Learning, Culture & Connection

Objective

The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence is a transformative community hub created through a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, Rumbalara Football Netball Club, Greater Shepparton Council, the Kaiela Institute and the Academy of Sport, Health and Education. Backed by over $30 million in Victorian Government funding, the Centre was designed to foster education, leadership and cultural connection for First Nations communities in the Goulburn Valley.

Blending striking architecture with the latest technology, the vision was to create a space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people could learn, collaborate and grow together. Bringing that vision to life required advanced AV and communications systems that would support remote and in-person engagement, enrich cultural storytelling and serve a wide range of dynamic spaces and user needs.

Solution

To support the Munarra Centre’s vision of cultural connection, education and engagement, Diversified designed and delivered a technology infrastructure that enhances how each space is experienced. From learning environments to communal gathering areas, the AV systems were selected and implemented not for their complexity, but for their ability to empower meaningful interactions.

Connected Classrooms That Expand Opportunity

In the centre’s flexible learning spaces, students and educators engage in seamless hybrid learning experiences powered by Crestron Flex systems. Ceiling microphones, camera tracking and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) support allow anyone, from a local student to a visiting elder or remote guest speaker, to participate with clarity and ease. These classrooms are designed for natural interaction, where the technology supports the lesson without distracting from it.

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Meeting Rooms

Boardrooms Built for Collaboration

For leadership, planning and strategic discussions, the boardrooms are equipped with intuitive video conferencing systems that deliver consistent performance and one-touch meeting functionality. These spaces enable local teams to connect with national and international partners, supporting the centre’s long-term development goals and expanding its network of influence.

A Campus-Wide Canvas for Communication

AV over IP video distribution powers content sharing throughout the entire site—indoors and out. Whether it’s a learning session projected on a 4K laser display or a cultural celebration in the courtyard, content can be shared in real-time across multiple zones. This flexible infrastructure turns the entire facility into a canvas for storytelling, teaching and community expression.

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Speakers in Courtyard

Communal Areas That Foster Cultural Celebration

In gathering spaces and outdoor courtyards, high-performance audio from JBL and Sennheiser systems fills the environment with music, voice and atmosphere. Bluetooth connectivity and roaming microphones make it easy to host events, share stories and celebrate community milestones. The audio systems were carefully aligned to suit the unique architectural features, including curved ceilings, to deliver immersive sound without compromising aesthetics.

Smarter Spaces with Streamlined Control

Interactive touch panels and digital signage throughout the facility simplify space management and communication. Users can easily book rooms, display event information or share messages in real time. These interfaces make the experience more accessible, especially for visitors and community members who may be unfamiliar with the technology.

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4K Laser Projectors

Always-On Support, Even From Afar

With Crestron XiO Cloud, the entire system can be monitored and managed remotely—ensuring uptime and reducing the need for on-site technical staff. This is particularly important in a regional setting like Shepparton, where fast local support isn’t always available. The centre can now rely on consistent system performance that’s maintained behind the scenes.

Impact

The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence has become a vibrant, inclusive hub where technology enhances connection, learning and cultural expression. With advanced AV systems seamlessly integrated into the architecture, students gain access to hybrid learning environments that connect them with educators and mentors worldwide, expanding opportunity and bridging distance. High-quality audio and flexible video distribution amplify cultural programming, ensuring every voice is heard and every story shared with impact.

Designed for ease of use and long-term reliability, the centre features intuitive systems and centralised remote management. These tools support everything from day-to-day classes to large community events with minimal technical intervention. Importantly, the technology was tailored to the building’s distinctive features, such as curved ceilings and open communal spaces, blending design with functionality.

Through thoughtful integration, the team created a dynamic, future-ready space that brings people together to learn, collaborate and celebrate culture—directly supporting the academy’s powerful vision.