conducting interviews and handling filming equipment. The session included information about other Indigenous projects within the Moondani Toombadool Centre.  

Students left the camp with a greater appreciation for STEM and a better understanding of university life and the pathways available to them, while creating long-term bonds with each other and the Moondani Toombadool Centre.