Yarning
Summer 2023 | Edition #15
Circle
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
The
Artwork by Chris Edward (2010) Swimmy Creek [Mixed media on Latvian linen 100cm x 145cm Western Sydney University Art Collection Image in Western Red].
Acknowledgement With respect for Aboriginal Cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support for its work in their lands in Greater Western Sydney and beyond. Disclaimers The opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the University or the organisation to which the authors are affiliated. Statements of fact are believed to be true as at the date of publication, and the University accepts no liability for the truth or accuracy of such statements. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following Publication may contain images or names of deceased persons. Publication Enquiries Please contact Matilda Harry at M.Harry@westernsydney.edu.au
Indigenous Student and Staff Basketball teams. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
Western’s Indigenous Students take the win at the inaugural Indigenous Students versus Staff Basketball Match On Friday the 6th of October Western Sydney University’s Indigenous students, staff and broader community came together for the inaugural Indigenous Student versus Staff Basketball Match at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. All players donned jerseys displaying our Western Indigenous Artwork and put in a massive effort on the courts. The event was well attended with Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education, Professor Susan Page, leading the cheer squad and broader community on the grandstands.
It was a day of coming together and building valuable connections between students and staff in a fun way that promoted Indigenous excellence and wellbeing through positive engagement. The staff team included Western’s Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock, two Deans, Professor Matt McGuire and Professor Brian Stout, and many others from across the University. The student team included undergraduate and post-graduate students from a range of schools and disciplines.
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The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
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The score was close for most of the first half of the game, with the students narrowly pulling ahead at half-time with a score of 31-29. Despite a rigorous effort by the staff, students came home particularly strong in the last quarter with the final score being 70-53. Many thanks to Kelsie King, Executive Officer in the Office of the Deputy ViceChancellor Indigenous Leadership, and Luke Hepburn, General Manager at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, for refereeing. Kelsie and Luke were astounded by each team’s sporting performances and camaraderie. They were particularly impressed by Arzycki De Vera’s, an Aboriginal Medicine student, performance and awarded him the Best and Fairest Player of the match. Several other staff and students won lucky door prizes. The winning student team was captained by Andrew Webster, an undergraduate student studying Paramedicine. “As a proud Wiradjuri man, to be captain of the inaugural Indigenous Staff versus Student Basketball Match was truly an honour. Being around new and familiar
MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR, INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP Welcome to the 15th edition of The Yarning Circle, the final issue for 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Matilda Harry for doing such an amazing job compiling The Yarning Circle since its inception in 2020. As I reflect on the past year, I think it is fair to say that I could not have ever imagined how it would have panned out. Of considerable importance, the nation held a referendum which challenged our communities in so many ways. I am so proud of the way Western Sydney University engaged with the dialogues, positioning ourselves as an institution that provided the community with forums, information and resources to safely discuss the various viewpoints of the referendum. I am also incredibly proud of the way we came together to support one another during such challenging times. 2
faces, including Elders, staff, students, Western alumni and community members, and making connections with them was the highlight of the occasion, that of course tied with the students being victorious! I could not ask for a better bunch to be my teammates. The level of sportsmanship displayed by both teams was of the highest calibre. The support shown on the day went above and beyond. I would like to thank all who worked behind the scenes to organise and run the event, it was incredible! I cannot wait to be part of it again in the future,” said Andrew Webster. Kristy Bell, captain of the staff team and Student Success Officer in the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, said she felt honoured to captain the staff team and play alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues who are passionate about supporting Indigenous success at Western. “The event was a fantastic reminder of the strong connections within Western’s Indigenous student and staff networks. A massive thank you to everyone who got involved, in particular Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and her office
for hosting and organising the event. Congratulations to the students who were this year’s winners. Next year I am sure the staff will redeem ourselves and come away with the win,” said Kristy Bell. Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, said both teams played with great spirit and pride. “There were a number of very talented players on both sides, however the student team played a phenomenal game and were just too good for the staff team on the day. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to what was a great game, particularly Kelsie and Luke who generously refereed the game.” “I am so proud of the way we serve Indigenous students at Western Sydney University. We provide academic guidance whilst having a lot of fun along the way. The Indigenous students and staff network at Western Sydney University is a strong community that is dedicated to Indigenous excellence. Our staff are dedicated to ensuring that students know they matter and that we are invested in their academic journeys,” said Professor Trudgett.
Other key highlights for 2023 include: • Securing $78.5 million through the NSW State Government WestInvest Scheme to establish an Indigenous Centre of Excellence at our Parramatta South Campus. The winning design team will be announced in the second half of December 2023. • Opening the First Peoples Walk at Kingswood, a beautiful space that pays tribute to the Traditional Custodians of that land, the Darug People. • Launching the 2023-2032 Indigenous Futures Decadal Strategy. • Contributing to various Australian Universities Accord submissions. • Appointing Professor Susan Page to the newly established Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education position. • Opening our newest Badanami centre at the Bankstown Campus. This space features a Wall of Hands, Yarning Circle and a beautiful mural created by Allan Mckenzie. • Hosting a series of events to engage staff, students and community including the Indigenous Staff Conference, Annual Yarramundi Lecture and the Indigenous Students v Staff soccer and basketball matches.
Professor Michelle Trudgett. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
It is somewhat of an impossible task to capture all the incredible examples of Indigenous excellence at Western this year. Together we are performing amazing work that is making a significant difference in the community. I would like to wish everyone a very safe and restful holiday season with your families and loved ones. I’m very much looking forward to 2024 as I know it is going to be another fantastic year for us at Western. Professor Michelle Trudgett (BA, MPS, EdD) Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership
Adrian Atkins
The Bold Conservation segment encourages Indigenous staff and students to share their ideas to promote discussions in a culturally safe environment. They reflect the authors personal views and not that of the University. Adrian Atkins. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
Adrian Atkins is a proud Goori man of the Anaiwan Nation, and the father of two daughters. Adrian is currently a Student Success Officer in the Badanami Centre on the Bankstown City Campus. Previously, Adrian has been employed as a Caseworker in the Reunification Team of Link-Up NSW wherein he assisted members of the Stolen Generations in locating their family, community and Country. As an adoptee, Adrian’s journey in life has taken him full circle, from knowing nothing about his origins to now being a registered Aboriginal Ownership and Deputy Chair of the Bulagaranda (Mt Yarrowyck) Aboriginal Area outside Armidale. In the following segment, Adrian offers personal insights into the recent national referendum for a Voice to Parliament from a First Nation sovereigntist, progressive no perspective. It is a great honour to be invited to write the Bold Conversation segment for this edition of The Yarning Circle. I would like to take this opportunity to first declare that this is not a paid infomercial, and I am not affiliated with many who were part of the No Campaign. Like many, I watched with great interest the coverage of the Referendum night as the results came in from around the country. Whilst the result came as no surprise to me, I must admit that I did have mixed emotions about it because I am mindful that I have many family and friends in the community that were to varying degrees invested in its outcome. However, for me personally and for many others, the failure of the Referendum bought with it a degree of relief that meant that an essentially bad idea would not come to fruition. On the other hand, the confronting fact remains for First Nations people in this country is that a significant number of Australians did reject the Referendum after fourteen years of negotiation and preparation and $450 million dollars of public money spent to date.
