2024 ANNUAL REPORT


Murrup Barak acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work, learn and live: the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung and Bunurong peoples (Burnley, Fishermans Bend, Parkville, Southbank and Werribee campuses),theYortaYortaNation(DookieandSheppartoncampuses),andtheDja DjaWurrungpeople(Creswickcampus).
The University also acknowledges and is grateful to the Traditional Owners, Elders and Knowledge Holders of all Indigenous nations and clans who have been instrumentalinourreconciliationjourney.
WerecognisetheuniqueplaceheldbyAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeoples as the original owners and custodians of the lands and waterways across the Australiancontinent,withhistoriesofcontinuousconnectiondatingbackmorethan 60,000 years. We also acknowledge their enduring cultural practices of caring for Country.
WepayrespecttoElderspast,presentandfuture,andacknowledgetheimportance ofIndigenousknowledgeintheAcademy.Asacommunityofresearchers,teachers, professional staff and students we are privileged to work and learn every day with Indigenouscolleaguesandpartners.
InmakingthisAcknowledgmentofCountrywecommittorespectfulandresponsible conduct towards all others according to the Traditional lores of this land, particularlyattimesofformalceremony
Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Bunitj, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung woman
Acrossourwebsite,socialmediaplatforms,andpublications,youwillseeanimageofBunjilthecreatorspiritwhotakestheformofthewedge-tailedeagle.Thisillustrationwascreatedby NakiaCaddwhohasworkedcloselywithourstafftocentreBunjilasakeystoneofouridentity.
ThisdepictionofBunjilhonourstheCountryweworkonaswellasthestrengthand determinationofourcollectivefutures.ItalsorepresentsourpastandpresentAboriginaland TorresStraitIslanderstudentsatTheUniversityofMelbourne.
WearedeeplyappreciativeofNakia'sworkinproducingthisillustrationofBunjil,centring VictorianAboriginalartistryandthestoriesofCountryinthesouth-eastofVictoria.
InalaCooper
Ngajigurrjin(warmgreetings!)
Whenever we talk about our work at Murrup Barak we speak the Woiwurrung words of our title, in honourofWilliamBarak,inwhose murrup (sprit)we arenamed.The murrup ofWilliamBarak,whowasa Ngurungaeta (Elder) of the Wurundjeri, encompasses advocacy, relationship building, leadership, cultural expression, and the holding of knowledge We endeavour to reflect this murrup through our values of Respect, Reciprocity, Accountability,Commitment,Unity,andHumility.
Indigenous students at University of Melbourne are studyingacrossallfaculties,atalllevels,andarethe central purpose for Murrup Barak in supporting academic success and building a sense of communityoncampus.Thisyearwehaveover500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, with themajorityundertakinggraduatestudies
“When we speak of our work at Murrup Barak, we honor the murrup of William Barak, the revered Wurundjeri Elder whose legacy shapes our purpose ”
Hereweprovidesomehighlightsoftheworkwearemostproudofandwhichhavehadthegreatest impact.ManyofoursuccessesarearesultofcollaboratingwithotherpartsoftheUniversityandthis isastrengthwhichdrivesustocontinuouslyelevateandimproveourserviceprovision,community building,andcontributionsacrosstheIndigenousportfolioatMelbourne.
This year we strengthened our leadership with the appointment of an Associate Director and welcomedDrJoshCubillotoourteam.Josh’sexperienceasaneducatorandresearchintobringing Indigenous knowledge into learning spaces, underpins his commitment to Indigenous student success.
AlongsidecolleaguesacrosstheUniversitywearelookingtothefuturewithastrengthofmurrup,to continuouslylearnandexcelinourendeavours,andwithstudentsattheheartofeverythingwedo.
Ourvaluesguidethewayweoperateandhowweinviteotherstoengageandwork withus.Ourdiversecommunityincludesourstaffandthestudentswhoaccessour services. It is our expectation that all community members will uphold these valuestofosterrespectfulrelationships.
Humilityfosterscuriosityandawillingnesstoembracenew ideas.
