The Yarning Spring 2020 | Edition #2 Circle

Artwork by Chris Edward (2010) Swimmy Creek [Mixed media on Latvian linen 100cm x 145cm Western 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 , , Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands in and beyond.

Disclaimers The opinions expressed in these (L to R) Daliah Aggrey-Fynn, Trudy Healey, & Kristy Bell. Photography: Sally Tsoutas articles are those of the authors and contributors, and do not Celebrating NAIDOC necessarily reflect those of the Staff, students and community were University or the organization to week at Western invited to take part in events that ran which the authors are affiliated. throughout the week. Statements of fact are believed Sydney University to be true as at the date of Students and staff were invited to test Despite official NAIDOC celebrations publication, and the University their knowledge and have fun while being postponed from 5th July to now accepts no liability for the truth taking part in the annual NAIDOC Week commence on 8th November 2020, or accuracy of such statements. quiz. Join us in congratulating; Western Sydney University continued Aboriginal and Torres Strait to celebrate NAIDOC week and its The student winners 2020 theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Islander readers are warned that • 1st place: Matilda Harry, Master of Be’. Western invited all students, staff the following magazine may Education (Primary) contain images or names of and community members to embrace deceased persons. the true history of Country and First • 2nd place: Anastasia Vickers, Bachelor Nations people’s spiritual and cultural of Advanced Science Publication Enquiries connections that have been strong for • 3rd place: James Duff, Bachelor of Please contact Matilda Harry at thousands of generations. Business/Bachelor of Law [email protected] 1 The staff winners • 1st place: Corrinne Sullivan, Associate Dean (Indigenous Education), School of Social Science • 2nd place: Charlotte Farina, Senior Graphic Designer, Design Team

Spring 2020 Spring • 3rd place: Dr Adam Daniel, Casual | Academic, School of Humanities and Communications Arts

To find out more about the NAIDOC Week quiz and to hear from the winners please follow: https://www. westernsydney.edu.au/naidoc-quiz

Our talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Western Sydney University Sydney Western Islander students and staff competed in | the Western Sydney University Deadly Challenge celebrating their cultures and voices through a range of performances. All staff and students were invited to watch the singing, dancing and slam poetry and the favourite performances

The Yarning Circle Yarning The were determined.

Congratulations and thank you to all methods of cooking which have been and students were invited to watch the who contributed. After an overwhelming passed down in community and are still film which tells the remarkable story of number of voted the winners are: being used. Indigenous AFL legend Adam Goodes • 1st place- Aunty Kerrie Doyle and explores race, identity and belonging • 2nd place- Jarred Murphy Western promoted the ‘Yarning with the in Australia today. mob’ and ‘What does culture mean to • 3rd place- Talyssa Baker you?’ short films. These showcased First Other events held during NAIDOC week Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Nations students educating all about include Western Sydney University’s Islander staff members introduced the their cultures, identities and a range of Centre for Educational Research held ‘Feed Ya Mob’ cooking segment which Aboriginal English terminologies used in a Black Lives Matter and Education: featured photographic recipes and a community. Pathways to Action Symposium, video which taught us how to cook ‘#Indigenouslivesmatter: Speaking back/ The Indigenous Student Council and Semur chicken and Lemon Myrtle tart for with Social Sciences’ symposium, and Western Life held a free online screening our mobs to share at home. It was a great the inaugural Indigenous Student Council of ‘The Australian Dream’ film. All staff to learn about traditional bush tucker and meeting.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR Welcome to the second edition of The Lives Matter movement, through to Yarning Circle, an important initiative that our NAIDOC week celebrations, which recognises and celebrates Indigenous for the first time were all conducted excellence at Western Sydney University. online. The ongoing commitment to It is with great pride that I can report the advancing Indigenous education is first edition of this important newsletter outlined in the article on the cultural received an abundance of positive exchange program which all members feedback from students, staff and the of Western’s Executive team completed. broader community. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the incredible This Spring 2020 edition is produced accomplishments of our Indigenous at a time when many members of staff, students and alumni. our community are experiencing a strong sense of isolation and loneliness I would like to take this opportunity Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Michelle Trudgett. because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It to thank our staff, students, alumni Photography: Sally Tsoutas is heartening to know that The Yarning and community for their dedication Circle can play a small part in keeping to advancing Indigenous success our community connected through at Western. I encourage you to Professor Michelle Trudgett such challenging times. This edition contact Matilda Harry at M.Harry@ (BA, MPS, EdD) includes a range of great stories from westernsydney.edu.au if you have any Pro Vice-Chancellor Aboriginal and Western’s ongoing commitment to ideas or suggestions for articles that Torres Strait Islander Education, social justice issues such as the Black might be included in future editions. Strategy and Consultation 2 Spring 2020 Spring | Western Sydney University Sydney Western |

Black Lives Matter Rally. Photography: Western Sydney University Indigenous Academic