Over thirty years ago, I received my history and my political knowledge from the original members of FCAASTSI who led the campaign for the Referendum in 1967. Yet I believe the 2023 Yes campaign had attempted to promote concepts like fairness and that change was overdue, its aversion to disseminating more information to the Australian people was ultimately its undoing. I suspect this will be borne out in the pre-polling and exit polling data collected before and after the national vote. The Albanese Government’s tin ear towards the Australian public was on full display when it allowed such an important issue to be presented to a national Referendum at a time when it was very much in the throes of a post-COVID-19 economic crisis being mightily felt by a great many of us. I was always taught by the Aboriginal rights movement that you don’t stuff around with the Treaty. Therefore, I am more than relieved that the Voice to Parliament will not act as some kind of enabler and give licence to the Australian government to embark on an equally flawed treaty process. As the sky has not fallen in, I can safely say that I can live with the Referendum result. Upon reflection, I have not decided on whether the Voice to Parliament proposal was either an elaborate example of Anglo-Australia’s bestowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with beads and axes or the poisoned flour of the modern era. In equal measure, I found it alarming to witness a brash Yes vote campaign crumble and fade on the eve of the Referendum date and dispiriting to witness the proliferation of abuse, bigotry, and intolerance online and in public of First Nations people attempting to campaign. As close friends and associates were abused and trolled, I hold the firm opinion that attitudes and behaviours expressed during the campaign and what passes for political participation in this country was all too often far from edifying.
Before the Canberra noise returns, I see opportunities for us as a people to review the Reconciliation movement as I believe it is very clear that there remains some very deep philosophical issues with its policy and purpose. I also see the need to address the Commonwealth’s divisive and contrarian Indigenous policy program. Meanwhile, let us perhaps consider our legislative options like allocated seats in the Senate for Aboriginal representatives as proposed by Michael Mansell which is presently gaining support in Aboriginal Australia. The idea does have its merits, as succinctly put by Owen Turner a few weeks ago: “I don’t want a Voice to Parliament, I want a voice in parliament!”.
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
BOLD conversations
I believe that it is now time to address the moribund and tired leadership and it’s paucity of ideas that has brought us here and call them to account over their failure to address historical wrongs of the past. Let’s not let the Referendum be an excuse for our politicians to continue to do nothing. Rather than follow the neoassimilationists in the Reconciliation movement, I find inspiration in the good work of the Myall Creek Massacre Commemorative Committee in shining a light on what can be done in finding true reconciliation between the people of this country. I personally would have much preferred to see public money go towards the proposed education centre on its site than the emotional blackmail trotted out in the media at great expense prior to the Referendum. I am hopeful that the First Nations people, like their grassroots Aboriginal activists and the independent Indigenous media will find fertile ground in the wake of the Referendum to continue to advocate, challenge, and demand a better deal for our people and for this Country. The Referendum has held up a mirror to the current state of race relations in this country that has been long overdue. Let’s talk. 3
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Education Professor Susan Page Western Sydney University is pleased to announce Professor Susan Page’s recent appointment into the position of Pro ViceChancellor, Indigenous Education. The promotion of Professor Page’s position reflects her wide-ranging contributions to Western and the sector more broadly. Professor Page will continue to lead the Indigenous Learning and Teaching portfolio in this new role, while also incorporating new responsibilities. Professor Page is an Aboriginal scholar originally from Queensland, with over 25 years’ experience in the higher education sector. Her academic work and research focuses on Indigenous Peoples’ experience of learning and academic work in tertiary education, and student learning in Indigenous studies. Professor Page joined Western in mid-2021 as the Director of Indigenous Learning and Teaching and in this role, she contributed to the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledges in curricula across our Schools. Professor Page has also been
a vital member of the Indigenous Professoriate team, furthering the work of numerous committees, and was integral to the development of the 2023-2032 Indigenous Futures Decadal Strategy. Furthermore, Professor Page has served as an Indigenous representative on the Universities Australia Deputy ViceChancellor Academic Committee. Professor Susan Page, Pro ViceChancellor Indigenous Education, says she is honoured to be appointed into the role. “I am delighted to be continuing my work at Western and with Professor Michelle Trudgett, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous Leadership team, Indigenous colleagues and the broader university community,” said Professor Page. Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, congratulates Professor Page on her appointment, recognising that Western Sydney University is now one of two University’s Australia wide with an Indigenous Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor. “On behalf of the University community, I warmly congratulate Susan on this appointment. She is an outstanding
Professor Susan Page. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
leader in higher education and is passionate about expanding our knowledge and understanding of Indigenous matters and increasing participation in higher education. Susan’s appointment will help lead the implementation of Western’s Indigenous Strategy and work to strengthen Indigenous teaching, learning and research across the University,” said Professor Trudgett.
2023 Indigenous Staff Leadership Forum The inaugural Indigenous Leadership Forum was held on the 19th and 20th of October in Leura on Gundungurra land. This event saw Indigenous staff across various leadership roles at Western Sydney University come together to engage in critical discussions, build connections, and address concerns and opportunities for Western’s Indigenous students, staff and broader community. Ten staff were in attendance, including Western’s Indigenous Professoriate members and Indigenous Staff of a HEW 8 and above. The forum commenced with a Welcome to Country by Kelsie King and an overview from Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Leadership. All attendees participated in engaging icebreaker activities, promoting a sense of unity and camaraderie among the participants. These activities created a relaxed atmosphere and set the tone for open and constructive conversations throughout the event. The discussions were focussed on governance, leadership, and management. 4
Western’s Indigenous Leaders at the 2023 Indigenous Staff Leadership Forum.
The forum also featured a Cultural activity that celebrated the Gundungurra Nation in Leura, including a walk-through of Garguree (The Gully in Gundungurra language). Uncle David King provided a smoking ceremony and told stories of his family along with the journey of restoration at Garguree. The participants learnt about Gundungurra Culture and Traditional Practices and saw how partnerships between Western and Mob can benefit Country. For example, the team learnt how water testing techniques has helped in the documentation of Crayfish and how soil testing has assisted in bringing back the local flora.
Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy ViceChancellor of Indigenous Leadership, said the Indigenous Leadership Forum provided a platform for critical conversations and sharing of knowledge. “The Indigenous Leadership Forum was empowering and rewarding. There was an atmosphere of solidarity and unity among the Indigenous leaders at Western. I would like to thank Uncle David King for the smoking ceremony and for facilitating Cultural activities. This event will be a regular feature in the Western Sydney University Indigenous calendar,” said Professor Trudgett.
Dr Kirsten Thorpe, Worimi scholar and guest lecturer. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
Indigenous Pathways to Future Knowledges: Western’s symposium of Indigenous Research Excellence On Wednesday the 12th of September, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership proudly hosted the Indigenous Pathways to Future Knowledges research symposium on Parramatta South Campus. Western Sydney University would like to thank Dr Michelle Locke for Welcoming us to beautiful Darug Country, Professor Trudgett for her wonderful address and Professor Bodkin-Andrews for facilitating the day. The event featured a keynote presentation by Worimi scholar Dr Kirsten Thorpe, a renowned academic who draws on her lived experience of being an archivist and information professional working to increase access to archives for community revitalisation and resurgence. In Dr Thorpe’s keynote, she discussed the contested nature of the archives along with the harms and dangers of the colonial archiving model for First Nations people making specific reference to her research project ‘Unclasping the White Hand: Reclaiming and Refiguring the Archives to Support Indigenous Wellbeing and Sovereignty’. Her research has identified immediate reforms required to support Indigenous People’s archiving needs, including enacting a right of reply to records, and outlined a transformative model of Indigenous Living Archives on Country to support Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing in the archives, and redress from the impacts of colonisation.
In addition, Excellence in Indigenous Research was highlighted in a series of outstanding flashpoint presentations by nine Indigenous Higher Degree Researchers and Indigenous academics within Western Sydney University. These presentations encompassed a wide range of disciplines, methodologies, and methods focussed on a diversity of key Indigenous topics. This included topics such as Oceanic Bla(c)kness, Cultural safety, Country, Indigenous Early Career Researcher experiences, Indigenous disability and inclusion, Indigenous success, community development, and Indigenous leadership. To finish up the day, three awards were presented. Dr Kirsten Thorpe was asked to choose a winner for the having a Stand Out presentation, for which she chose Bradley Barnes. Professor Michelle Trudgett awarded Dr Sarah Kennedy the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership Award. Associate Professor Scott Avery was also awarded the People’s Choice Award. Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews, Western’s Director of Indigenous Research, presented all winners with a copy of one of his favourite Indigenous Research Methodological texts, ‘Sources and Methods in Indigenous Studies’. Professor Bodkin-Andrews said that an intellectual Indigenous firestorm was lit within the Indigenous Pathways to Future Knowledges research symposium.
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Indigenous Research Week presenters and some audience members. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
“It was a wonderful day showcasing not only the amazing research of Dr Kirsten Thorpe, who is a leader in resisting and correcting the colonial archives, but also the strength of Indigenous-led research at Western Sydney University. I’m exceptionally proud of all who presented and also the warm spirit that was evident throughout the day,” said Professor Bodkin-Andrews. To find out more about research opportunities offer at Western, please follow: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ research
Upcoming events Western Sydney University has planned a number of face-to-face and digital events in the coming months to showcase Indigenous knowledges, success and stories and empower networking and learning opportunities across all teams and Schools. All events may be subject to change. Please follow the link for updates on Western’s calendar and upcoming events: http://www.westernsydney.edu. au/aboriginal-and-torres-straitislander/events 5
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Western sponsors an award at the Hawkesbury NAIDOC Ball and celebrates with Uncle Greg as he was welcomed into Merana’s Hall of Fame
Western Sydney University’s Indigenous staff, students and alumni attended Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury Inc (Merana) NAIDOC Ball celebrations in late July. This was Merana’s fifth NAIDOC Ball with the highest number of attendees who came together to celebrate and recognise community groups and individuals who work tirelessly for, and with, Country and community. Western recognises the importance of supporting local initiatives and organisations, and thus the Future Student Engagement Team proudly sponsored an award at the event. Merana is a not-for-profit Indigenous organisation which is managed by a voluntary management committee. The company provides programs and services to Indigenous communities from birth to seniors across the Hawkesbury, Londonderry, Cranebrook, Riverstone and surrounding areas. Western Sydney University proudly sponsored the 2023 Hawkesbury NAIDOC Ball Aboriginal Person Caring for Country of the Year award which was presented to Uncle Lex Dadd. Uncle Lex is a Dharug man who has spent many years working on building bridges with a wide range of Darug and Indigenous communities to develop understanding and knowledges on Caring for Country. His dedication to the land has also been demonstrated through a significant amount of personal effort in restoring and improving Country. Uncle Lex has dedicated his life to Caring for Country and sharing knowledge of Aboriginal culture with
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our current and future generations. He has been tireless in educating people about land management practices, cultural burning, sustainable bush tucker harvesting methods and how to show respect for Country. Western Sydney University would once again like to congratulate Uncle Lex on receiving this award and thank him for his unwavering commitment to caring for this beautiful land. Of those recognised on the night, Uncle Greg Simms, Darug Elder and member of Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Elders Advisory Committee, was also inducted into the Merana Hall of Fame. The Merana Hall of Fame award recognises Uncle Greg’s role as a community leader and educator of Aboriginal Culture in addition to thanking him for his contribution to broader communities. Uncle Greg is an activist for reconciliation, an artist, traditional woodcarver, a storyteller, and is devoted to Greater Western Sydney’s Indigenous communities and to keeping Aboriginal traditions thriving. Melissa Stubbings, proud Darug woman and Manager of Merana, said she was grateful to have Western support the NAIDOC Ball. “The NAIDOC Ball was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Culture and Indigenous excellence and leadership in the Hawkesbury. We thank Western Sydney University for sponsoring the Caring for Country Award and hope to work with the team more in the future. The University’s sponsorship of local initiatives and local Aboriginal success is so important.”
“It was a true honour to welcome Uncle Greg into the Hall of Fame to recognise his knowledge and contributions towards Culture and community. We are proud to have Uncle Greg’s continued support, guidance, and leadership at Merana,” said Melissa Stubbings. Sophie Partridge, Director of Future Student Engagement at Western Sydney University, said it was an absolute honour to attend the Merana NAIDOC Ball. “It was fantastic to see Uncle Greg Simms recognised for his incredible leadership with the Hall of Fame Award. This award recognises the huge contribution Uncle Greg makes to the communities across Western Sydney, and is a testament to his wisdom, generosity, and humour. The event was a fantastic celebration of Culture and the achievements of so many members of the local community. The Future Students team are pleased to support this important local initiative and the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ successes,” said Sophie Partridge.
