New CIT Yurauna Building Officially Opened at Bruce Campus
Umesh Dhakal
KNA- Canberra
A new purpose-built learning centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students has been officially opened at the Bruce campus of the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).
The facility, known as Yurauna, has been established as a culturally safe and inclusive education space tailored to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. Sustainable, state-of-the-art infrastructure has been incorporated to promote learning, strengthen community connections and reinforce cultural identity.
Courses and study support in reading and writing, mathematics and communication are being delivered at the centre. In addition, Indigenous-specific vocational training is being provided to assist students in developing skills for future career pathways. Opportunities to undertake studies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural arts, history and creative Indigenous writing are also being offered. A range of Indigenous educational and student support services has been made available to enhance student success and wellbeing.
The name “Yurauna,” a Wiradjuri word meaning “to grow,” has been chosen to reflect the centre’s focus on empowerment and development. The opening has been described as a significant milestone for inclusive education in Canberra and as a demonstration of the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to respecting and preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The building has been designed through co-design workshops conducted with CIT Yurauna representatives and the Ngunnawal community to ensure that the space is welcoming and culturally appropriate. The centre has been integrated with the natural environment of the Bruce campus.
Construction was led by BYCC Alliance, a Supply Nation registered partnership between BY Group and Construction Control, with a strong focus on delivering quality infrastructure and positive Indigenous social outcomes.
The facility has been equipped with an art room, training rooms, community and yarning spaces, meeting rooms, quiet rooms and dedicated staff areas. Open, light-filled learning spaces have been created, and natural materials and landscaped outdoor areas have been incorporated to reflect connection to Country. Cultural artworks and thoughtful design elements have been embedded throughout the building to reinforce cultural identity and ensure that a safe and respectful environment is maintained.
The centre was opened for Semester 1 this year and forms part of the broader CIT Woden Campus Project, under which the new Woden campus was delivered in July 2025.
Further information can be accessed through the CIT website.
Source: ACT Government