Commitmenttoourwordsandactionsdeterminesour success.
Accountabilitytoourcommunities,students,andcolleagueshonors thosewhocamebeforeusandthosewhowillfollow.
Respectisthefoundationofallhealthyrelationships,cultivatingtrust, safetyandwellbeing.
Reciprocityacknowledgesthesharingofknowledgebetweenour communitymembersanditsimportancetoAboriginalandTorresStrait Islandersociety.
UnityrecognisesthediversityofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslander cultures,whilepromotingtheimportanceofsolidarity.
Murrup Barak means ‘the spirit of Barak’ in Woiwurrung language. This name was chosen to honour the memory of William Barak – a visionary Wurundjeri leader.
The murrup of William Barak, who was a Ngurungaeta (Elder) of the WurundjeriWilam clan, encompasses advocacy, relationship building and nurturing, leadership, cultural expression and advocy, and the holding of knowledge. We endeavour to reflect this murrup through our values of Respect, Reciprocity,Accountability,Commitment, Unity,andHumility.
WehaveadiverseteamofAboriginaland TorresStraitIslanderstaffwhocontribute to our strategic objectives while supporting the Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslanderstudentcohort.
Our key role is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students withintheUniversityofMelbourne. Wealsoworkcloselywithotherareasof theUniversityto:
Advocate for future and current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderstudents. Enhance the student experience through access to enrichment programsandacademicresources. Elevate and amplify student voices ininitiativesandprojectsacrossthe University.
Weaimtoprovideasafeandsupportededucationaljourneyforfutureandcurrent students.GuidedbyvaluesofRespect,Reciprocity,Accountability,Commitment, Unity,andHumility,MurrupBarakworkstocreateavibrantandsupportive community,advancingeducationalsuccessandculturalengagementacrossthe university.
InalaCooper
DrJoshCubillo Director AssociateDirector
Inala Cooper is a Yawuru woman with German and Irish heritage, from Rubibi/Broome in the Kimberley in Western Australia. She grew up on Gunditjmara land in south-western Victoria and has lived on thelandoftheKulinnationinMelbournefor almost thirty years. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Drama/Contemporary Dance) and a Masters of Human Rights Law, and has long been an advocate for Indigenous rights, access to education, and social justice. Inala is a regular contributor on ABC News Breakfast and The Drum, and is also a directoronanumberofnot-for-profitboards, includingStateLibraryVictoriaandtheAdam BriggsFoundation.
Dr Josh Cubillo is Associate Director at Murrup Barak and leads the work of the Outreach and Engagement, and Student Success teams. Josh’s background is in teaching and his thesis discovers what ‘learning on country’ means and how nonIndigenous teachers in urban settings can integrate Indigenous knowledges into their curriculum. Josh has been a program manager in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and the Indigenous Health Leadership Coordinator at the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. His approach to teaching builds confidence in learners and his leadership is innovative and empowering of others which enhances the strengthandsustainabilityofMurrupBarak
LastyearProfessorBarryJuddwroteaboutwhyleadershipinIndigenoushighereducationhas never been more important on the launch of the University’s Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring. He reminded us of the strength of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in a time where issues like climate, health and wellbeing, truth-telling, and addressing historical injusticesareattheforefront.
When I came into my role as Director of Murrup Barak in March 2020, I was the only Senior ManagerinanIndigenous-identifiedroleattheUniversityofMelbourne. Thisnumberhasnow growntosevenacrosstheUniversity Takingonthisroleandworkingwithanamazingteamof AboriginalandTorresStraitIslandercolleagueshasbeenanabsolutedelightandinspiresme daily. To be among strong Indigenous innovators, creators, thinkers and leaders every day at Murrup Barak is a huge motivator to succeed in our mission for student success and to continuouslyadvanceIndigenousleadershipatourinstitution.