Congratulations to Dr Sarah Kennedy and her team for facilitating a successful UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day On the 29 of August, 90 of Western Sydney’s aspiring Indigenous athletes headed to Western Sydney University Kingswood campus to attend the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day. This event was delivered by the Western Sydney Academy of Sport, partnering with Western Sydney University and many State Sporting Organisations. The young athletes ranged from years seven to 12, with many bringing along enthusiastic parents and teachers from their various schools. th
The event was a fantastic showcase of Indigenous sporting excellence, with athletes enjoying a range of diverse sports – including netball, volleyball, rowing, cycling and golf, along with speed and agility training. The athletes participated in rotations of these activities to showcase their abilities, along with taking part in a variety of tests looking at important fitness components (such as speed, power, and endurance). The Western Sydney region has such incredible talent and it is imperative that we provide the opportunities, pathways and access for our youth to thrive through the transition to higher levels of competition and performance, ultimately to result in becoming better people and contributing to their community.
Students participating in the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day at Kingswood Campus. Photography: Western Sydney Academy of Sport.
Dr Sarah Kennedy, Senior Lecturer in Sport, Health & Physical Education, played a significant role in organising and facilitating the event, with the amazing involvement of her third year Applied Exercise Science students. Western Sydney University would like to congratulate Sarah and her students on delivering such a brilliant and valuable event for Mob. Western also thanks our partners, the Western Sydney Academy of Sport, for their continued efforts to provide pathways for athletes as part of their Academy programming that may lead them to become high-performance athletes. A special mention also goes to Aunty Cindy for her Welcome address and Associate Professor Andrew Bennie, Dr Dean Norris, Kurtis Leslie (a current Indigenous PhD student) and Andrew Fraser from NSW Health who were guest speakers on the day. State Sporting Organisations assisted on the day in identifying athletes and their skills, with a big thanks to Volleyball NSW, AusCycling, Netball NSW, Nepean Rowing Club, Academy of Sport Speed Australia, and Jack Newton Junior Golf. A special thanks to all Academy coaches, representatives and Sarah’s team of research students who assisted in testing during the event. Dr Sarah Kennedy, Senior Lecturer in Sport, Health & Physical Education, said she is beyond proud of the way everyone rose to the occasion. “Days like this are so important to offer young Mob an occasion to come together and showcase their skills, to promote the pathways that are available to them if they wish to pursue a career in sport. It is also a fantastic way to bring community together, fostering engagement between the University,
schools, and their students, as well as community sporting organisations. This might be the first impression of university these kids are having – and what a way to do it! Opportunities like this also give our university students a chance to apply their skills and develop job readiness, for their future careers working with young people,” said Dr Kennedy.
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Students participating in the UAA Indigenous Talent Identification Day. Photography: Western Sydney Academy of Sport.
Associate Professor Andrew Bennie, Associate Professor in Physical Education, said it was fantastic to witness this brilliant learning opportunity in action. “As someone who works closely with schools and the sports industry to codeliver professional learning experiences for our undergraduate students, I know how much time and effort it takes to design, organise, and implement a day like this. Sarah not only organised most of the day, but she also organised for most of the testing to be completed by third year Health and Physical Education students who she taught to run approximately 10 testing stations simultaneously. It was so impressive to see such a multilayered learning event. I am not surprised in any way that Sarah coordinated such an excellent event,” said Associate Professor Bennie. If you would like to learn more about the day, please follow https://www.wsas. com.au/programs/indigenous-talentid/ and to learn more about Western’s Health and Physical Education program, please visit https://www.westernsydney. edu.au/future/study/courses/ undergraduate/bachelor-of-health-andphysical-education. 7
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Students WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S INDIGENOUS STUDENTS ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS
I hope to become a full-time paramedic and work my way up through the ranks to intensive care, or even special operations. I also would love to work out rural, where there is limited health care available, particularly for some Mob, and even help educate Mob to the best of my ability in what to do in emergencies.
Seven deadly questions: Introducing Andrew Webster
You are clearly a busy person with lots of commitments, what are your top 5 tips towards success for other Indigenous Western Sydney University students?
Who are you? My name is Andrew Webster. I am a proud Wiradjuri man who was born and raised on Darug land. Who is your mob? My Mob is Wiradjuri and I have family connections to Country around the Young area. What community or Cultural events have you been involved in lately or will you engage in this year? I’ve had the absolute pleasure to be part of the Indigenous National Team with some amazing young Mob. It was the best experience to connect with Indigenous students from all around the country and develop some great friendships with other Western Sydney University students. I also attended the Cultural Emersion Program in Taiwan in November. I really embraced the opportunity to get to know even more about the other students at the University and learnt as much as I could about the culture. This year I captained the student team in the Indigenous Staff verses Students Basketball Game. I had heaps of fun and loved the opportunity to get to know the amazing staff better. Why did you choose to study at Western Sydney University? I chose Western Sydney University because of the excellent resources the Paramedicine department has. Western also offers heaps of support through Badanami.
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When you graduate from Western Sydney University what do you hope to achieve?
Andrew Webster.
Another big reason was the support I received from Amelia Corr. She really helped smooth the way for me to gain entrance into my degree. I cannot thank her enough for the assistance she provided. Have you faced any challenges as an Indigenous student? If so, how did you overcome them? The balance between work, life and studies is always hard for me. Life can be pretty chaotic and get in the way. I feel like while I have not got a complete solution to this problem, having good people around me helps to keep me on task and really helps me understand that I’m not alone in the journey. The only other challenge there is in my Paramedicine Degree, in that so far there have not been any tutorials where other Indigenous students have been in the same classes as me. I have not had the opportunity to collaborate with Mob and I would find this particularly valuable when we are learning about Cultural considerations or learning about Indigenous groups. Sometimes I find myself observing and allowing everyone to answer and be taught, then after that I essentially answer any questions or correct anything that people have misunderstood, giving a little teaching portion of my class! While I personally love that chance to help educate, I recognise how this could be a challenge to other students.
1. Go into your campus Badanami centre and meet your Student Success Officers! They have so much they can offer you to support your education, or even to just have a chat. 2. Take advantage of the Tutoring For Success program! Getting extra help from others with more experience can be that difference reflected in your grades. 3. Get involved! Embrace your interests and find them at University! Join a club, stay after class to play cards with your peers, or trialling for the sports teams! 4. Engage in classes and try to be there in person! I personally absorb so much more information when I am on campus and find myself at a significant advantage when I attend everything I can. 5. Keep active! Go out for bush walks and be on Country is what I recommend. Be surrounded by nature and listen, feel and hear all the life around you. Country helps you think and keeps you connected and grounded. You can feel how special it is.
