GUMURRII News

Issue 12 Acknowledgement of Country Griffith University acknowledges the people who are the traditional custodians of the land, pays respect to the Elders, past and present, and extends that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Contents

3 Welcome

4 Welcome messages

5 GUMURRII SSU office news

6 Griffith | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Units

7 Indigenous Research Unit

8 Recognising all who served their Country: Naming the forgotten soldiers

9 Student profiles — Kim Ah Sam

10 Student profiles — Amanda Wrigley | Callum Robinson

11 Student profiles — Violet Singh | Chantay Link

12 Valedictory dinner 2017

14 Graduating students

15 College of Art — Honour students

16 Walk and Talk provides path to reconciliation

17 NAIDOC Week 2018

18 Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

19 Griffith News | Community

20 Griffith News | Alumni

21 Useful information

1 2 Welcome

The GUMURRII Student Support Unit is the heart of Griffith University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and is located on each of Griffith’s five campuses.

2018 marks 30 years for GUMURRII SSU—the dedicated student support unit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Griffith University.

New GUMURRII logo The new logo for GUMURRII Student Support Unit symbolises the five campuses with the five traditional owners of the land and depict the career pathways to learning and development, joined by the red to symbolise their journey at Griffith University.

3 Welcome messages

Message from Message from the Deputy the Director Vice Chancellor (Engagement)

Each year I look forward to our GUMURRII For over thirty years the GUMURRII Valedictory dinner, and last year’s event Student Support Unit has been fundamental was extra special. in supporting increased educational options for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 2017 saw a remarkable 140 Aboriginal and Torres Strait students attending Griffith University. Islander students complete their degrees across all four Academic Groups. This is the highest number of First Through our programs for outreach, admission, Peoples graduates we have had in a single year, and orientation and study support, the GUMURRII Student with more than 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Support Units on all five campuses foster a sense Islander students currently enrolled, we hope to of community and provides access to learning resources continue breaking records in 2018 and beyond. and personal support for our students. There is still lots of work to do to Close the Gap, of On behalf of the GUMURRII Student Support staff, course. At this year’s Senior Leadership Conference, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Griffith University. we focused on the targets in our Reconciliation Action Whether you are a current student or considering Plan, and how to best achieve them. Professor Roianne studying, alumni, employer, community partner, West, Professor Boni Robertson, and Dr Kerry Bodle I invite you to explore the many opportunities that and colleagues led discussions on our staffing, exist through our units or visit our website. research, and teaching and learning, respectively. GUMURRII Student Support Unit works with our The timing was particularly significant—it was ten community partners to create educational pathways years to the day that former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that build lifelong learning. made a National Apology to the at Parliament House in Canberra. Our primary mission is to provide a cultural learning environment that will assist our students and future At the Senior Leadership Conference, there was spirited students to follow their aspirations through education. discussion about how to better recruit, support, and retain both First Peoples staff, and students, and we have a clear plan of work to complete in the year ahead.

Shane Barnes Director, GUMURRII Student Support Unit

Professor Martin Betts Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement)

4 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 GUMURRII SSU office news

GUMURRII Student Support Unit For information about GUMURRII SSU, has a new website—new system, and to make contact with a Learning greater access, clear and precise Assistance Officer (LAO), you can find all of our information and contact details at information and answers for griffith.edu.au/gumurrii your every question.

GUMURRII staff photo

Community partners

Murri Sisters is a non-profit Indigenous CareerTrackers supports pre-professional AIME is a mentoring program based at community organisation that has been Indigenous university students and links universities where they build a bridge back operating in the Brisbane area for the them with private sector employers to to local high schools and mentor the most past 10 years. A leading Agency in the participate in paid multi-year internships. disadvantaged kids out of inequality. provision of quality services for our Students perform their internship with They have successfully done this in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander a sponsoring company with the aim of for the last 12 years and are women and children who are experiencing converting from intern into full-time about to share the model to the world. Domestic and Family Violence and employee upon completion of their aimementoring.com associated factors that are linked to university degree. In addition to making homelessness. Murri Sisters works in long-lasting placements they provide a collaboration with key stakeholders wide spectrum of support to help prepare and affiliated services that respond students for leadership in the workplace to domestic and family violence. and the community. Contact Contact 07 3208 5844 07 3012 8926 [email protected] [email protected] murrisisters.org.au careertrackers.org.au

GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 5 Griffith | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Units

Griffithi University DRAFT-01 FINAL

The Indigenous Research Unit (IRU) Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art (CAIA) supports the development of Aboriginal You will learn from Indigenous lecturers contemporary art environment with a folio and Torres Strait Islander academics and focus on traditional Aboriginal and of work demonstrating your competence and higher degree researchers and their Torres Strait Islander art, media, style, in Indigenous and non-Indigenous projects. Reporting directly to the Office of principles and philosophies. With a Griffith knowledge, technical skills, media the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement), CAIA degree, you’ll enter the professional and contemporary technologies. the IRU coordinates the Indigenous Research Network (IRN), develops the griffith.edu.au/study/visual-creative-arts/ research capacity of academics and contemporary-australian-indigenous-art research higher degree students, and administers research projects and grants. griffith.edu.au/ indigenous-research-unit

Indigenous Community Engagement, Policy and Partnerships ICEPP provides the University advice on Indigenous higher education and works on initiatives that contribute to the spiritual, social, emotional, economic The First Peoples Health Unit (FPHU) is and educational wellbeing of Aboriginal committed to increasing Aboriginal and and Torres Strait Islander Australians, Torres Strait Islander student success and to the wellbeing of Indigenous towards a more highly skilled, highly people from other parts of the world. educated Aboriginal and Torres Strait griffith.edu.au/first-peoples Islander health workforce. griffith.edu.au/health/ first-peoples-health-unit

6 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 Indigenous Research Unit

Since its conception a decade ago, and its formal establishment in January 2009, the Indigenous Research Unit (IRU) has been committed to creating an environment that fosters the sharing of Indigenous Research and Knowledges, organisational engagement with and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, research capacity building, and educational advancement.

Working closely with GUMURRII SSU, Further information on the seminar and Knowledges and Research Seminar Series the IRU supports quality research that an RSVP link will be forwarded to all aimed at both enriching your research is driven by the needs of the Aboriginal undergraduate students by GUMURRII SSU’s knowledge base, and providing you with and Torres Strait Islander community, Learning Assistance Officers in early July. an opportunity to meet academic staff and assists researchers to develop and and other HDR students interested in During 2018, the IRU will be working undertake projects in collaboration with Indigenous Research. The Seminars in collaboration with John Graham communities, research colleagues and are hosted across the campuses with (GUMURRII SSU’s Senior Learning national and international organisations. morning tea or lunch supplied to attendees. Assistance Officer) to identify research The Unit is also committed to establishing Please contact the Researcher Education activities and create opportunities for initiatives to attract Aboriginal and Torres and Development Unit to receive seminar the University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander post-doctoral researchers flyers—[email protected] Strait Islander HDR cohort to gather and and implement strategies (with GUMURRII yarn while extending their research skills. Finally, the IRU also has a Facebook page SSU’s Senior Learning Assistance Officer) We hope that you will join us on either (facebook.com/IndigenousResearch) to support and develop higher degree by the Nathan, Southbank or Gold Coast where we post information about the research students and, in collaboration Campuses during the year. Seminars, Conferences, IRU member with the Kungullanji Coordinator, research- achievements and other information interested undergraduate students. Another mechanism that the IRU uses to aimed at extending your connections support both academics and students is Currently held from November to and knowledge! Or visit our website knowledge-sharing. Throughout the year, February each year, the Kungullanji griffith.edu.au/indigenous-research-unit the IRU in collaboration with the Office Undergraduate Research Program of Research’s Researcher Education and We wish everyone a successful year of strives to create a learning environment Development Unit hosts an Indigenous study and research! that builds the research capacity of undergraduate students. Ultimately the Indigenous Research Unit program aims to extend student’s interest in the practice of research. If you are an undergraduate student interested in learning more about research the Kungullanji Program might be a great place to start your research journey! More information on the program will be available prior to the next intake round at an IRU Indigenous Knowledges and Research Seminar on the Gold Coast campus on Wednesday 1 August from 10 am to 12 noon. Entitled ‘The Kungullanji Program: Creating Pathways and Raising Aspirations for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Researchers’—the Seminar will overview the program, what it entails and importantly where it can take you! Kungullanji Coordinator — Jennifer Campbell and Senior LAO — John Graham

GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 7 Recognising all who served their Country: Naming the forgotten soldiers

With support from Griffith University, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dedicated Memorial Queensland Incorporated (ATSIDMQI) aims to have a memorial erected in Brisbane to remember specifically the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander serving men and women of the Australian Defence Force and have their stories etched in a more inclusive history of Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Online donation Please insert ‘ATSI Dedicated Memorial Service men and women have served app.secure.griffith.edu.au/donations Queensland’ in the reference field and in the Australian armed services, many Please choose ‘ATSI Dedicated Memorial email [email protected] to with distinction as trackers/scouts, Queensland’ from the drop down menu. confirm a payment has been made. light horsemen, pilots, sailors and nurses All data is encrypted to ensure your privacy. Bank: ANZ Bank since the inception of the Federal Armed Phone—You can use your credit Account name: Griffith University Service. War Memorial records indicate card to make a donation over the Branch: Sunnybank, Queensland that more than 800 Aboriginal and Torres phone. Please ring Griffith University, BSB: 014-269 Strait Islander Service men and women Development and Alumni Office on Account number: 837069034 served in the First World War alone. 07 5552 7218 during business hours. To support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait All gifts of $2 or more are tax deductible. Islander Dedicated Memorial Queensland Direct deposit—A direct deposit can For more information you can visit their Project, gifts or donations can be made by: be made into the Griffith University’s website: atsidmcq.com bank account. 100% of the funds are Lorraine Hatton then transferred to the project. Co-Chair ATSIDMQI

Winning design marquette concept (design to be finalised)

8 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 Student profiles

Kim Ah Sam Graduating student — Valedictory spokesperson A proud (Cooktown) and Kalkadoon (Cloncurry/Mt Isa) woman, born and raised in Brisbane and one of 12 siblings. She grew up in a large family and being the youngest, was always looked after. She is a proud mother of three sons and a grandmother of six. In her teenage years, she did a lot of traditional dot and line painting. It was always a dream of hers to attend University but life took her on a different journey. Kim had her children and her soul commitment was to raise her sons. When she felt her sons were independent, Kim decided to follow her heart and take that step toward her dream. In 2015, she enrolled in the CAIA program (Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art) at the Queensland College Kim’s greatest achievement whilst studying of Art, Southbank Campus, as a mature has been becoming one of 30 finalists in age student. the prestigious Churchie Emerging Art ‘I am 47 years old and when I graduate Award, selected from over 900 art entries I’ll be 50’. from the whole of Australia. Kim thought she was going to university Kim acknowledged the CAIA Teaching to do dot and line paintings, but the Staff, who are extremely committed to reality of what she was to experience their jobs as educators and who have soon changed her direction. Being assisted in the success of all the students introduced to a whole new world of in their Studios. art practices and theory based subjects, She especially thanked Carmen Perez, with the theory, research and writing the Learning Assistance Officer at were all new to her. Kim had to navigate South Bank for her support at QCA. lots of challenges and obstacles throughout her three years of study. Kim thanked the GUMURRII Student Support Unit which provides student In her first semester, she learnt technical support through tutorial assistance, skills in jewellery making. The second financial support, and avenues for semester delved into print making. connection through morning teas and Print making interested her and she lunches at the different campuses. learnt so many technical skills in the western tradition. To her fellow graduates, she stated always remember this quote by David Frost: Kim decided to follow the path to become ‘Don’t aim for success if you want it; a Print maker and she is very happy that just do what you love and believe in it she developed a way to tell her stories and it will come naturally.’ through different mediums. GUMURRII SSU

GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 9 Student profiles Griffith student success

Callum completed a Certificate III in Callum Robinson Media and the PTS course with Batchelor Tertiary Success in Action Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education — PTS and Beyond before enrolling in the Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University. 2018 is his last year In 2017 Callum Robinson was recognised of studies and he keeps dreaming big! by Griffith University for the voluntary work he does mentoring students in the School of Nursing and Midwifery Peer Mentoring Program. Callum is a Bachelor of Nursing student and has shown true resilience this year as he faced family tragedy. Callum says ‘some days are really hard but as Dory says ‘just keep swimming just keep swimming’. I surround myself with great company and keep myself busy.’

