ACU National to the Red Centre

During semester break, 44 ACU National students from all six campuses embarked on a journey to the Northern Territory on a spiritual and cultural adventure.
The event encompassed a University subsidised five day camping tour in the Northern Territory including Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru, organised by ACUNSA, and supported by the Indigenous Support Units and the Office of Student Success.

The trip gave both local and international students an opportunity to learn about indigenous culture and gain an appreciation for different traditions and ways of life, which will enhance studies in their chosen field.

Sarah Cosgrove, a first year nursing student who participated in the trip said, "it was an enriching experience and put into context a lot of what I have learnt about indigenous issues within my course. It gave us a chance to engage with indigenous culture on a spiritual level and see our Australia's natural wonders."

Through a week of workshops, sightseeing and discussion, the group left as a group of friends not only knowledgeable of indigenous culture but with appreciation for difference among all groups.

James Wood, ACU National Student Senator said, "The event was a huge success, largely due to the support of many groups at the university, in particular Prof. Anne Cummins who has supported the event from the beginning when planning commenced in 2008."

Each year, ACU National holds a national student event, which aims to unify and reinforce the national ACU community and identity and give students the opportunity to travel around Australia. Next year this will be The Big Event, a four-day conference in Melbourne, with the theme "A future with hope".

ACU Games, another national student will also take place next year in April at the Ballarat Campus. For more information on either of these events please visit www.acunsa.com.au