condolences to the families and friends and staff have signed the pledge. Clearly, Western pledges of the many Indigenous people who have many staff and students at Western share support to the passed whilst in custody. Indigenous a strong commitment to call out racism staff, students and Elders are valued and and actively remedy social injustices. Circle Yarning The Black Lives Matter respected members of our community. We thank them for their ongoing Western Sydney University has also movement contributions and hope that in these curated a new collection of resources for Western students and staff on critical Western Sydney University commits challenging times, and beyond, we come issues underpinning the Australian Black to stand in solidarity with Indigenous together in solidarity and demonstrate Live Matter campaign, including films, Australians and people of colour an ongoing commitment to Indigenous books and academic literature. through supporting the Black Lives Australians and other people of colour who are subjected to racism.” Matter movement. The Black Lives Western Sydney University’s Centre for Matter campaign has sparked Ms Michelle Falconer, Senior Manager of Educational Research also held a Black widespread interest and support in the Equity and Diversity, said it is important Lives Matter and Education: Pathways long-running movement in Australia that universities challenge injustices and to Action Symposium to discuss the and overseas. The protests have been take a stand on the discrimination and implications of the movement on a catalyst for critical conversations harassment facing First Australians. all sectors of Education. This online around racial justice and the need to symposium featured research from address systemic and institutional “Western has a proud history of tackling Higher Education, Initial Teacher racism in all spaces. inequalities and the Australian Black Education, Schools, Early Learning and Lives Matter movement is an historical community education. Professor Michelle Trudgett, Pro Vice- opportunity to catch mainstream attention Chancellor, Aboriginal and Torres and highlight the life and death struggles Furthermore, the School of Strait Islander Education, Strategy and of . The Office of Social Sciences also held the Consultation, is proud to belong to an Equity and Diversity is proud to contribute ‘#Indigenouslivesmatter: Speaking back/ institution that actively practices zero to the University’s Black Lives Matter with Social Sciences’ symposium on tolerance of racism. action and to stand side by side with Friday 17th of July. The highly successful event included an opening address “Western Sydney University deeply Professor Michelle Trudgett and her team. by Professor Michelle Trudgett, Pro- values and respects the cultural diversity We are very grateful for the opportunity Vice Chancellor Aboriginal and Torres of all students and staff. Through the and the support shown by Western’s Strait Islander Education, Strategy sharing of culture, stories and knowledge students and staff,” said Ms Falconer. and Consultation. The presenters were we continue to learn from one another. Professor Michelle Trudgett, the School of Social Sciences Indigenous As an academic community, we also University’s Library, and the Office of academics including, Associate Dean seek to work with Indigenous people and Equity and Diversity have worked together Indigenous Education Corrinne Sullivan, others to tackle the persistent tragedy to create opportunities for students and Senior Lecturer Dr Scott Avery, and of Indigenous deaths in custody, the staff to demonstrate their support and Lecturer Robyn Oxley. Responding to the scourge of Indigenous incarceration, and better understand the issues driving the presentations was Dean of the School of the many biases within the justice and Black Lives Matter movement in Australia. Social Sciences, Professor Brian Stout. legal systems,” said Professor Trudgett. One way to get involved is by signing We understand that action is even more “Western Sydney University supports the Western Sydney University Black important than words when tackling efforts to advance Indigenous self- Lives Matter Pledge. See the University’s ongoing inequalities. To see the practical determination and recognises the urgent invitation to sign the pledge to stand steps the University commits to take over need to do so, as recommended by the against racism and show your support the next five years check outWestern’s Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths for the campaign. To date, 1,300 students Indigenous Strategy 2020-2025. in Custody. Western extends our sincerest 3 Spring 2020 Spring | Western Sydney University Sydney Western |

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Photography: Sally Tsoutas

The group explored the social, political Proud woman and Western leaders and community structures within Managing Director and Founder of participate in Aboriginal Affairs in New South Boomalli Consulting, Shannon Barnes- Wales alongside the historical and McKenzie, said education is an important Indigenous cultural contemporary environments First part of every individual’s journey to Nation people exist in. Engaging in understanding and participating in exchange yarning circles and artefact information Indigenous culture. Earlier in the year all members of the sessions, attendees listened to traditional “Boomalli is proud to collaborate with Western Sydney University Executive instruments and jointly created a Western Sydney University. It’s through team, together with a group of academics journeyed art-piece which will be ongoing education, commitment and and professional staff, participated in a displayed in the University’s Chancellery. respect that institutions like Western will full day cultural exchange workshop to Vice-Chancellor and President Professor continue to support the next generation enhance their understanding of Country Barney Glover AO said the cultural of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culture. exchange was an important opportunity people,” said Mrs Barnes-McKenzie. Facilitated by Shannon Barnes-McKenzie to connect with the world’s oldest Increased educational opportunities and Allan McKenzie from Boomalli continuous culture, and to learn about for staff, such as the cultural exchange Consulting, attendees learnt about the new ways to better engage with and workshop, are one component of the creation of the land, waterways, plants, support Indigenous students, staff and University’s broader Indigenous Strategy. animals, people, lore and language, community members. The strategy, led by Professor Michelle and the responsibilities of Traditional “Western Sydney University recognises Trudgett, Pro Vice Chancellor Aboriginal Custodians. Indigenous Australians have a deep and Torres Strait Islander Education, and rich culture that has existed for Strategy and Consultation, underscores tens of thousands of years. We are Western Sydney University’s commitment committed to working in partnership to increasing Indigenous employment, with Indigenous people and continuing to education, research and engagement. build our knowledge of their culture,” said Professor Glover.

4 Students When you graduate from Western WESTERN SYDNEY Sydney University what do you hope to

UNIVERSITY’S achieve? 2020 Spring | INDIGENOUS My goals have changed over the years. STUDENTS ACHIEVE I am a mature aged student, a Mum of 6 and I have 2 children also studying at GREAT THINGS Western. Years ago, I wanted to go into the corporate world and take on the big Seven deadly wigs. After my awesome experiences as a mentor, tutor and PASS facilitator, I’m questions: Introducing now thinking I’d love to do a PhD and