Director, Murrup Barak
The success of Murrup Barak lies not only in the people who make up our team but in the supports we receive from across the University, the community, and core to our purpose, the dedicationandexcellenceofAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderstudents
ThereisagrowingstorytotellofIndigenousleadershipatMelbourne.TheimpactofIndigenous leadershipintheChancelleryandthegrowththathasemergedunderthestrongstewardshipof Professor Marcia Langton, Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), and morerecentlytheappointmentofTirikiOnustoProVice-Chancellor(Indigenous)
The Indigenous professoriate continues to flourish with increasing numbers of academics choosingtheUniversityofMelbournetoadvancetheirresearchandteaching,carvingoutmore andmorespaceinthesandstoneforIndigenousknowledges.
Inala Cooper
IndigenousStudentAmbassadorsatMurrupBarakareessentialinfosteringanengaging,inclusive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Ambassadors lead and support programs that connect students to the university community, offer mentorship for new students, andfacilitateon-campusexperiences,includingDhumbaliandYagilaithCamp.
Tothe2024MurrupBarakStudentAmbassadors–thankyouforyourinspiringcommitment!Your hardworkanddedicationhavesignificantlyenrichedtheexperienceofAboriginalandTorresStrait Islander students at the University of Melbourne. We truly appreciate your contributions to mentoring, outreach, and creating a supportive community. Your efforts have made a lasting impact,andwearegratefulforeverythingyouhavedoneinthepastyear.
Yorta Yorta | Wadi
Wadi, Ngurai Illum
Wurrung | Dja Dja
Wurrung | Wamba
Wemba
Wealsowelcomedanumberofschoolsandgroupsoncampusincludingstudentsparticipatingin VictorianIndigenousEngineeringWinterSchool(VIEWS),ResidentialIndigenousScienceExperience (RISE),andWEHIDeadlySciencePathwaysProgram.
Yagilaithmeans‘learning’inWoiWurrunglanguage.
In July, the Murrup Barak Outreach Team proudly hosted the annual Yagilaith Camp oncampusexperience,welcoming26Year11andYear12studentsfromacrossthenation.This transformative event, now in its third year, continues to foster a sense of community and belonging among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students, offering them a unique opportunity to connect with peers and experience life on campus guided by MurrupBarakstaffandAmbassadors.
Wurundjeri elder, Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr extended a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for theenrichingdaysahead.
The highlight of the week was the “A Day at Melbourne” event, a platform for students to explore academic pathways and envision their future. Alongside this, participants took part in workshops led by the Murrup Barak team, delving into topics that resonate deeply with theirculturalidentityandpersonalaspirations
Yagilaith has made a significant impact, earning the Melbourne Excellence Award for Excellence in Building and Strengthening Student Diversity in 2023. This recognition underscores the program’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Aboriginal and TorresStraitIslanderleaders.
As we look forward to Yagilaith 2025, we encourage all Year 11 and Year 12 students to apply. Applications are close in April each year. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to forge connections, celebrate their culture, and expand their horizons.
AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderstudentsarerepresentedacrossallfacultiesatthe UniversityofMelbourne,fromBachelordegreetoDoctorates. ThecontributionsofIndigenous studentssignificantlyenhancetheUniversity'scommitmenttoinclusionandrepresentation acrossdisciplines.
145 Indigenous students commenced in graduate programs during 2024. This brought the proportion of Indigenous students enrolled postgraduate degrees to 59.4% compared to 40.6% enrolledinundergraduatedegrees.
9 Indigenous students commenced with Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarships, bringing the total number of Indigenous Chancellor’s Scholars to 42. These high-achieving students, who have achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, are provided fee exemptions and are guaranteed a place in a graduateprogramoftheirchoiceiftheysatisfyeligibilityrequirements.Studentsalsoreceivealiving allowanceforupto3years.
Tully Mahr, a proud Gundungurra woman and Master of Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace) student is making her mark in both her studies andhercommunity.
Tully’sallaboutgrowth,opportunity,andstaying connected to culture. Talking about her uni experience, she admits it’s not always easy: “Academia is tough you’re constantly running into challenges and uncertainty,” she says. “But that’s what makes it worth it You’re learning so much aboutyourfieldandyourself.”
