Our Story
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence is not about striving for external validation; it’s about finding meaning, motivation and satisfaction within. It grows from connection to Country, to our Elders, to shared knowledge, and to the long journey of our people shaping their own futures with pride.
We believe in the potential of our people, and that everyone deserves a place to belong, grow, and succeed.
NCIE is a not-for-profit First Nations-led organisation on Gadigal Country providing a safe, culturally grounded space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to learn, heal, connect and thrive.
We exist to create life-changing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our focus is on supporting strong cultural identity, fostering community connection, strengthening wellbeing and providing pathways to education, employment and leadership.
Our Purpose
Our Journey
When people think of the beating heart of urban Aboriginal Australia, they think of Redfern, a suburb of significant importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, situated on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people. NCIE is built on a place of deep history, beginning as Redfern Public School in 1879, a school that educated generations of Aboriginal children. The site later became a national centre for Indigenous learning and excellence.
Timeline
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1877
Land purchased for Redfern Public School
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1879
School opens; becomes a key place for Aboriginal education
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1902
A three-storey infants’ wing added
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1913
School expands into primary and secondary departments
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2006
Site acquired by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILSC)
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2010
NCIE officially opens as a national hub for Indigenous excellence
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2022
Custodianship transfers to NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC); NCIE enters a new chapter of renewal and community-led purpose
A New Chapter For NCIE
NCIE is entering a renewed custodianship model between NSWALC and ILSC. This transition strengthens our long-term future and ensures the site remains a place of cultural safety, opportunity and community connection.
The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), NCIE Ltd, Tribal Warrior, and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MetroLALC) are pleased to announce a new partnership to secure the future of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern.
A Message From Our CEO
Our community fought to save NCIE because this place represents far more than programs or facilities. It represents hope, pride and the future of our young people. As we enter this new chapter, our commitment is simple: to honour the vision of our Elders, listen deeply to our community, and ensure NCIE remains a place where culture, connection and excellence grow for generations to come.”
- Grant Cameron, CEO, NCIE
Whether you participate, partner, volunteer, or support - everyone’s welcome at NCIE.
Join Our Journey
“NCIE is a place of power, a place of strength for our youth to move forward and to encourage other youth to come along and then we'll have a strong unity within our community.”
- Uncle Bert