News in brief

Sydney Uni denies Koori Centre closure

The University of Sydney has denied media reports – including an article in this publication – that it is closing its Koori Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) students.

Professor Shane Houston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), said that far from closing the centre, the university was actually expanding it. “There are no plans to close the Koori Centre,” Prof Houston said.

“Quite the opposite is true; we are currently working to expand the range of services and opportunities.”

Prof Houston said all current services and facilities for ATSI students would remain.

“Specifically, they will continue to have access to the common room, access to the computer laboratory and access to the library. There will be no change to the current course content and course offerings, students will continue to have access to [the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme] and student support services.”

Christmas choirs commence

Carolling choirs will help bring the spirit of Christmas to the Sydney CBD starting this week. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said choirs would serenade shoppers from 7pm-9pm each Thursday night until Christmas in the  Pitt St Mall, along Castlereagh Street, and around the Queen Victoria Building (QVB).

“We want to get everyone into the festive season. These carolling choirs, combined with our city’s famous festive decorations, will help create a magical Christmas atmosphere in key retail precincts,” Ms Moore said.

Sino-Sydney business workshops

Sydney businesses will learn how to make the most of the burgeoning Chinese tourist market at ChinaConnect – a new series of free workshops hosted by the City of Sydney Council. The workshops, to be held on 26 and 27 November at Customs House, are designed to help retail, hospitality and tourism businesses assist – and benefit from – Chinese visitors and students.

“[China] is one of our fastest-growing tourist markets, and we need to make sure we’re providing the right level of support so local businesses can make the most of the opportunity,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.