• Aunty Pamela Mam Indigenous Amanda Wrigley Nursing Scholarship recipient Tribe: Gamillaroi Nation • Griffith Honours College Winter Studying: Bachelor of Nursing Research Bursary recipient. ‘Step out of your comfort zone, Once a shy student, Amanda had quickly life begins there.’ Amanda Wrigley realised the benefits of asking for support is one of our students who has set when she needed, and seeking every the bar high for success. opportunity at Griffith that would help set herself up for when she graduates. Juggling roles as a single mother of two, Being a recipient of the Graduate Certificate and life as a student has not been easy Paediatric program, she is now confirmed for her seeing Amanda drop out of her to transition from study straight into degree when she was 19 years old to employment. ‘You are accountable focus on being a first-time mother. to yourself. If you believe in yourself, She recommenced her degree 13 years stay focussed and commit yourself as later, and has now come a long way a student, many opportunities come’. since then. This is no easy feat—to defer study and then come back the way she has. Putting her studies aside, Amanda is your Amanda’s achievements since coming everyday person. Pearl Jam is a favourite back to university include: when it comes to music, ‘Anne of Green Gables’ is her favourite book, and spending • Graduate Certificate in Paediatric time with family and friends keeps her Nursing Program recipient grounded and strong. Amanda hasn’t been • PASS Leader — Human Anatomy and alone in her journey and has benefited Physiology 1 and 2 strongly from the support of the GUMURRII • Griffith Honours College member Student Support team, as well as the many • Golden Key International Honours opportunities Griffith University has to offer. Society recipient griffith.edu.au/scholarships

10 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 of the need to submit her assessments Violet Singh on time, keeping up with her reading Violet was born in Townsville, but raised and attending online lectures. Within her in Gladstone. Her Mum is Aboriginal/ current role as HR Indigenous Programs South Sea Islander and her Father is from Specialist with St Vincent’s Health Murray (Mer) Island in the Torres Strait. Australia, she is also constantly travelling She is the second one in her family to for work. Violet definitely enjoys go to University, where she successfully working with a tight schedule because completed a Graduate Certificate in it challenges her time management skills Forensic Mental Health, in November 2017. as well as keeps her within her deadlines. This is the foundation for her next arena Violet said ‘Studying at Griffith in doing her Masters in Forensic Mental University and connecting with Health. She would eventually want to GUMURRII SSU was an opportunity to work in the Criminal Justice System with gain and acquire knowledge to learn and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander skills in study, learning and experiencing first time and reoffenders. as well as being taught at a tertiary Working full time whilst studying part level; so that we then can be challenged time and completing her postgraduate towards our future goals and aspirations’. studies was always challenging because

‘It can be very difficult operating within Chantay Link the constraints of this Western learning Chantay is a Gooreng Gooreng woman and environment but it’s also creates comes from the area around Gladstone. opportunities that may not be afforded Her mother graduated from the University if I wasn’t engaged.’ Chantay said. of Technology in (UTS) as a mature Her highlight thus far is definitely the aged student and she has several siblings relationships she has made with students who have attended University. and staff. As a matured aged student She is currently studying Psychology as and being educated alongside with Chantay is interested in Post-Trauma other brilliant young people is an honour Growth. She would like to document and gives her hope for a future, where Aboriginal resilience and find a pathway Aboriginal and are between Western healing and our able to practice culture and work in big traditional healing processes. Chantay jobs at the same time. believes they both can coexist and Chantay found the GUMURRII Student benefit from each other. Support Unit (SSU) and staff at The biggest challenge she has experienced Mt Gravatt to be invaluable, kind and has been the amount of Sorry Business caring. Her fellow students who use and cultural obligations. Chantay has GUMURRII SSU become like family and found it difficult to maintain grades and there is always someone there to yarn stay engaged when so much is happening with. ‘At times studying can be lonely outside of university. Some days are when you’re trying to explain things overwhelming and she has to remind to family but at GUMURRII the other herself why she is doing her course students can understand the stress of and to think about the bigger picture. getting assignments done on time and also don’t think your unstable when you get teary over your results.’ GUMURRII SSU

GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 11 Valedictory dinner 2017