Staff Updates Western Sydney University would like to congratulate the following Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff members on their new appointments: • Crystal McDermid commenced as Executive Assistant in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Leadership. • Jarred Murphy commenced as a Project Officer in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Leadership.
Photography: Abbotsleigh School.
Photography: Abbotsleigh School.
Western hosts the ‘Wingara’ AISNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Event The Wingara Student Leadership event was facilitated by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) and Western’s Future Student Engagement team on Monday 28th of August at Parramatta City Campus. This annual student leadership event is specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students in years 11 and 12 to support their Cultural connections, leadership development and post-school pathway planning. This year, 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across 30 high schools engaged in workshops and talks to strengthen their understanding of identity, Cultural connections, sense of leadership and post-school pathways. The workshops included ‘Dream Big’ facilitated by Kylie Captain; ‘Goal Setting and post school’ by Goanna Academy with special guest Greg Inglis; and Traditional Dance by Amelia Corr from Western Sydney University. Matthew Taylor, one of our Student Success Officers held an information stall about the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Learning during afternoon tea. Western’s student ambassadors also provided afternoon campus tours to help students familiarise themselves in and around the campus. The students engaged in a formal dinner that night, with Kylie Captain providing a keynote address. Brooke Toli provided the Welcome to Country and students performed a short traditional
Welcome and cleanse dance taught to them earlier in the day by Amelia Corr, in reply to Brooke’s Welcome. Following this, Professor Michele Simons, Dean of School of Education, delivered a short address. Indigenous academics and staff attended the event, including Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Page, Associate Professor Scott Avery, Gabby Talbot-Mundine and many Indigenous student ambassadors. Amelia Corr, Future Student Engagement Senior Project Support Officer, said the event was hugely successful. “The event was empowering and inspiring for so many of our young Mob as they engaged in workshops on Blak leadership through Culture and identity. I would like to thank everyone who assisted in facilitating the event, particularly the Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) who we partnered with. We look forward to the 2024 Wingara Student Leadership event,” said Amelia Corr.
• Jamie-Lee Assange commenced as Executive Support Officer in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President.
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Staff
• Sheridan Kearney commenced as an Industry Engagement Officer in the School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment. • Luke Warren commenced as a Badanami Success Officer in the Badanami Team for Indigenous Education. • Tania Shepard commences as a Senior Indigenous Engagement Project Officer in the Future Student Engagement Team. • Monique Tait-Owens commenced as a HR Assistant in the Office of People. • Emily Gilligan commenced as an Administration Officer in the NICM Health Research Institute. • Ellen Karimanovic commenced as an Indigenous Education Officer in the School of Social Sciences. Western Sydney University would also like to thank all of the Indigenous staff who continuously demonstrate excellence and the Universities values, ensuring Western is the place to be.
Wendy Gerakios, an Education Consultant in Aboriginal Education at the Association of Independent Schools of NSW, said the event was a brilliant learning and development opportunity. “Thank you once again for a wonderful event! It was such an incredible, life changing day. The venue and your team were just amazing, and we thank you for all your hard work,” said Wendy Gerakios.
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The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Staff I recently participated in Western’s Giving Day celebrations that raised a significant amount of funding, to provide more opportunities and scholarships for Indigenous students and Indigenous research. What is your current position at Western Sydney University and how long have you worked at the University? I joined the Badanami team in May 2022, as a Student Success Officer based on Darug Land in Liverpool. Have you always aspired to work in tertiary education? Georgina West.
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S PASSIONATE INDIGENOUS STAFF Seven deadly questions: Introducing Georgina West, a Badanami Student Success Officer Who are you? My name is Georgina West, a proud Kamilaroi woman who has resided on Dharawal land most of my life. Who is your mob? The Kamilaroi people of North-West New South Wales. What community/Cultural events have you been involved in lately? I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Western Sydney University community as I have made many connections at events with people who reside outside of my community. Recently I attended the 2023 Indigenous Research week event showcasing the amazing work that Indigenous people are undertaking to provide knowledges, perspectives, and awareness for key Indigenous issues.
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I have spent most of my early career working with vulnerable people and wanting to make change within my community. Initially I was not sure where this would lead me but I’m grateful that it has led me to working at Western. Education is vital in the process of change, and I hope to inspire others. What is your favourite thing about working at Western Sydney University? Western feels like home, and I know for a lot of students they feel the same. Western is a place where everyone can strive and reach new levels that they did not think they were capable of. It is incredibly rewarding to see students and staff reach their academic and career goals. Do you have any advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wanting to work at Western Sydney University? There is no better time than now! Working with Mob to support Mob has never been more rewarding. Working at Western provides ample amounts of opportunity and growth for Indigenous people personally, academically, and professionally. The support and Culture are second to none, and I would highly recommend joining the large Indigenous family that Western has created.
Kelsie King. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
Kelsie King, Gundungurra alumni, is appointed as Executive Officer in the Office of Deputy ViceChancellor, Indigenous Leadership Western Sydney University is excited to congratulate Kelsie King on her recent appointment in the position of Executive Officer in the Office of Deputy ViceChancellor, Indigenous Leadership. In this role, Kelsie provides timely, high-level executive management support and is responsible for managing key projects on behalf of the Office. Kelsie offers strategic and operational advice and support through the conduct of research analysis on a broad range of governance, policy and operational issues across the portfolio. Kelsie is a proud Gundungurra woman who currently lives on Darug land. Kelsie has had a long relationship with the University as in 2019, she graduated with a Bachelors of Psychology with First Class Honours. She is an active member of her community and provides Cultural education for school students in the Blue Mountains, Welcomes to Country, traditional burns alongside the Rural Fire Service, Cultural talks, and land management advice. Kelsie is a member of the Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association Incorporated and the Gully Traditional Owners. In her previous role, Kelsie led the Cultural Inclusion Committee piloting multiple projects to
Alexis Wright wins Creative Australia Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature
Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy ViceChancellor Indigenous Leadership, said she is thrilled to welcome Kelsie into her new role.
Western would like to congratulate Professor Alexis Wright who was recently awarded a Creative Australia Award for Lifetime Achievement in Literature. Professor Wright was one of eight recipients of the inaugural 2023 Creative Australia Awards. Creative Australia was delighted to present these awards, which recognise the contribution of outstanding artists to their art forms and to the cultural life of the nation. The recipients are awarded for excellence in the fields of music, literature, community arts and cultural development, emerging and experimental art, visual arts, theatre, and dance.