become an academic. Working toward University Sydney Western | Leanne Markovic educating and supporting other students, Who are you? especially First Nations Students on their education journey. I’m Leanne Markovic, I’m currently studying Bachelor of Business/ You are clearly a busy person with Bachelor of Applied Leadership and lots of commitments! What are your Leanne Markovic Critical Thinking. I’m a PASS Facilitator, top 5 tips towards success for other Circle Yarning The MATES mentor and Online Student Indigenous Western Sydney University Representative for 2020. This year I am students? in ages, areas of study and our heritage also an Academy Ambassador. In this was vast. It was great to hear from role I’m not only focused on leadership 1. Don’t let anyone tell you ‘you can’t’. Be students who are fortunate enough to and academic achievement, but on the leader of your own journey and if live on their own countries and who are working closely with our PVC to look you see an opportunity and things that achieving so much for their families. at opportunities for our Indigenous pique your interest, go for it! students to become more involved. This Why did you choose to study at Western 2. Learn to say ‘no’ occasionally. As much involvement is not just through study Sydney University? as we all love to take on so much, we but also workshops, panel discussions need to make sure we leave enough and even immersion activities. I’m also I chose to study at Western because the time to take care of ourselves and take working hard on a series of events vast courses and flexibility offered at this time out. We can achieve everything in which we can educate our non- university, suited me. I work full time, so we want, but maybe not all in one day. Indigenous students on who we are and I needed to be able to study online to try 3. Ask questions and ask for help. I learnt why we’re deadly in everything we do! and balance my family, work and study this the hard way, but the academics commitments. I originally studied here in and Badanami staff can be amazingly Who is your mob? 1998 and it was very different then, but I supportive and helpful. Make sure you like the closeness to home and the variety My mob is from Western Sydney – Darug, talk to people and ask for help before it offers. with ties to Eora. Many of my family were things become too overwhelming. Get familiar with the programs and adopted, both legally and illegally so Have you faced any challenges as an supports on offer. working out our full tree is still a work in Indigenous student? If so, how did you progress. I grew up mostly in Redfern and overcome them? 4. Get involved! University has a lot of then Western Sydney. amazing things up for offer. I found I have only had a few interactions that that once I became involved in a few What community or cultural events have I would deem unfavourable. If I witness things, my marks got better. I think you been involved in lately? anything First Nations related being this was because I gained confidence misquoted, I feel compelled to educate in knowing how to navigate my way In October 2019, I attended the the room as respectfully as I can. This through the University maze. conference for the Union of Aboriginal is often met with “oh you don’t look and Torres Strait Islander Students 5. Keep your mob in your heart and mind black” or “where were you stolen from?” on country. I got to spend at all times. I think we are blessed in Yes, some people are that simple and four days with other mob from around our position knowing we can make disrespectful. I try to educate people and Australia who like me, are studying at positive changes in this crazy world. If give them the benefit of the doubt, but university, college or TAFE. It was a you do things with the right intentions, some are just plain stupid. great opportunity to share stories, learn you can grow yourself and your culture from each other and development deep at the same time. connections to our heritage through our experiences with studying. The diversity

5 • Jessie Browne, a Doctor of Medicine Western students student. awarded Lorna • Mason Smith, a Bachelor of Earl and William Physiotherapy student. • Tayoni Webber-Travers, a Bachelor of Woodberry Criminology student. Spring 2020 Spring

| Scholarships Brodie Harris, a proud Wodi Wodi student, expressed that she was beyond surprised The Lorna Earl and William Woodberry when she was awarded the scholarship. Scholarship program encourages Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander “I will be the first in my family to complete students to further their education. In an undergraduate degree at University, the 2020 ten individual scholarships valued importance of education is foundational at $15,000pa for the duration of a and has the potential to transform my life student’s degree were offered state wide. and those of others that have experienced

Western Sydney University Sydney Western significant disadvantage and oppression |

Of the ten scholarships that were within their life. The scholarship has available four Western Sydney University allowed me to purchase much needed Indigenous students were the deserving Brodie Harris equipment for my studies and has enabled recipients. This is a fantastic result for our me to remain financially stable even after mob, and a clear testament to the quality becoming unemployed due to COVID-19,” of our students and our teaching and said Ms Harris. learning at Western. The Yarning Circle Yarning The To find out more about the Lorna Earl and Please join us in congratulating the William Woodberry scholarships please recipients: follow: https://good2give.ngo/resources/ • Brodie Harris, a Bachelor of Social case-studies/lorna-earl-william- Work student. woodberry-leww-scholarships/

Indigenous Student visit at Western Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sydney University. The visit included a Engagement team at Western are super wide range of academic workshops held supportive and will assist you to not only on various Western campuses throughout get into your desired course but they will the week. Kobi learnt about the range of try to assist you throughout your degree. degrees offered and the potential career Uni is an option for all of our mob. If pathways available to him. you have a goal Western will help you achieve it.” “The camp gave me clarity on what future career pathways were available Kobi’s highlights of his time at Western to me. Coming from a small community have been campus life, competing in it definitely was a big eye opener. It the Indigenous national uni games and helped me understand that university is also giving back to the young mob a viable option and has plenty of support by mentoring for the Western Sydney services and alternative pathways to University’s Rural Indigenous Student assist,” said Kobi. visits, Heartbeart and Pathways to Dreaming programs. In November of 2016 Kobi attended the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kobi has big hopes for the future as he Kobi Whalan Pathway Program, a two-day program aims to improve the health status of where his literacy and numeracy skills our mob by working in the sport and were assessed. Kobi also had an informal exercise field, particularly in strength and Rural student kicks group interview with academics in his conditioning. goals at Western chosen area of study. In early January 2017 he received an offer for his dream Congratulations on your achievements Kobi Whalan, a proud degree and soon made the trip down to thus far, Western Sydney University student, is studying in his 4th year of a live on campus and study. cannot wait to hear about your future Bachelor of Health Science, majoring achievements and successes, we are very in Sports and Exercise Science. Kobi Kobi said, “I was worried after receiving proud of you Kobi. grew up in Singleton, a little town in the my HSC results, but after completing the To find out more about the Aboriginal Hunter Valley, with his mob coming from Pathway Program, I was relieved as I was and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Coonabarabran. Kobi went to Singleton provided with an offer into my degree. I Program visit: www.westernsydney.edu. High School and was provided the would encourage anyone in community au/pathwayprogram opportunity to attend a camp, the Rural to apply for the Pathway program. The 6 Jamie is a proud Darug man from the College students Boorooberongal clan studying a Diploma receive recognition for in Social Science Extended at Western Sydney University’s College. He is academic excellence passionate about making positive social change for our mob in the future and The academic rigour, leadership explains how grateful he is to be awarded