Griffith University Elders with Maroochy Barambah

Director of GUMURRII – Shane Barnes Master of Ceremonies – Steven Oliver

Aboriginal Dancers – Nunukul Yuggera

12 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 Torres Strait Islander Dancers – Wagga Dance Company

Ballroom at Royal on the Park, Brisbane

Graduates Cake Student Address – Kim Ah Sam with LAO – Carmen Perez

GUMURRII NEWS – Issue 12 13 John Graham, Professor Martin Betts, Jessie Elvin and Becki Cook Graduating students

GUMURRII Student Support • Professor Martin Betts the Deputy GUMURRII’s Learning Assistance Officer, Unit 2017 Valedictory Dinner Vice Chancellor of Engagement Jessie Elvin from the Gold Coast campus, was hosted at Royal on the • Professor Roianne West, Director of graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with the First Peoples Health Unit a double major in Finance and Economics. Park in Brisbane on Saturday She starts her Honours specialising in 9 December 2017. • Professor Boni Robertson Acting Economics in Trimester 1, 2018. Director, Indigenous Research Unit, Our Master of Ceremonies was Professor of Indigenous Policy and Jessie’s proposed thesis topic will focus Steven Oliver with the Traditional Director of Indigenous Community on Economics of Aboriginal and Torres Owner Song-woman Maroochy Barambah Engagement, Policy and Partnerships. Strait Islander Population in Australia. doing the Welcome to Country for all This will include income, health, education Griffith has a national reputation for its the graduating students and staff. and employment inequalities in different continued high-quality equity programs States of Australia. She will also look at the Director Shane Barnes acknowledged and this is reflected in the number of implications of various policy and program a number of key people who play an graduates this year, notably the largest responses that have tried to ‘close the gap’. important role in the continued success cohort of graduating students thus far. of GUMURRII: GUMURRII SSU

Graduating students with Traditional Owner Song-woman GUMURRII had 138 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students Maroochy Barambah graduating in 2017

14 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 Queensland College of Art — Honour students

Mandy Quadrio Mandy completed her Bachelor of Contemporary Indigenous Arts (Honours in Fine Arts) in 2017 majoring in Sculpture. Mandy was the recipient of the St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital Award, 2017 and is a foot on the pathway to a of Doctor of Philosophy.

Andrew Gall Venessa Williams Starzynski Andrew completed his Bachelor Venessa completed her Bachelor of Contemporary Indigenous Arts (Honours in Fine Arts) of Contemporary Indigenous Arts in 2017 majoring in Painting and is commencing studies of a Doctor of Philosophy. (Honours) in 2017 majoring in Jewellery and is commencing studies in a Doctor of Visual Arts. Carmen Perez — Learning Assistance Officer, South Bank

GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 15 Walk and Talk provides path to reconciliation

Record numbers participated in ‘This important event, now in its It is also the 10th anniversary of the Griffith University’s Walk and seventh year, has developed into a platform launch of Griffith’s Statement on Talk event to mark National where the University community, can Reconciliation—a public declaration of enthusiastically celebrate the achievements the university’s commitment to promoting Reconciliation Week 2017. of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander an environment valuing the traditions, peoples. ‘Through walking and talking, protocols and contribution of Aboriginal A palpable spirit of togetherness we continue to foster new understandings, and Torres Strait Islander peoples. energised the inter-campus bushwalk to new relationships that bring Aboriginal mark National Reconciliation Week 2017. ‘It gives you a sense of solidarity with and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the people from diverse backgrounds where The first of two Walk and Talk events of broader Australian community together,’ we can recognise things that have that week, each hosted by GUMURRII Professor Betts said. happened in our past and acknowledge Student Support Unit, took a record National Reconciliation Week is an the progress we’ve made collectively,’ number of participants from Griffith’s Australia-wide observance held each Leah Henderson, Kungullanji Program Mt Gravatt campus to the Nathan year, giving people the chance to come coordinator, said. campus under the soft autumn sunshine. together and share in steps towards Stephen O’Grady Amidst the mix of students, staff and healing for the Stolen Generations, a 20-strong group from the Murri their families and communities. School was Professor Martin Betts, Last year’s events have added significance Walk and Talk 2017 Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement), nationwide as 2017 marks 25 years since Mt Gravatt campus — Tuesday 30 May Griffith University. the historic Mabo decision and the 50th Gold Coast campus — Thursday 1 June anniversary of the 1967 referendum where Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the constitution to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the Commonwealth to create laws for them.