“Kelsie is an asset to our team. She is hard-working, motivated, and passionate about Indigenous people and culture. She has also played a key role in organising and facilitating key events such as the Post-Referendum Yarning sessions, the Indigenous Research Synopsis and the Indigenous Students vs Staff Basketball Game where she unexpectedly was asked to referee,” said Professor Trudgett. Kelsie King, Executive Officer in the Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, said she is thrilled to uptake this position. “I started out as a student at Western completing my Honours in Psychology, and I had always hoped to work for the university so when this opportunity was advertised, I was ecstatic to even apply. This role aligned both my passion for Higher Education and Indigenous Leadership, and almost seemed too good to be true!”
Professor Wright has been a longstanding member of Western’s Writing & Society Research Centre and is an author of ground-breaking works across a number of literary genres. She has received a plethora of awards for her extraordinarily important novels. Her works, such as ‘Carpentaria’, ‘The Swan Book’, ‘Tracker’ and ‘Praiseworthy’, sit in your consciousness and challenge readers’ comprehension through
intercorrelation of past, present, and future tense. Professor Wright has encouraged many to think more deeply about the meaning of storytelling and time. Professor Alexis Wright, from the Writing & Society Research Centre was deeply honoured to receive the award. She noted, “It’s a lifetime achievement in literature. I am deeply humbled by something like this, but I also want to say I’m not finished yet. I’ve got a lot more writing to come,” said Professor Wright.
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
improve, include and create a respectful work environment for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Kelsie has a wealth of knowledge, skills and networks across the University and broader Greater Sydney region.
Professor Wright is a worthy recipient of this award and Western would once again like to congratulate her on all that she has achieved and thank her for such valuable contributions to literature. To learn more about Professor Alexis Wright’s story and passion for writing, we encourage you to watch the following video: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=UA4-fybctqM&ab_ channel=ABCArts
“I remember when I got accepted into university how proud my Nan was during that seminal time in my life. My Nan, Aunty Mary King, had never imagined that her Indigenous granddaughter would be accepted into university when she was not even allowed to attend school. Seeing my Nans reaction is what sparked my journey and drive to see more Mob within the higher education sector. I have always wanted to be able to encourage and uplift other Indigenous people to see their value and understand that higher education is a conquerable journey for us all.” “I really enjoy working in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leaderships team, everyone is so supportive and inspiring. I am very grateful to be here at Western, and I am thrilled about what the future holds for me within this space,” said Kelsie King. Western Sydney University would once again like to congratulate Kelsie on her recent appointment.
Professor Alexis Wright. Photography: Vincent Long.
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The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Staff
Fiona Towney. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
Fiona Towney, finalist for the Western Sydney Women Leader of Change Award
Western would like to congratulate Fiona Towney, Director of the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, on recently becoming a finalist in the 2023 Western Sydney Womens Awards. The annual Western Sydney Womens Awards recognise female talent and excellence across the greater Western Sydney region, representing women at all stages of life, business, and career. This year there was an overwhelming number of nominations received – each showcasing the incredible women excelling in their field as groundbreaking thinkers, pillars of the community, unsung heroes and those who innovate and inspire. Of the 13 different categories, Fiona Towney is a finalist for the Western Sydney Women Leader of Change Award. This award is dedicated to the woman who go above and beyond to make a defining difference that positively impacts women both now and in the future. Fiona’s positive attitude and eagerness to do anything possible to assist Western’s
Indigenous students makes her a perfect nominee for this award. Fiona Towney, Director of the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, said she is honoured to be recognised as a finalist. “It is awesome to have my name listed alongside so many worthy candidates. Thank you to Aunty Rayna St Julian for nominating me and thank you to Western Sydney University for providing me with an opportunity to grow my leadership skills across Greater Western Sydney and beyond. I always strive to demonstrate high level leadership skills in every team I belong to and this nomination will further motivate me to continue along this pathway,” said Fiona Towney. Western would once again like to congratulate Fiona on being a finalist. To find out more about the Western Sydney Women Awards 2023 please follow: https://www.westernsydneywomen. com.au/awards2023
Elders
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S ELDERS Seven deadly questions: Aunty Cindy Laws of Western’s Elders Advisory Committee Please tell us about yourself. My name is Aunty Cindy. I have five sons and two granddaughters with a grandson arriving in January. I was born in Windsor New South Wales and raised in Londonderry. My father was a tree cutter as well as a builder. I was raised in the bush with the community coming in to help Dad log all the way up the coast. I was lucky enough to sit by the fire during the day and night and hear the stories from all those Mobs. I tried to raise my children in the same way; out in the bush, telling stories, visiting the sites and explaining what their duties are. Who is your mob, and where are you from?
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My grandmother was a Darkinung “Juju” daughter of a Karudji of the Hawkesbury, Colo and Wolgan Rivers.
She was born on the riverbanks in the Wollemi. She married Ephraim Everingham who was the son of Mildred Saunders, a Boorooberongal woman of the Hawkesbury-Nepean and Gross Rivers. Ephraim’s father was a son of First Fleeter, Mathew Everingham. Coming down the family line, my grandmothers are Alvina Everingham (m. Packer), Ruby Packer (m. James), Ida James(m.?) and Joyce James (m. Laws). What does it mean to be an Elder? Being an Elder means to have responsibility for the continuation of Culture. As an Elder you follow songlines and perform ceremonies. Elders are educators and play an important role in making sure the stories are passed down to the next generations. Who inspires you? I have had a few Elders in my lifetime that inspired me locally and far away. Many of my Elders have passed. Why have you joined the Elder’s Advisory Committee of Western Sydney University? I joined to continue Culture.
Aunty Cindy Laws. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
What are your hopes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in years to come? I hope Mob in years to come know who they are and continue looking after this land and all that it contains. Do you have any advice for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are striving to make change in community? You can be anything you want! Life is short, grab every opportunity you can. Don’t forget your purpose for being put on Earth. Continue Cultural practices.