Tullyhastakenanactiveroleincommunityengagementinitiatives.She’sbeeninvolvedinincredible programslikeVIEWS,RISE,andReturnToCountry,andengagingcommunitiesinSTEMworkshops across Australia. She’s also a founding member of the Faculty of Engineering and IT Indigenous AdvisoryBoard,whichpromotesIndigenousinclusionandexcellence
“Being a mentor in these programs has been a privilege. It’s allowed me to connect with younger mob and share my experience as an Indigenous woman in STEM.”
Two standout moments in Tully’s academic journey include a research project at NASA’s Jet PropulsionLaboratory(JPL)andherworkwiththeReachAlliance.AspartoftheNationalIndigenous SpaceAcademy,sheinternedatNASA’sJPLfor10weeks,workingonastrobiologyresearch.“Itwasa specialexperiencethatopenedsomanydoors,”shesays ThroughtheReachAlliance,Tully’sresearch on grassroots recycling in Chile took her to conferences in New York and Toronto, expanding her academicandprofessionalnetworks.
When asked what advice she would give to future Indigenous students, Tully emphasizes the importance of seeking out new experiences, even when they’re not obvious or seem intimidating “Studying at the University of Melbourne offers a wealth of valuable opportunities, but they’re not alwayshandedtoyouonaplatter,”sheexplains.“Youhavetoactivelylookforthem,andifsomething catchesyourinterest,applyforit nomatterhowoutofreachitmightfeel.Youneverknowwhatwill inspireyou,andoften,themostunexpectedopportunitiesofferthegreatestgrowth.”
LucaMartin
Alumnus Luca Martin, a proud Bundjalung and Kamilaroi man has broken significant barriers on his journey through academia. Recently completing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy with a minor in Politics and International Relations, Luca’s thesis explored the influential work of philosopher Martin Heidegger, examining his impact on 20thcenturyenvironmentalphilosophy.
Reflecting on his journey, Luca acknowledges that working at the University of Melbourne once felt like a far-off dream. During his Honours, he worked a variety of odd jobs to make ends meet, and stepping into a professional role at the University seemed out ofreach However,hisdesiretocollaboratewith Indigenous colleagues and help shape a more inclusive institution drew him in. Luca discovered a community of students and staff committed to fostering a space where Indigenous culture and education can thrive This shared vision of a more inclusive and empoweringenvironmentforyoungIndigenous students sparked Luca’s dedication. He now finds himself surrounded by a network of likemindedcolleaguesworkingtowardthesegoals
For Luca, cultural connection is crucial, and he finds it in everyday interactions with his Indigenous colleagues. "I’ve found a lot of solace working with Indigenous colleagues at my job, especially in projects or events that allow for open and honest yarns over tea and biscuits," he shares. This sense of connection grounds him and strengthens his resolve to continue pushing for a better, more culturally richeducationalexperience.
Luca’s advice to Indigenous students is simple butpowerful:advocateforyourself.Hereminds students that their perspectives and histories are invaluable and that they belong at the University as much as anyone else. He encourages them to succeed academically, challenging any lingering stereotypes and redefiningnarrativesaboutIndigenousstudents in higher education. “Lean on your friends and allies,” he advises, “and speak up when faced withinjustice”
Moreover, Luca highlights the importance of accessing scholarship opportunities, pointing out that financial aid isn’t charity it’s a tool to empowerIndigenousstudentsandenabletheir success.
In his work and in his words, Luca Martin is a force for progress, breaking down barriers and fostering a future where Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and celebrated in the academiclandscape
Proud Muruwari and Kooma man, Brigalow, hasrecentlygraduatedwithaBachelorofArts Honours in Indigenous Studies. His Honours thesis, titled “Analysis of Youth Justice Policy in Aboriginal Communities: Government accountability and Aboriginal-led solutions,” offered an in-depth exploration of Aboriginal youthjusticepoliciesinAustralia.Theresearch focused on landmark reports, such as the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody,theClosingtheGapinitiative,andthe VictorianYouthJusticeStrategy.