16 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 NAIDOC Week 2018

NAIDOC Week 2018 will They are our mothers, our elders, our They often did so while caring for our celebrate the invaluable grandmothers, our aunties, our sisters families, maintaining our homes and contributions that Aboriginal and our daughters. breaking down cultural and institutionalised barriers and gender stereotypes. and Torres Strait Islander Sadly, Indigenous women’s role in our women have made—and cultural, social and political survival has Our women did so because they continue to make—to our often been invisible, unsung or diminished. demanded a better life, greater opportunities and—in many cases For at least 65,000 years, Aboriginal communities, our families, our equal rights—for our children, and Torres Strait Islander women have rich history and to our nation. our families and our people. carried our dreaming stories, song lines, Under the theme—Because of her, languages and knowledge that have kept They were pioneering women like we can!—NAIDOC Week 2018 will be our culture strong and enriched us as the Barangaroo, Truganini, Gladys Elphick, held nationally from Sunday 8 July and oldest continuing culture on the planet. Fannie Cochrane-Smith, Evelyn Scott, Pearl Gibbs, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, continue through to Sunday 15 July. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Celuia Mapo Salee, Thancoupie, Justine women were there at first contact. As pillars of our society, Aboriginal Saunders, Gladys Nicholls, Flo Kennedy, and Torres Strait Islander women have They were there at the Torres Strait Pearlers Essie Coffey, , Emily Kame played—and continue to play—active strike in 1936, the Day of Mourning in Kngwarreye, Eleanor Harding, Mum Shirl, and significant roles at the community, 1938, the 1939 Cummeragunja Walk-Off, Ellie Gaffney and Gladys Tybingoompa. local, state and national levels. at the 1946 Pilbara pastoral workers’ strike, Today, they are trailblazers like Joyce the 1965 Freedom Rides, the Wave Hill As leaders, trailblazers, politicians, activists Clague, Yalmay Yunupingu, Evonne walk off in 1966, on the front line of the and social change advocates, Aboriginal Goolagong Cawley, Nova Peris, Carol in 1972 and at the and Torres Strait Islander women fought Martin, Elizabeth Morgan, Barbara Shaw, drafting of the Uluru Statement. and continue to fight, for justice, equal Rose Richards, Vonda Malone, Margaret rights, our rights to country, for law and They have marched, protested and spoken Valadian, Lowitja O’Donoghue, June Oscar, justice, access to education, employment at demonstrations and national gatherings Pat O’Shane, Pat Anderson Jill Milroy, and to maintain and celebrate our culture, for the proper recognition of our rights Banduk Marika, Linda Burney and Rosalie language, music and art. and calling for national reform and justice. Kunoth-Monks—to name but a few. They continue to influence as doctors, Our women were heavily involved in the Their achievements, their voice, their lawyers, teachers, electricians, chefs, campaign for the 1967 Referendum and unwavering passion give us strength and nurses, architects, rangers, Emergency also put up their hands to represent their have empowered past generations and and Defence personnel, writers, volunteers, people at the establishment of national paved the way for generations to come. chief executive officers, actors, singer advocacy and representative bodies songwriters, journalists, entrepreneurs, from the National Aboriginal Congress Because of her, we can! media personalities, board members, (NAC) to ATSIC to Land Councils accountants, academics, sporting icons and onto the National Congress for naidoc.org.au/2018-national- and Olympians, the list goes on. Australia’s First Peoples. naidoc-theme

GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 17 Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018)

