Koorie Heritage Trust

April 09, 2008

Koori Cohort wins industry support

Researchers from RMIT University’s Koori Cohort are celebrating the start of a new collaborative venture, after international resources sector firm Silcar came on board as a major sponsor of the initiative.

The collaboration, known as the Silcar Deep Listening Project, is a partnership that will foster the work of the Cohort’s Indigenous post-graduate researchers.

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, welcomed Silcar’s generous support of the Koori Cohort, which will receive funding over the next three years through the sponsorship agreement.

“This is a significant step in bringing together the best of Indigenous culture and know-how, leading management practices and excellence in learning and teaching and research,” Professor Gardner said.

“The Koori Cohort initiative is a key part of RMIT’s commitment to Indigenous education and research.
“We are grateful for the generous philanthropic support of companies like Silcar, which make it possible for the University to drive our vision and mission in Indigenous education further.”

Jointly owned by Siemens Ltd and Thiess Services Pty Ltd, Silcar provides asset management, construction and maintenance services to a range of client industries across Australia including manufacturing, energy systems, metal processing and mining.
Bernie Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Silcar, said the company was deeply committed to supporting the Indigenous researchers in the Koori Cohort.

Mr Cooper said the company was also committed to exploring the organisational benefits of Deep Listening, a concept that appears in many Aboriginal languages.

“Developing the capacity for Deep Listening enhances people’s ability to operate in a state of increased awareness and mindfulness, both in their work and private lives,” Mr Cooper said.

The program of engagement was designed by Koori Cohort co-ordinator Dr Laura Brearley and is supported by the RMIT Design Research Institute, the School of Education and the School of Art.

The Silcar Deep Listening Project is in two parts:

• a series of creative events that combine art, music, multi-media and Indigenous culture, including high-profile participation in the World Indigenous People’s Conference in Education (WIPCE) being held in Melbourne in December 2008; and

• consultation between the Koori Cohort and Silcar senior management to assist the company with their management of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees.

The dialogue established through the project will also form a blueprint for future engagements with other organisations.