and community engagement of two 2020 Spring the scholarship. outstanding Indigenous College students | has been recognised in their achievement “I cannot thank the University enough of the Ngaramada Indigenous Student for offering me this support. The Scholarship. financial assistance has relieved a lot of my pressures and provided me with We would like to congratulate Jamaica many opportunities. I haven’t had to Lopes and Jamie Murray on their recent spend all my hours working, instead I achievement, and we cannot wait to see am able to put more time into studying what the future holds for them. and achieving desirable grades. It Western Sydney University Sydney Western | Jamaica is a proud Aboriginal woman has changed my whole experience at University,” said Mr Murray. studying a Diploma in Social Science Jamie Murray Extended at Western Sydney University’s To find out more about scholarships College. She hopes to work in the available to you, please contact the community and expresses how Western Sydney University’s Scholarship overwhelmed and excited she was to team on scholarships@westernsydney. receive this recognition. Circle Yarning The edu.au and access the website via https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/ future/why-western/scholarships.html.

When he’s not bringing a new life into the “Finding this course was a complete world, Dr Shayne Miller is also nurturing game-changer for me. I realised it was Indigenous representation in health care possible to go on to further education. – and he’s calling for others to join him. So I did alternative entry testing for The 22-year-old is happily into his fourth nursing while I was doing my HSC, and I year of a medicine degree, but he wasn’t also sat the Undergraduate Medicine and always so sure of his path. Health Sciences Admission Test.”

“Like many Indigenous students, I’m the Shayne was offered an interview for the first in my immediate family to go to Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery university so there’s this common idea at Western Sydney University. After sitting that we don’t belong or fit in. I don’t think the interview, he received a phone call that’s fair, we put that on ourselves a lot from the panel that same afternoon. of the time. The truth is we’re all capable of whatever we set our minds to; after all, “There were shouts of pure joy, a flood of we’ve got 60,000 plus years of ancestors congratulations and many tears. I’ll never cheering us on.” forget the smile on my mum’s face.”

Shayne grew up in a single-parent Shayne is advocating for a future where Shayne Miller household in Aboriginal Housing and says it’s not uncommon to be treated by an the experience, although challenging, Indigenous health care professional – be grounded him in the real world. it a doctor, nurse, pathologist, radiologist, Aspiring doctor physiotherapist, occupational therapist or paves way for greater “I know what it’s like to struggle and to psychologist. He also says, spiritual healing see those closest to you struggle. My and staying connected to the Dreaming representation background has given me a huge amount are vital for Indigenous wellbeing. of determination to create a better future Gomeroi-Ngarabul man and trainee for myself, my family and our community.” “The Dreaming is a constant state, we are doctor, Shayne Miller, recently delivered continuously connected to our dreaming his first baby at Campbelltown Hospital. Attending Liverpool Boys High School in and each of us is at a different point South Western Sydney, Shayne studied in our journey. We must not lose sight “It was an amazing experience – there’s hard and was the first Aboriginal Captain of that and who we are. The Dhinawan a lot we can learn from birthing women: at the school. His interest in physical (Emu) dreaming of the Gomeroi and tenacity, courage, strength, comfortability education and science led him to enrol in the Boorabee () dreaming of the in one’s own limits, the list goes on.” a ‘first aid to medicine’ program. Ngarabul carry me through my life.” 7 Staff WESTERN SYDNEY

Spring 2020 Spring UNIVERSITY’S | PASSIONATE INDIGENOUS STAFF Seven deadly questions: Introducing Fiona Towney Western Sydney University Sydney Western | Who are you?