The Commonwealth Games Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ‘The Medal design represents the soft sand is one month away, but Griffith Corporation Chairman Peter Beattie AC said lines which shift with every tide and wave University alumnus Delvene the medals were symbolic of every Games and is symbolic of athletic achievement. and the ‘ultimate goal’ of every athlete. Cockatoo-Collins already feels ‘The continual change of tide represents like she has won gold. ‘The reveal of these striking gold, silver the evolution in Athletes who are making and bronze medals for the Gold Coast their mark. Although the moment in time The North Stradbroke artist was selected 2018 Commonwealth Games is a special may be fleeting, it is forever marked to design the artwork for the Gold Coast and significant moment for the athletes within the shells that are brought upon 2018 Commonwealth Games medals which as they can now visualise what they are its tidelines.’ training and competing for,’ he said. were unveiled in early November 2017. Delvene graduated from the Bachelor of Griffith University Games champion A descendent of the Nunukul, Ngugi and Leisure Management in 1996, and was Cameron McEvoy and alumnus Domonic people, Delvene lives and works already working as a practicing artist Bedggood were among the athletes at on Minjerribah, North — while she studied. her mother and grandmothers’ birthplace. the GC2018 Charity Gala who got a ‘I was studying full-time and working as sneak peek at the medals. She said Queensland’s beaches and a practicing artist—it was a busy time,’ ‘It was overwhelming,’ Delvene said. coastline had inspired her designs. she said. ‘My mother was with me and she was ‘I look back on those days fondly—I was in tears. ‘I hope the athletes and lucky enough to be mentored by inspiring ‘It’s nice to finally be able to speak about visitors who come here for the teachers like Ray Hibbens, and supported it and see everyone’s reaction. Games take away memories by the GUMURRII Student Support Unit.’ of our beautiful beaches and ‘It was so special to hear the athletes Louise Crossen say they loved them, because they are the sunlight and come to who I had in mind when I did the drawings understand the history and and designs.’ culture of our First Nation peoples,’ she said.

18 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 Griffith News | Community

Griffith helps uncover archaeological ‘This partnership is going to open up It was formed as an entity in September past in Mithaka Country. a lot more opportunity for in-depth 2015 in order to finalise the Native Title investigation and is a part of a long-term claim over Mithaka Country—an area west Unravelling the past for the First People strategy,’ he said. of Windorah in South West Queensland. is key to a new partnership between Mr Riddiford said the aim was to Mithaka People’s non-exclusive native Griffith University and the Mithaka participate in and develop research as a title determination over 33,752km2 of People of South West Queensland. practice that collaborated with Mithaka country was recognised after a 13 year Mithaka People are the Native Title Traditional Owners to manage traditional legal process in October 2015. Mediation owners of 33,800 square kilometres knowledge so that it benefited Mithaka with the different interests, primarily in the Channel Country of southwest Country, Culture and People. pastoral leases, in the determination area Queensland, as well as the last claimants ceased in September 2015, and a consent ARCHE Director Professor Rainer Grün to a further 22,000 square kilometres determination was reached. west of Cooper’s Creek. said there was a wealth of archaeological remains and features in Mithaka Country The Australian Research Centre for Today (July 24) the Mithaka People that would help First People gain insights Human Evolution, which sits within launched their Research Framework. into their archaeological past. based in Griffith’s Environmental This research framework will support Futures Research Institute, is the first Mithaka Traditional Owners and their ‘I think the partnership is academic centre specifically focused research partners to: the essence of what we do on gaining a deeper understanding of the scale of ancient human migrations • establish trust between researchers at ARCHE and part of our and create a neutral platform for and the full story of the origins of the mission to help unravel the effective research people in our region. An initiative of past for Australia’s First Queensland’s Griffith University, ARCHE’s • implement best practice research Peoples,’ he said. mission is to foster research excellence using culturally sensitive guidelines through multidisciplinary projects that and principles Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation’s bring together leading Australian and • promote innovative research that Research Framework ensures that all international scholars and institutions traverses and benefits western and stages of research are transparent and in the field of human evolution, with traditional knowledge accountable, and supported by sound a particular focus on two key regions: Mithaka governance and continuous • create opportunities to develop, Australia and neighbouring Southeast Asia. communication between Traditional promote and engage with Stephanie Bedo Owners and their research partners. Aboriginal research. Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC The collaboration will allow leading holds in trust the native title rights scientists from Griffith’s Australian and interests of Mithaka People of Research Centre for Human Evolution South-Western Queensland. (ARCHE) to further their work with the Mithaka people in the Channel Country. By integrating non-Indigenous scientific approaches with Indigenous approaches and knowledge, researchers hope to build a thorough understanding of how Mithaka Country received her people and how she carried them through the next 50,000 or so years. Mithaka Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Barry Riddiford said the Mithaka people were really trying to understand what went on across their land for many years.

GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 19 Griffith News | Alumni

Award-winning artist Gordon Hookey has been recognised as the 2017 Arts, Education and Law Alumnus of the Year.