While pursuing his studies, Brigalow gained invaluable experience working as a policy officer at Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), where he deepened his understanding of governance within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). This experience, coupled with his academic background, has fuelled Brigalow’s commitment to embark on a PhD to further interrogate governance structures that fail to embed selfdeterminationinpoliciesandorganisations.
During his studies, Brigalow embraced numerouscommunityandleadershiproles.He was recently involved in the 2024 Reach Alliancecohort,whereheworkedwithstudent researchers from Chile, Australia, and Colombia. Selected for the Colombia study, Brigalow collaborated with Indigenous South Americans displaced by conflict, gaining insights into the challenges faced by Indigenouscommunitiesglobally
Brigalow’s academic journey includes diverse international experiences, such as study trips to Oxford and the University of the Andes, global Indigenous conferences, The Reach Alliance and Association of Pacific Rim Universities’ Indigenous KnowledgesConferenceinSantiago,Chile.
Through these ventures, Brigalow has gained insights into Indigenous challenges worldwide, particularly through collaborationwithIndigenouscommunities inSouthAmerica.
For Brigalow, staying connected to culture through Elders and community is key He believes academic success and cultural identity go hand in hand. His journey highlightsthepowerofeducationindriving self-determination and the potential for global Indigenous collaboration Looking ahead, Brigalow will embark on his next academic journey and commence his PhD atTheUniversityofPotsdam.
Navigating university life as an Indigenous student comeswithuniquechallengesandopportunities.For Elias, a proud Djab Wurrung & Kirrae Wurrung man studying a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies & Media Communications, the journey has been transformative culminating in a life-changing experience at the United Nations Permanent Forum onIndigenousIssues(UNPFII)inNewYork.
Elias has always been passionate about global Indigenous rights. His interest in human rights and advocacyledhimtoexploremechanismsthatexistfor Indigenous peoples to assert and protect their inherentrightsonaglobalscale Thisdriveultimately brought him to the 23rd session of UNPFII, where he attended as part of the National Native Title Council delegation. Having the opportunity to speak at the UnitedNationswasadefiningmoment.
“Going to the UNPFII was the perfect opportunity to see how Indigenous rights are championed globally. The knowledge I gained about other Indigenous nations their struggles and triumphs has been invaluable. It has complemented my studies and career while also instilling in me a newfound confidence in my own advocacy”.
Reflectingonhisacademicjourney,Eliasemphasisestheimportanceofpacingoneselfandresisting thepressuretoexcelatanunsustainablerate.“Everyoneisontheirownjourney.Atthestartofmy studies,Ifeltanimmensepressuretobethebestofthebest itwasexhausting.WhatI’velearnedis thattakingthingsatapacethatworksforyou,prioritisingyourmentalhealth,andallowingyourself torestareessential.”
Elias’ transition to university life was not without its hurdles. “Moving to Melbourne and starting universityfeltlikesteppingintoawholenewworld.Theworkload,thesystems,eventhecampus it was overwhelming At times, I felt like an outsider” But through connecting with other Indigenous studentsandstaff,hequicklyfoundhisfooting.“It’scrucialtoleanonyoursupportnetworks.Asking questions, seeking guidance, and engaging with community can make all the difference. Once I realisedthatsomanyothersfeltthesameway,thatfeelingofbeinganoutsiderdisappeared.”
AsEliascontinueshisjourney,hisexperiencesserveasaninspirationforotherIndigenousstudents. Hisstoryisatestamenttothepowerofadvocacy,theimportanceofculturalconnection,andthe strengthfoundincommunity.
Dhumbali means 'commitment' in Woi-wurrung language.
DhumbaliisdesignedtosupportandempowerfirstyearAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderstudentsas theybegintheiruniversityjourney.
The program introduces students to key support services and includes cultural workshops that help create a meaningful and grounded university experience.
Italsohelpsstudentsbuildasenseofcommunityby connecting with peers who are starting their studies at the same time Student Ambassadors play an important role, offering guidance and sharing their unique experiences as Indigenous students at the University.