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Alumni
Congratulations to Western’s October graduates Western Sydney University is committed to empowering and supporting Indigenous students’ to study and graduate from degrees of their choice. Currently, Western Sydney University has over 1,604 Indigenous alumni who have graduated from a variety of degrees across the University’s range of Schools. Graduation is an incredibly important milestone as it celebrates all the hard work and time put into achieving a degree, marking the formal end of tertiary study and the beginning of a new journey. In October 2023, 36 deadly students graduated including four Diplomas, one Graduate Diploma, one Undergraduate Certificate, two Graduate Certificates, 19 Bachelor Degrees, eight Master Degrees and one Doctorate. Congratulations to the following students, we are so proud of each of you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours. Jessie Robinson graduated with a Diploma in Social Science Studies Liam Moss graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Connor Angus Syron graduated with a Bachelor of Policing Armand Gehan graduated with a Diploma in Building Design Management Grant Dillon graduated with a Master of Teaching (Primary) Joel Walsh graduated with a Master of Teaching (Primary) Jemma Farley graduated with a Master of Teaching (Primary) Tarneil Duroux graduated with a Master of Teaching (Primary) Danielle Eatock graduated with a Master of Teaching (Primary)
Graduates. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
Lynette Marlow graduated with a Master of Education (Social Ecology)
Kayla Robinson graduated with a Master of Teaching (Birth - 12 Years)
Clair Barnes graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Samantha Trevorrow graduated with a Diploma in Social Science
Tamara Licastro graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
Cassandra Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Zoology)/Bachelor of Natural Science (Animal Science)
Edward Vanderfeen graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics) Breanna Rowley graduated with a Bachelor of Criminology Cale Laurie graduated with a Bachelor of Community and Social Development Fiona Johnson graduated with a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Ebony Green graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery Gabrielle Brown graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science
Tatum McKee graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Property) Nicole Fraser-Lyons graduated with a Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane) Elissa Coleman graduated with a Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health (Karitane) Kasey Brennan graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work Alexander Norman-Moon graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work
Naomi-Jane Monfrooy graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science
Nicole O’Sullivan graduated with a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication)
Hohepa Puru graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Physical Education)
Rebecca Dixon graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology
Hyacinth Bartlett graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Mikaela Raeburn graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Stacey Kim Coates graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy
Albarr Azim graduated with a Bachelor of Construction Management Joie Khoury graduated with a Diploma in Arts Suzy-Ann Fortington graduated with an Undergraduate Certificate in Disability Care Support 13
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Alumni
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY’S INDIGENOUS ALUMNI Seven deadly questions: Introducing Kylie Captain an Indigenous Alumni and Founding Director of Dream Big Education Wellbeing and Consulting.
Who is your role model and why do they inspire you?
Who are you? Hi! My name is Kylie Captain. I am a proud Gamilaroi woman and my Mob are from a small town called Walgett. I was born and raised on Gadigal Country in Sydney. I’m a Mum and Aunt to many, a teacher and educator and author whose books and journals are positively impacting the lives of many. Proudly, I am alumni of Western Sydney University, President of the Aboriginal Studies Association and the Founding Director of Dream Big Education Wellbeing & Education. What community and Cultural events have you been involved in lately? I have been involved in many community iniatives and Cultural events lately. I love getting out and supporting local Mob. A community iniative that I recently engaged in, that I am most proud of, was the Walgett Naidoc Ball. I spoke at the event while my daughter, niece and nephew danced for our Elders and community. Walgett holds a very special place in our hearts as it’s where my mum was born and raised. It was a fantastic night that bought joy to the community. While I was in Walgett, I also presented at a ‘Careers on Country’ day. This event saw a couple hundred, Indigenous and nonIndigenous, high school students come together from neighbouring towns to look at the potential post-school pathways. What is your current position and why are you passionate about it? I am in my first year of business as the Founding Director of ‘Dream Big Education Wellbeing & Education’ and am loving it! Through my business I get the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many – one student, school and organisation at a time. I collaborate with Dr Cathie Burgess, who was my high school teacher, to facilitate a range of empowering teacher workshops and
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fan of Western and am so proud that my daughter, Allira, now works there. I’m grateful to the many staff who supported me during my studies. All of our lecturers and support staff went above and beyond and for that I am forever grateful.
Kylie Captain.
masterclasses designed to support educators to reflect on their pedagogy and re-discover their ‘why’. I also provide motivational student talks and programs to assist young people with goal setting and understanding the power of education and aspirations. I also offer Cultural capability training to support organisations to developing culturally safe workplaces that support their Reconciliation Action Plans. Right now, I am writing book number three with my son. This will be a motivational book for teenagers entitled ‘Create the Life of Your Dreams in Your Teens’ and will be published in December 2023. I have always been passionate about education. Education changed my life and I am passionate about providing that transformative experience for others. I want to give back and pay it forward. I believe that education gives us freedom and choice. What degree did you study at Western Sydney University? I studied a Bachelor of Education (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathways into Primary Teaching) at Milperra. What has your experience at Western Sydney University given you that is unique compared to graduates from other universities? I loved learning at Western. I had so much support and even got to travel to Canada as part of my studies. I am a big
There are many mentors and role models who have shaped me into the woman I am today. My mum and nan who have sadly passed were my biggest role models. They shaped me into the strong and resilient woman I am today. I am who I am because someone believed in me. My high school teacher, Dr Cathie Burgess is one of my biggest role models. She is an Associate Professor at Sydney University and an honorary life-time member of the AECG. She is a non-Aboriginal woman who has given myself and many others the confidence to be brave and make change through education. She was instrumental in me achieving both my HSC and my teaching degree. Cathie and I are now President and Vice President of the Aboriginal Studies Association and facilitate teacher professional learning for schools around the country. I also recently wrote my second book with her, ‘Be That Teacher Who Makes a Difference and Lead Aboriginal Education for all Students’. This book has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from educators across the nation and has even been made a mandatory text for pre-service teachers at The University of Sydney – that’s pretty deadly and something to be so proud of. What would be your top three tips towards success for Indigenous graduates from Western Sydney University? 1. Dream big! Set big goals and work towards them! There are no limits to what us Blakfullas can achieve. 2. At all times, especially tough times, know you are smart, deadly, brave and resilient! Own your space! You are part of the longest living Culture in the world and you have inherited such strength from your Old People. 3. Reach out to connections and networks. Find your circle of people who are there for you and will support you. Don’t forget to pay your success and story forward! Bring others along and share your struggles and triumphs along the way!
CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS RESEARCH AT WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Western Sydney University is very proud of our Indigenous academics and higher degree research students. Please read about some of their outstanding research that was completed earlier this year. Corrinne T. Sullivan, & Jessica McLean. (2023). Contesting digital colonial power: Indigenous Australian sovereignty and self-determination in digital worlds. In The Routledge Handbook of Ecomedia Studies (pp. 212219). Routledge. Corrinne T. Sullivan, Kim Spurway, John Leha, William Trewllyn, & Karen Soldatic. (2023). The Dalarinji Project-“Your story”: A narrative synthesis. Journal of Global Indigeneity, 7(2), 1-25.