Like most of us now, I am of mixed heritage. I had one Aboriginal grandparent and three Irish grandparents. My paternal grandfather, Sam Towney, was a lovely gentle man who was born Fiona Towney, Director of Badanami. Photography: Sally Tsoutas The Yarning Circle Yarning The on Bulgandramine Mission, north west of Peak Hill NSW. My father was Frank Towney (also known as Shearer Frank), have attended a number of online cultural minute of it (well – mostly). When I left he was born in Peak Hill. I have very fond activities, presented by various hosts, there I was the Leader of the Probity memories of them both. within and outside of Western. team – my team looked after the WWCC compliance (we verified around 110,000 Who is your mob? What is your current position at Western WWCCs per year), criminal histories Sydney University and how long have and the Not to be Employed data base. I am Wiradjuri. I was born in Coolah NSW. you worked at the University? Moving to the tertiary sector was a I grew up in Stuart Town, then Wellington, natural progression. and moved to Sydney when I was I am the Director of the Badanami Centre commencing year 6. for Indigenous Education. I commenced What is your favourite thing about this role on 3 September 2018, so I am working at Western Sydney University? What community/cultural events have just reaching my two-year anniversary. you been to lately? I have met so many welcoming and Have you always aspired to work in interesting people. I really enjoy getting I am often asked to Acknowledge tertiary education? to know people and I am starting to Country at events held within Western understand the collegiate atmosphere. No. My first job was with the Sydney University. I always use this I am really amazed at the amount of Commonwealth Bank (because my dad as an educationally opportunity – for research that goes on in universities – to bought home the application form and example, advising the difference between be honest I had never really thought got me to fill it in). I started there about a Welcome and an Acknowledgement about it before. I am so happy to see our four months after I left school and was and how to think about introducing young mob coming through – there are there for the next 15 years and was an inclusive practices into the workplace. so many exciting opportunities ahead of Assistant Manager on the CBA IT Help Over the last five or six years I have them and I feel privileged to be part of Desk when I resigned. I then worked for been asked to Acknowledge Country at their journey. the Westmead Hospital’s annual New the NSW Department of Education for Graduate Information night. I remind 24 years. It was there where I became Do you have any advice for Aboriginal our prospective nurses that they can interested in education as a tool to and Torres Strait Islander people contribute to the lifelong outcomes of increase opportunities. I worked in wanting to work at Western Sydney our children by treating us with respect Orange for eight years which is where I University? and empathy. This will mean that we are initiated the first mentor group in NSW more likely to seek assistance when we for our Aboriginal Education Assistants Throw your hat in the ring. There are so are ill – leading to better health, leading (now Officers). I watched as the many opportunities if you are prepared to to increased attendance and retention at children of these staff started to come work hard. We are always on the lookout school. I was one of the team that worked though as teachers in the NSW system for great staff and role models. on the Back to Bulgandramine reunion – I participated in the development of held last year. My role was to collate the proactive practices by the department Towney family tree. I really enjoyed it. It in relation to targeted employment of took me about four months. I learnt a lot our people. It really looks quite different of our history and plenty of interesting now to what it did back in the day. All of information. COVID has meant we are my employment with the DET was in HR meeting in different ways. This year I in one area or another and I loved every

8 Who are you? patient in a simulated clinical encounter to help my students learn to structure I’m currently a final year student studying their thinking in the moment. the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program. Prior to my time Why did you decide to become part at Western, I spent a year ‘abroad’ in of the Badanami Tutoring for Success Queensland—I mean it’s not technically Program?

‘abroad’ but during State of Origin time it 2020 Spring might as well be—studying a Bachelor of I first heard of the Tutoring for Success | Science, but thankfully I was able to come program when one of the School of back home to study the degree that will Medicine PhD students mentioned it as shape my future. Throughout my time one of the ways they were able to do as a student, I’ve been exposed to many formal teaching while studying their PhD. of the physical, mental, and social health Soon after this, I was invited to apply issues faced by people living in Western as I was one of the PASS facilitators for Sydney, and I’m hoping to stay (or Medicine and we were recruited to help come back to) both the region and the due to tutor shortages. I became a tutor Western Sydney University Sydney Western | University to practise and teach medicine through Badanami because I knew that in the future. With the conclusion of the MBBS is an extremely tough degree Jackie Wu the main written exams this year, I’ve and it could be immensely frustrating for been juggling an Honours project and a deficit in knowledge or understanding discovering the wonders of the Nintendo in one aspect of the program could carry Meet Jackie Wu, Switch, as well as starting work as an over into other areas. This would allow Assistant in Medicine at Bathurst Base me to provide support for the program’s one of Western Circle Yarning The Hospital. I’m also very much a fan of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sydney University’s learning challenging bodyweight exercise students, especially those who might be movements, though I’m not particularly struggling. Super Tutors good at any of them. Why is tutoring important? Who are you tutoring and what are they I think tutoring is important because studying? at the end of the day, it helps develop I’ve tutored medical students in the first problem-solving skills. In medicine, I and second year of their MBBS program. think students are generally able to retain Medicine is an extremely challenging information better if they are able to degree which involves learning firstly think logically and approach their study about how the body works in terms of systematically. Additionally, we work on its structure (anatomy) and function being able to effectively seek answers (physiology), and then applying these when they don’t know something, which concepts to how various bodily functions is an essential skill in their future practice. may fail in different disease processes. What advice would you give to someone Students are also exposed to real-life who is thinking about becoming a tutor? hospital and clinic-based medicine early in Western Sydney University’s program, I think that if you have developed a way adding a further layer to their studies. of learning and problem solving that Needless to say, all students will have you believe would be useful to others, struggles with different aspects of the you should look into the possibility of program, be it a specialty or body system becoming a tutor. It certainly helps if you they’re having trouble understanding, are confident in your coursework and applying the foundational knowledge have achieved good results in the past to real life patients, or remembering (or have improved a lot), but even as a the important concepts among all the tutor you would be hard-pressed to know information they’re taught. My job as a everything there is to know. You can also tutor with Badanami is to work with my use the preparation and execution of the students to identify which aspects of the session as part of your own learning and program they’re struggling with, and then self-development as you will be revising working with them to help bridge gaps and consolidating important content, as in knowledge, improve study techniques, well as your communication skills. introduce resources, and work on a structured and logical way to approach clinical problems. For example, we might work on identifying the key anatomical and physiological concepts relevant to a particular disease, and then look at exactly how the body fails to do what it normally does. I might also act as a

9 Spring 2020 Spring | Western Sydney University Sydney Western |

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Professor Aunty Kerrie Doyle. Photography: Sally Tsoutas