Born in Cloncurry and a descendent of the people, Gordon is one of the leading Australian artists of his generation and is known for politically charged work that explores the intersections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures. An acclaimed painter and sculptor, Gordon has exhibited extensively both internationally and throughout Australia. Since graduating from a Master of Visual Arts at the Queensland College of Art in 2012, his works have been acquired for public and private collections around the world, including the National Gallery of AEL PVC Professor Paul Mazerolle, Gordon Hookey, Professor Derrick Cherrie Australia, Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art and the Osaka Museum of Ethnology ‘This award is important to me, although it in Japan. came completely out of the blue,’ he said. Outstanding School Gordon has used his work to address ‘My time at the QCA really helped me Alumnus Award winners: a variety of historical and contemporary refine my thinking and it was wonderful Petr Tichy political issues, from the injustices to be immersed in an environment Griffith Film School suffered by , where everything is about art.’ to Australia’s intervention in the Dr Brian Bumbarger Middle East and immigration. His advice for current students is simple. Griffith School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Gordon continues to exhibit his work Suzie Brady on the international art stage. ‘Don’t see yourself as a student, start looking at Griffith School of Humanities, His art has hung in The National New Languages and Social Sciences yourself as a practicing artist,’ Australian Art 2017, the Museum of Gordon Hookey he said. Contemporary Art in Sydney and earlier Queensland College of Art this year he was one of just three Dr Brett Mason Australian artists invited to show their Held at Cloudland Brisbane, the seventh Griffith Law School work at Documenta, dubbed the ‘Olympics annual AEL Alumni Awards recognise the of the art world’. The blockbuster achievements and successes of Arts, Ryan Walsh exhibition is held every five years and Education and Law graduates. Queensland Conservatorium features the best contemporary artists Louise Crossen Tony Kennedy from around the world. It attracted more Griffith School of Education than a million visitors over 100 days, and Professional Studies including collectors, curators and media. Outstanding Young Gordon, who received the award at Alumnus of the a gala ceremony in Brisbane on October 13 2017, says he was surprised Year Winner: and honoured by the accolade. Chris Eigeland

20 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12 Useful information

Direct Entry Aboriginal and Torres Strait General enquiries The GUMURRII SSU conducts the Direct Islander Tutorial Assistance Phone 07 3735 7676 Entry program designed for Aboriginal Program (ATSITAP) Email [email protected] and Torres Strait Islanders seeking to We facilitate the Aboriginal and Torres griffith.edu.au/gumurrii undertake tertiary studies at Griffith Strait Islander Tutorial Assistance University. Through the Direct Entry Program, which aims to improve program, potential students speak educational outcomes for Aboriginal Learning Assistance Officers directly with GUMURRII SSU staff and Torres Strait Islander students. Gold Coast campus regarding the courses offered at Phone 07 5552 9631 or Griffith University. Through the program, eligible students are matched with tutors to help them 07 5552 8991 The Direct Entry program enables achieve the best possible outcomes Nathan campus applicants to be assessed on any formal in their courses. If you are an eligible Phone 07 3735 7678 or qualifications, life experiences and other student, or tutor, we encourage you 07 3735 7653 transferable skills that support your to register. enrolment application. Logan campus app.secure.griffith.edu.au/ Phone 07 3382 1101 or gumurrii How to apply online 07 3382 1223 All applicants applying through the South Bank campus Direct Entry Program (link below) Blue Card Application Phone 07 3735 3197 need to provide the following Blue Card Services Mt Gravatt campus documents, prior to or at their interview. bluecard.qld.gov.au/applications/ Phone 07 3735 5814 • Confirmation of Aboriginality or applications.html signed Statutory Declaration • CV (Curriculum Vitae)/Resume • School/TAFE Results and/or relevant certificates Important dates for 2018 • Year 12 Exit Statement or school records statements 26 January Survival Day

13 February Anniversary of the Australian Government Apology to the Stolen Generation

15 March National Day

26 May Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum

27 May – 3 June National Reconciliation Week

3 June Mabo Day

1 July Coming of the Light Festival

8–15 July National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week

4 August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (NAICD)

9 August International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

5 September Indigenous Literacy Day

GUMURRII NEWS – Issue 12 21 CRICOS No. 00233E J001626