In 2024, 29 students participated in the week-long Dhumbali program, held at Murrup Barak and Queen’sCollege.
“My favourite activity was the acknowledgment of country activity. I liked learning about how we can put a personal touch on an acknowledgment.”
“I loved going to Mabu Mabu as it allowed me to really get to know people and bond over our cultural experiences surrounding food.”
Activities
WelcometoCountryand SmokingCeremonybyDjirri DjirriandAuntyMandy Nicholson Servicesspeeddating TheAmazingRace MobBingo
LunchatMabuMabu CulturalWorkshopbyWanyara BirrarungWilamWalkbyKHT Crafternoon TourofQueensCollege
Murrup Barak is committed to expanding international opportunities for Indigenous studentsandstaff,alignedwithPriority2.4oftheIndigenousStudentPlan2023-2027.This commitment includes expanding access to study abroad programs and promoting leadershipandprofessionaldevelopmentthroughbroadercohortexperiences.
In2024,MurrupBarakwelcomedIndigenousinternationalguestsfromCanadaandJapan, creating valuable opportunities to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences in Indigenous tertiary education. On the international stage, staff were also privileged to attend both Native American and Indigenous Studies Association (NAISA) conference and World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC), strengthening global connectionsandpartnerships
Murrup Barak proudly supported 13 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in attending short term and semester-long international experiences.
Aswelooktothefuture,weaspiretocontinueexpandingaccesstoglobalopportunitiesthat elevateandempowerIndigenousstudentstoleadwithconfidence,connectacrosscultures, andshapeabetterfutureasglobalcitizens.
In2025MurrupBarakwilltakeupanewresidenceinthepurposebuiltStudentPrecinct From January2025wewillbeoperatingfromournewspaceonLevel6,Building168,ParkvilleCampus.
ThedesignofthenewofficespacehasbeenledbyUniversityofMelbournealumnaandPalawa womanSarah-LynnRees,LeadIndigenousAdvisoratJCB.Sarah-LynnreceivedmultipleDeans awardsduringherdegreeanddesignedtheAtlanticFellowsspaceonLevel5oftheArtsandCultural BuildingattheUniversity.Ournewworkspacehasbeendesignedwithstudentandstaffneedsin mind–fromthedesignaesthetic,throughtoworkstations,meetingrooms,kitchen,breakoutspaces, storage,andbathrooms.
Ournewhomewillenablegreatercollaborationamongourteam,andprovideourstudentswith brandnew,beautiful,andcomfortablestudyandinformalspaces.Itwillalsofeatureacommissioned artworkbyGunditjmara,YortaYortaandWembaWembaartistTomDay.
Keyhighlightsofournewspace
CentrallocationintheheartoftheStudentPrecinct
Easyaccesstonearbyamenities,foodoutlets,cafesandpublictransport
Culturalanddesignexcellence-aestheticreflectsIndigenousculture State-of-the-artamenities
Studentfocusrooms,privateandcollaborativespaces
Bathrooms:Men's,women's,andall-genderoptions.
KitchenandBreakoutAreas
Asharedmainkitchenforstaffandstudents.
TheStudentPrecinctprojectisoneofthebiggestinvestmentstheUniversityhasmadeinitsiconic Parkvillecampustodate,andsignalstheUniversity’scommitmenttodeliveringaworld-class, campus-basedexperienceforallstudents
LocatedintheheartoftheParkvillecampus,onthecornerofGrattanandSwanstonStreets,the StudentPrecinctProjectprovidesexpansivenewindoorandoutdoorspacesforstudentstocome together,learnandconnect.
It’sthefirstfullyco-createdmajorprojectintheUniversity’s170-yearhistory.Thismeansthatthe voiceoftheUniversitycommunityhasbeenatthecentreoftheproject’sdesignanddevelopment, withmorethan20,000students,staffandalumniactivelycontributingtheirviews,ideasand expertisetoinformtheplanninganddesignprocess.