The fourth Annual Indigenous Professoriate Lecture featuring Aunty Kerrie Doyle On the 10th of August, Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Professoriate held its fourth biannual Professoriate lecture at Campbelltown Campus. The Indigenous Professoriate at Western Sydney University is growing and demonstrates leadership within national and international conversations regarding Indigenous knowledge, recognition, and excellence. Following three engaging lectures held by Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews, Professor Susan Page and Associate Professor Sandra Phillips, Aunty Kerrie Doyle gave the fourth lecture. Aunty Kerrie Doyle’s lecture was entitled ‘Conflict Entrepreneurs, Identity and Fringe Dwellers’. In her lecture, Aunty Kerrie noted that Indigenous Australians make up less than four percent of the total Australian population. She explained how Sydney was the initial place of colonisation, with English, Chinese, and Indian males arriving in the decades after first contact and the use of Australia as an island
Corrinne T. Sullivan. (2023). Be(com)ing in the City: Indigenous queer relationalities and community building. In The Routledge Handbook of Australian Indigenous Peoples and Futures (pp. 285-295). Routledge. Corrinne T. Sullivan, Duy Tran, William Trewlynn, Kim Spurway, John Leha, Linda Briskman & Karen Soldatic. (2023). ‘This is our place, but we’re the outsiders’: the navigation of identity and spaces of belonging by Indigenous LGBTIQ+ women in Australia. Australian Geographer, 1-18. Rhonda Povey, Susan Page & Michelle Trudgett. (2023). Getting it Right: Safeguarding a Respected Space for Indigenous Oral Histories and Truth Telling. The Oral History Review, 50(2), 223-241. DOI: 10.1080/00940798.2023.2234419 Rhonda Povey, Michelle Trudgett, Susan Page, & Michelle Locke. (2023). Hidden in plain view: Indigenous early career researchers’ experiences and perceptions of racism in Australian universities. Critical Studies in Education.64(4), 355-373, DOI: 10.1080/17508487.2022.2159469
Western Sydney University would also like to congratulate Professor Michelle Trudgett, Professor Susan Page and Dr Stacey Coates on recently winning the 2022 Best Article Award for the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management. Their paper, ‘Great expectations: Senior Indigenous leadership positions in higher education’ (https://doi.org/10.1080/136008 0X.2021.2003013), was selected for its academic rigour and is a must read for all. This article examines the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge bases required of Indigenous leaders from the perspectives of Indigenous leaders, the university executive and other Indigenous academics. It is worth noting that this 2022 Best Article builds on a line of important research. Professor Trudgett, Professor Page and Dr Coates won the journal’s 2021 Best Article Award for ‘Talent war: recruiting Indigenous senior executives in Australian Universities’ which focused on the recruiter perspectives.
The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Research
prison. This influx of males without mates meant there were cross-cultural marriages or procreations, resulting in fairer offspring of the Indian-, Asian-, and white-wed women. She noted how this was part of a deliberate policy of control by the colonisers (Flannery, 1998/2013). The march of colonisation and settler activity across the continent took some time, with the desert areas of Australia the last to be subsumed, leaving Aboriginal people from the centre of Australia the last to be ‘married into’. Consequently, Aunty Kerrie explained how Aboriginal people from areas with less genealogical intermarriage are often more outwardly phenotypically Indigenous. Aunty Kerrie raised concerns about how nowadays ‘looking’ Aboriginal is too often equated with being a ‘real’ Aboriginal person. This privileges people assuming and assigning Indigeneity without asking for clarification. She warned how not identifying Indigenous people in health or education institutions results in their under-identification, and often exclusion from more appropriate health or education interventions. However, there is a risk in identifying as Indigenous if one is fair skinned.
Aunty Kerrie Doyle. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
Indigenous people who rise to the top of a profession in health and/or education are often targeted by conflict entrepreneurs who make their living by feeding the racist rhetoric of some politicians and social commentators. Aunty Kerrie then went on to share examples of academics and health professionals that interpret the assigning of Indigeneity by non-Indigenous individuals.
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The Yarning Circle | Western Sydney University | Summer 2023
Badanami As we move towards the end of 2023, it’s probably a good time to reflect on some of the amazing things the team at Badanami have been a part of this year. In addition to logging over 4000 personalised and individual student interactions, including over 2000 phone conversations or face-to-face interactions with our Indigenous students, Badanami have been involved in events such as the annual Indigenous Student versus Staff soccer match Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week celebrations. A big congratulations to the students who won both the annual Indigenous Students v Staff soccer match in addition to the inaugural Indigenous Students v Staff basketball game. These events really do provide our team with an effective way to engage with our students and the Badanami team enjoys catching up with everyone, not to mention picking up some soccer and basketball tips along the way. In the last week of June, Badanami took a group of Indigenous students to Melbourne to compete in the 2023 Indigenous Nationals. The games were hosted by Monash University and saw our students compete with fellow Indigenous university students across the country, building valuable connections. Students competed respectfully and represented themselves, their communities, and the university to a high standard with all sights now on the 2024 Indigenous Nationals, being held at University of Wollongong. Another key part of 2023 was the university being awarded $78.5 million dollars as a part of the NSW Government’s WestInvest program. These funds will go towards establishing a new Indigenous Centre of Excellence at the University, which, in addition to a range of other facilities, will feature a brand new Badanami Centre. Badanami staff have been part of the initial consultation
meetings along with members of our Elders Advisory Board and some of our Western Indigenous students. The centre is going to be a landmark building for Western and is currently on track for completion in early 2026. To round out the year, we currently have a group of Indigenous students visiting Taiwan on a cultural tour supported by the New Colombo Plan. This trip is facilitated through the Office of the PVC Global Development, Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education and sees our students spend two weeks in Taiwan to be emerged in the Taiwanese Indigenous culture. To say 2023 has been a big year so far is certainly an understatement, but it looks as though 2024 is going to be even bigger. The team at Badanami would like to wish everyone, in particular our Indigenous students of Western, and their families, all the very best for the upcoming holiday period. Please take care of yourself and those around you and be sure to take some time out for a well-earned break before we start it all again in early 2024. We can’t wait!
“I am proud to be part of Western’s passionate Indigenous Professoriate group where together with highly respected Indigenous academics from different disciplines offer guidance and leadership. I was pleased to be invited to speak about such an important topic. Now more than ever is time to engage with these discussions and challenge racist rhetoric,” said Aunty Kerrie Doyle. Professor Susan Page, Director of Indigenous Teaching and Learning, thanks Aunty Kerrie for the insights provided in her lecture. “Aunty Kerrie is highly respected in community and the higher education sector for her extensive research and passions for expanding knowledge of Indigenous matters. Aunty Kerrie’s lecture was informative, energetic and as usual she demonstrated her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. I look forward to the next Indigenous Professoriate Lecture which will be held early next year,” said Professor Page.
Indigenous student Basketball Team with Aunty Jean South. Photography: Sally Tsoutas.
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Aunty Kerrie Doyle, School of Medicine, was excited to provide this lecture.