GUMURRII News Issue 12 - Griffith University
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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 Queensland 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
essage from
M 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 Stolen Generations 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
Assistance Officer (LAO), you can find all
greater access, clear and precise
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 Australia 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
admin@murrisisters.org.au info@careertrackers.org.au
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—red@griffith.edu.au
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 giving@griffith.edu.au 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 12Student profiles
Kim Ah Sam
Graduating student —
Valedictory spokesperson
A proud Kuku Yalanji (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 9Student profiles
Griffith student success
Callum Robinson Callum completed a Certificate III in
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.’
Amanda Wrigley • Aunty Pamela Mam Indigenous
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 12Violet Singh of the need to submit her assessments
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
Chantay Link ‘It can be very difficult operating within
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 Sydney (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 Torres Strait Islanders 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 11Valedictory 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 13John 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,
graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with
was hosted at Royal on the • Professor Roianne West, Director of
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 and employment inequalities in different
the graduating students and staff.
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 12Queensland 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 15Walk 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
where the University community, can Reconciliation—a public declaration of
Talk event to mark National
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 12NAIDOC 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
and our daughters. breaking down cultural and institutionalised
contributions that Aboriginal
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
often been invisible, unsung or diminished. demanded a better life, greater
continue to make—to our
opportunities and—in many cases
communities, our families, our For at least 65,000 years, Aboriginal
equal rights—for our children,
rich history and to our nation. and Torres Strait Islander women have
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,
continue through to Sunday 15 July. Pearl Gibbs, Oodgeroo Noonuccal,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Celuia Mapo Salee, Thancoupie, Justine
As pillars of our society, Aboriginal women were there at first contact.
Saunders, Gladys Nicholls, Flo Kennedy,
and Torres Strait Islander women have They were there at the Torres Strait Pearlers Essie Coffey, Isabel Coe, 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
As leaders, trailblazers, politicians, activists the 1965 Freedom Rides, the Wave Hill
Clague, Yalmay Yunupingu, Evonne
and social change advocates, Aboriginal walk off in 1966, on the front line of the
Goolagong Cawley, Nova Peris, Carol
and Torres Strait Islander women fought Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972 and at the
Martin, Elizabeth Morgan, Barbara Shaw,
and continue to fight, for justice, equal drafting of the Uluru Statement.
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 17Delvene 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
the medals were symbolic of every Games and is symbolic of athletic achievement.
University alumnus Delvene
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.’
were unveiled in early November 2017. training and competing for,’ he said.
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 Goenpul people, Delvene lives and works already working as a practicing artist
Bedggood were among the athletes at on Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island— while she studied.
the GC2018 Charity Gala who got a her mother and grandmothers’ birthplace.
‘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
visitors who come here for the teachers like Ray Hibbens, and supported
‘It’s nice to finally be able to speak about
it and see everyone’s reaction. Games take away memories by the GUMURRII Student Support Unit.’
of our beautiful beaches and Louise Crossen
‘It was so special to hear the athletes
the sunlight and come to
say they loved them, because they are
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 12Griffith 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
to a further 22,000 square kilometres ARCHE Director Professor Rainer Grün
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 people in our region. An initiative of
effective research
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 Australia and neighbouring Southeast Asia.
• create opportunities to develop,
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 19Griffith 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 Waanyi 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 Alumnus Award winners:
‘My time at the QCA really helped me
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 Indigenous Australians,
where everything is about art.’ Dr Brian Bumbarger
to Australia’s intervention in the
Middle East and immigration. His advice for current students is simple. Griffith School of Criminology
and Criminal Justice
Gordon continues to exhibit his work
on the international art stage. ‘Don’t see yourself as a Suzie Brady
student, start looking at Griffith School of Humanities,
His art has hung in The National New Languages and Social Sciences
Australian Art 2017, the Museum of
yourself as a practicing artist,’
Gordon Hookey
Contemporary Art in Sydney and earlier he said.
Queensland College of Art
this year he was one of just three
Held at Cloudland Brisbane, the seventh Dr Brett Mason
Australian artists invited to show their
annual AEL Alumni Awards recognise the Griffith Law School
work at Documenta, dubbed the ‘Olympics
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
Year Winner:
13 2017, says he was surprised
and honoured by the accolade. Chris Eigeland
20 GUMURRII NEWS — Issue 12Useful 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 gumurrii-admin@griffith.edu.au
and Torres Strait Islanders seeking to We facilitate the Aboriginal and Torres
undertake tertiary studies at Griffith griffith.edu.au/gumurrii
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
Through the program, eligible students Phone 07 5552 9631 or
Griffith University.
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 Closing the Gap Day
26 May National Sorry Day 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 21CRICOS No. 00233E J001626
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