Professor Doyle believes Western “The School is greatly benefitting from School of Medicine Sydney University is playing a vital role in Professor Doyle’s appointment and her appoints new supporting the aspirations of Indigenous implementation of new initiatives in people in the region, but more can be medical education,” said Distinguished Associate Dean of done to increase their participation in Professor Hennessy. higher education and research. Indigenous Health Professor Michelle Trudgett, Pro Vice- “To be instrumental in closing the gap, we Chancellor Aboriginal and Torres Western Sydney University is pleased to must listen to and privilege Indigenous Strait Islander Education, Strategy announce Winninninni woman Professor voices. I believe it’s through listening that and Consultation, said Professor Doyle Aunty Kerrie Doyle as the new Associate we can truly reflect Indigenous’ concerns will provide outstanding leadership to Dean Indigenous Health within the School and knowledge, and work towards the School and the wider University of Medicine. improving health and educational community. Professor Doyle was among the first outcomes for our mobs,” said Professor “Professor Doyle is deeply committed to cohort of Aboriginal people to graduate Doyle. our students, staff and our communities from Oxford University, and is the second “Knowledge sharing and increasing within Greater Western Sydney. Her Indigenous woman to be appointed as the efficacy of decision making are appointment to the Associate Dean Associate Dean at the University. As components of Indigenous communities position is well deserved and I look a Professor of Indigenous Health, she that have always inspired me. A priority forward to continuing to work with her,” brings a wealth of research and advocacy for me in my new role will be to empower said Professor Trudgett. expertise to the School, with much of her young people and to strengthen work dedicated to improving outcomes connections with our Elders.” Professor Doyle has previously lectured for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait at RMIT University and Charles Sturt Islander population. Distinguished Professor Annemarie University. In addition to her role with Hennessy AM, Dean of the School of Western Sydney University, she is the Medicine, welcomed the appointment of Co-Chair and Research Lead of the Professor Doyle. Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Clinical Academic Group at Maridulu Budyari Gumal, the Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE).

10 knowledge into the classrooms at Western New appointment Sydney University,” said Ms Oxley. to strengthen Professor Michelle Trudgett, Pro Vice- School’s Indigenous Chancellor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Strategy and engagement Consultation noted Ms Oxley’s deep

understanding of the criminal justice 2020 Spring

Western Sydney University is pleased | system would benefit the growing to welcome criminology researcher discipline. and Tharawal and Yorta Yorta woman, Robyn Oxley to the School of Social “As an emerging criminologist, Robyn will Sciences, bringing with her outstanding provide outstanding contributions. I am contributions to Indigenous research, incredibly excited that she has joined the criminal justice and engagement efforts. team at the University and look forward to working with her in the future,” said With a background in Aboriginal affairs Professor Trudgett.

within the criminal justice system University Sydney Western | and self-determination, Ms Oxley Notably, the School has achieved three lectures in social sciences, policing percent parity of total Indigenous students Robyn Oxley and criminology. As one of the few enrolled, and is working to support a new Indigenous criminologists in Australia, Ms University-wide Indigenous Strategy to “I am pleased with the progress we Oxley hopes more Indigenous people will foster Indigenous employment, education, are making in regard to Indigenous explore this career path. research and engagement.

employment and education. Our recent Circle Yarning The “I am proud to be part of a University Associate Dean of Indigenous Education appointments will ensure that as a School, that prioritises Indigenous education at the School of Social Sciences, Corrinne and as a University, we can continue to and understanding. I am looking forward Sullivan, said the School is a sector-leader build an environment that encourages to engaging with local Aboriginal in the Indigenous education space. Indigenous success,” said Ms Sullivan. organisations to bring Aboriginal

He is passionate about Indigenous health Professor Aunty Kerrie Doyle, Associate Western Sydney research and is due to complete a Master Dean of Indigenous Education and University welcomes of Public Health at Western this year, Professor in Indigenous Health in the culminating in a dissertation on cultural School of Medicine said Dr Saunders’ Indigenous Research proficiency in health research. extensive academic and professional experience enriches the University. Fellow Dr Paul Dr Saunders is a proud Biripi man with Saunders connections to the Kamilaroi nation and “Western Sydney University is fortunate his mob are from Taree on the Mid-North to appoint Dr Paul Saunders. He is one of Dr Paul Saunders has recently been coast of . He was born Western’s Medical School’s alumni and appointed to Western Sydney University and raised in Campbelltown on Tharawal has since been working as a researcher as an Indigenous Research Fellow within Country and has strong connections in Indigenous health in order to more both the School of Medicine and the to Greater Sydney’s Indigenous effectively bridge the gap in health Translational Health Research Institute. communities. and healthcare. His experience as a clinician adds to his life-long learning as He completed a Bachelor of Medicine an Indigenous man. He brings honesty and Bachelor of Surgery at Western and integrity to his role and adds to Sydney University and after engaging our team with his generosity of spirit, in an internship in clinical medicine and unconditional positive regard for others, working in the medical devices field, Dr and willingness to go the extra mile for Saunders decided to come back to study. mob, family, colleagues, and friends,” said Aunty Kerrie. “I have developed a passion for research as a tool that can be used to Dr Saunders is planning to commence affect positive change for people and his PhD next year within the School of communities regardless of race, gender, Medicine focussing on cultural proficiency social class, or educational attainment. in medical education. One day he hopes Having an ability to use evidence to to become a Professor of Indigenous create equity in people’s lives is so very health to carry on the legacy of strong important, not just for health, but for life Indigenous medical researchers. in its most holistic sense, so that everyone has the opportunity to be the best they can be,” said Dr Saunders.

