A record number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been awarded degrees during Macquarie’s April graduation round.

Thirty Aboriginal students received their degrees in disciplines including: BA Science, BA Arts with BA Education, BA Business Administration, M Chiropractic Science and M Applied Finance.

The milestone is testament to the work of Walanga Muru, the University’s office of Aboriginal student engagement and strategy, to improve access, retention and successful outcomes for indigenous students at Macquarie.

This work includes:

• the release in 2015 of the Green Paper: A Whole of University Partnership for Building Indigenous Capacity 2015 – 2024, which was followed by the highest number of Aboriginal students (undergraduate and postgraduate), the highest number of Aboriginal staff and the highest number of Aboriginal graduates in 2016
• the new Indigenous Strategy 2016 – 2025, Djurali (Evolve) that seeks to build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence across the campus with a whole of university approach to Aboriginal outcomes
• The recently released Aboriginal Cultural Protocols document, the first step in developing cultural competency at Macquarie to provide cultural safety for all Aboriginal students, staff and community members of our university
• The University’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, to be launched shortly, to maintain and promote Macquarie’s commitment to Aboriginal people.

Walanga Muru anticipates these documents and strategies will further increase access and participation for Aboriginal people at our University.

If you would like to discuss any of these documents, including the new cultural training package currently in development, please contact Alex Swain on ext. 6794 or alex.swain@mq.edu.au.

---

Introducing two of Macquarie’s newest indigenous graduates

Elis Gordon
Bachelor of Environment, majoring in Environmental Management

Elis commenced his degree at Macquarie in 2012.

“I chose my degree because I was always interested in the environment, and my family were very supportive.  I am the first person in my family to attend university and they are very proud of my achievements. 

During my time at Macquarie, I was drawn to Walanga Muru (formerly Warawara) as I didn’t know many people at university.  At Walanga Muru, I found a supportive environment to chat with other Aboriginal students and I received information about services for Aboriginal students. 

I was fortunate enough to attend the Indigenous University Games in 2013 and 2014. I also utilised the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) and this helped me with proofreading of assignments and study. I did attend most of the activities planned by the Indigenous Student group and acted as a peer support worker at the start of each year for new Aboriginal students (during orientation week).

My years at MQ were filled with ups and downs.  I travelled two hours each way to university and this was quite challenging.  Although I did live on campus for a short while, I chose to stay at home and commute as this suited me.

During the course of my study, I participated in three cadet placements.  I was fortunate to complete internships with Leighton Contractors, GHG and Lendlease.  My final internship has led me to be a part of the Graduate Program with Lendlease which I will continue for the next two years, and in the future, I plan to complete further study.”

Felicity Brant (Kamilleroi)
Bachelor of Science, majoring in Geology

Felicity commenced her degree in 2014.

“I have always been interested in geology and understanding the earth through research.  I chose MQ as they had a great reputation for their geology department.  During my time at MQ I had many ups and downs and Walanga Muru provided me with a lot of support to assist with my degree. 

I used the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) during my degree and later became a tutor for other students through ITAS.  I found it was easy to pop in and have a chat at Walanga Muru and discuss my studies there in a safe place.  Walanga Muru was very helpful during my undergraduate degree and provided a safe home away from home for me.

In 2014 I was offered a cadet placement with IAG and then the CSIRO.  I am still with the CSIRO, having relocated to Perth.  During my university semester breaks at Macquarie, I would travel to Perth to conduct field trips and mapping exercises.  In 2017 I was awarded the first CSIRO Indigenous Post-graduate Scholarship and I will continue to study my masters in 2017/18. In the future I plan to travel internationally and continue studying.”