Dr Paul Saunders 11 Alumni What is your current position and why WESTERN SYDNEY are you passionate about what you are

Spring 2020 Spring UNIVERSITY’S currently doing? | INDIGENOUS ALUMNI I’m now a ‘professor’ in the Centre for the Advancement of Indigenous Knowledges, Seven deadly and I’m doing my best to fight colonial storytelling and Eurocentrism within questions: Introducing academia and research. This basically Professor Gawaian means I’m privileging and centring the voices of Aboriginal Elders, community Bodkin-Andrews representatives, students, scholars, and

Western Sydney University Sydney Western our Ancestors in the (re)production | Who are you? of knowledges that seek to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wadayeo, waranara wingara peoples. Dadjariguru’o’wa. Galumban D’harawal bidigal’o’nattaimatagal djurali’dya’wa. What degree did you study at Western Naraguying’o’wa Bidiga meyrani barkalo Sydney University? – wiritjiribin waratah. Naraguying Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews The Yarning Circle Yarning The ‘o’wa midan’duragai naba Appin bugra I started my studies at Western Sydney bulbuwil’dya. Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews University in 1996 and I had a dream to Gibara’o’wa become an author in sci-fi and fantasy. I I am deeply indebted to Professor Maggie started Bachelor of Arts at Campbelltown Walter, as two research papers she wrote Hello (my spirit is open to you), and I campus hoping to major in creative actually changed my whole career in thank you for seeking to understand me. writing and literature but finished with research itself. I was born and raised on my D’harawal majors in psychology and sociology. Then What would be your top 5 tips towards homelands of both the Bitter-water I completed my Honours of Psychology success for Indigenous graduates from and Sweet-water peoples. My blood is at the campus and finished WSU? connected to the first two Grandmothers in 2002. Then I finally received my PhD – Wiritijribin and Waratah, and I am where I focused on Indigenous Education 1. Do not define success solely on some descended from the survivors of the and Psychology in 2008. institutional label or salary package. Appin Massacre – eight generations ago. My name is Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews. What has your experience at Western 2. Never forget who you are, your blood, given you that is unique compared to and the Stories you are connected to What community/cultural events have graduates from other universities? (despite what some outsiders may you been to lately? whisper). Although my time at Western was not 3. Honour your own Country and the Things have quietened a lot of late with that long ago, it was a different place—as Country you are on. the pandemic, but I have been in constant were most universities. One thing I always 4. Try to know and respect the many contact with my parents and Elders who tell Indigenous students is that I came out ways in which one can fight systemic are part of the D’harawal Traditional of my PhD very well versed in Western whiteness (and the patriarchy). Descendants and Knowledge Holders research methods—mostly quantitative— Circle, keeping them updated on what is and I was almost completely trapped 5. One piece of D’harawal philosophy happening, and making sure their voices in these methods. Thankfully I was that has always helped me is the five are heard when needed. Just prior to given some freedom at Western Sydney Truths. Maybe they can help you too: all the social isolation, I had the honour University to then explore and connect i. Yewing nandiri’mi of being given permission to share with Indigenous Research Methodologies, (the truths you see) some of our Ancestral Stories mostly which completely broadened the lens ii. Yewing nadiri’o to children, students, and teachers. My with which I approached research. (the truths I see) proudest moment was when I told the iii. Yewing nandiri’marri Wattun’goori Story—how the Banksia Who is your role model and why do they (the truth that is) came to be—at my daughter’s pre-school, inspire you? iv. Yewing’dya and she was standing next to me—and (the truths that came before) acting out parts—the whole time. Well first and foremost, both my parents v. Yewing’ba and my D’harawal Elders who have all (the truths that will be). shared their Stories—both Ancestral and contemporary—with me throughout my life. These Stories have probably had the greatest impact on my personal development, and I will be forever grateful to them. Academically speaking,

12 The first Aboriginal graduate from the Master of Creative Industry has big plans Spring 2020 Spring for the future | Stephen Ridgeway, a proud Biripi- Bundjalung man, is the first and only Indigenous student to have graduated from the Master of Creative Industry at Western Sydney University. He is passionate about sharing the voices and stories of our people and has continued his study at Western in a Doctorate of Western Sydney University Sydney Western | Creative Arts majoring in film.

“I hope to inspire blackfellas to tell their Doctorate of Creative Arts student, Stephen Ridgeway stories and teach their culture through the film medium. I am currently telling Council Conference in Adelaide. He also on his life as he aims to continue in her my father’s story through a documentary worked as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at legacy as she was a nationally renowned called ‘Unknown Destiny’ which I hope

Western where he promoted the different Aboriginal author, academic, Logie Circle Yarning The will premiere at next year’s Sydney Film pathways into the University offered to winner, Humanitarian Award winner Festival,” said Mr Stephen Ridgeway. our mob and he helped create bridging and Bundjalung Elder with a double courses as well. doctorate. Stephen was proudly the first Aboriginal Student representative at Western Stephen said, “Nan inspires me every Western Sydney University is incredibly Sydney University, and he had the honour day.” His grandmother, Dr Ruby (Ginibi) proud of your achievements thus far and of representing our University at the Langford, was and is still a big influence cannot wait to see what the future holds first national Student Representative for you.

Future thinking. Unlimited possibilities.

Success is not just about getting a degree, but also developing the critical thinking and leadership skills to support a successful career. It’s about learning skills for your chosen life, not just a job. The Academy offers high-achieving students a unique, hands-on approach to learning in an interdisciplinary environment and draws on the unique experience of leading thinkers, social change agents, community leaders, and high-achieving students both past and present. With a focus on global citizenship, ethical leadership and critical thinking, and underpinned by the principles of community engagement, academic excellence, and personal and professional development, The Academy offers students access to: ≥ opportunities to engage with industry professionals and contribute to solutions for real-world problems ≥ world-class research, researchers, teachers, experts and innovation labs ≥ travel to national and international leadership experiences and conferences ≥ a range of professional and personal development workshops ≥ internship, service learning and volunteering opportunities ≥ applied leadership experience in student-led, community-focused projects ≥ multifaceted learning opportunities through immersions aimed at building your experiences and knowledge. 13 For more information visit: westernsydney.edu.au/myacademy Research Spring 2020 Spring | Western Sydney University Sydney Western |

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Western Sydney University’s Doctor Scott Avery’s text ‘Culture is Inclusion: A narrative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability’

Corrinne Sullivan. (2020). Who holds Kerrie Doyle, Catherine Hungerford, CELEBRATING the key? Negotiating gatekeepers, Chris Pitt, Paul Saunders & Kyar Wilkey. RECENT INDIGENOUS community politics, and the “right” (2020). Indigenist Leadership in to research in Indigenous spaces. Academia: Towards an Aspirational Model RESEARCH AT Geographical Research. Retrieved from: of Mindful Servant Leadership. In Cultural WESTERN SYDNEY https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12415 Competence and the Higher Education Sector (pp. 137-157). Springer, Singapore. UNIVERSITY Karen Menzies. (2020). A new paradigm Western Sydney University is very proud – Bringing a historical and socio- Michelle Trudgett, Susan Page & of our Indigenous academics and higher political trauma lens to the training Stacey Kim Coates. (2020). Talent degree research students. Please read for welfare practitioners working with war: Recruiting Indigenous senior about some of their outstanding research Aboriginal families. Children and Society executives in Australian universities. that was completed earlier this year. International Journal. Retrieved from: Journal of Higher Education Policy https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ and Management. doi:10.1080/136008 abs/10.1111/chso.12375 0X.2020.1765474

Karen Menzies. (2020). The efficacy of a Spencer James, Chris Castle, Zachary child protection training program on the Dingels, Jack Fox, Erin Hamilton, Zichen historical welfare context and Aboriginal Liu, Kerrie Doyle,... & Ahmed Abdelalim. trauma. Australian Social Work Journal. (2020). Global injury morbidity and Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline. mortality from 1990 to 2017: results com/doi/abs/10.1080/0312407X.2020.17 from the Global Burden of Disease 45857?journalCode=rasw20 Study 2017. Injury Prevention. Retrieved from: https://injuryprevention.bmj. Kerrie Doyle, Lauren Zarb, Kyar Wilkey, com/content/early/2020/04/23/ Kayla Sale, Chris Pitt & Dein Vindigni. injuryprev-2019-043494.info (2020). Embedding Cultural Competence in Faculty: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of an Applied Indigenous Proficiency Workshop. In Cultural Competence and the Higher Education Sector (pp. 277- 293). Springer, Singapore.

14 Spring 2020 Spring | Western Sydney University Sydney Western |

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Top row, from left: Shirley Gilbert, Professor Michelle Trudgett (Pro-Vice Chancellor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Strategy and Consultation), Michelle Locke and Dimity Cocker. Second row, from left: Cris Carriage, Stacey Kim Coates, Robyn Oxley and Paul Saunders. Third row, from left: Corrinne Sullivan (Associate Dean of Social Sciences), Dr Scott Avery and Professor Aunty Kerrie Doyle (Associate Dean of Medicine).

Stacey Kim Coates, a proud Wiradjuri “The group has a fabulous mix of Staff Western Sydney HDR student and an inaugural member and HDR students as part of the circle University’s of the Indigenous Research network, and is led through the PVC Indigenous said the recent establishment of the Professor Michelle Trudgett. As a HDR Indigenous Research Indigenous Research Network is student ( F/T Academic) who is post data significant as it demonstrates a strong collection and writing madly this group Network is established commitment to prioritising Indigenous gave me a much needed motivation and On the 10th June Western Sydney research. cultural boost. This space allows for a University’s inaugural Indigenous special kind of yarn about our research, “Indigenous research is important as Research Network meeting was held. the academy and publishing challenges it ensures our educational sovereignty The establishment of this network was we all face within the Higher Education and self-determination of Indigenous a key component of Western Sydney sector. The network also allows for Australians. On a personal level, University’s Indigenous Strategy as it designated writing time, cultural the Network provides support and aims to provide additional support to safety and support to improve writing/ encouragement to Indigenous Indigenous Higher Degree Research publication opportunities as well as a researchers, while promoting Indigenous (HDR) students and Indigenous mentoring focus on Indigenous writing cultural perspectives,” said Ms Coates. academics. The group also provides an and research success,” said Ms Gilbert. opportunity for academics and students Shirley Gilbert is also a proud Western Sydney University is incredibly to connect with other Indigenous Gunditjmara woman and HDR student proud of the research conducted by researchers from a vast range of research in the School of Education. She said the our Indigenous academics and higher fields in a culturally safe space. establishment of the Indigenous Research degree research students. We cannot Network has been a great space for a The networks membership is growing wait to hear about all that comes from small but dedicated group of Indigenous considerably, and discussions have this group and we look forward to researchers at various stages of their already taken place about promoting reading your research papers. To learn careers to have a professional yarn about Indigenous knowledge systems and about developing your own Indigenous their work. research methodologies, and planning Standpoint voice in your writing and learn is underway in regard to an event which more about publishing in the journals our will be run throughout Research Week in communities engage with please email: October. [email protected]

15 Do you know anyone looking to commence study at Western Sydney University in 2021? Western Sydney University’s Aboriginal and Torres

Spring 2020 Spring Strait Islander Pathway Program provides an alternative | pathway into Western’s undergraduate degree programs. Whether you’re working, unemployed, studying at TAFE or coming straight from High School, this program is a pathway into Western which does not require an ATAR.

We accept applications throughout the year with assessment workshops scheduled in June and November. The current assessment dates at Penrith Campus are:

th

Western Sydney University Sydney Western • Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18 of November 2020 | (for 2021 commencement)

For more information about Western Sydney University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Program please visit https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/ study/application-pathways/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-

The Yarning Circle Yarning The islander-pathway-program.html, the how to apply page or call 1300 897 669.

YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS

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