Three Indigenous elders at Charles Darwin University have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the higher education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The awards coincided with an Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council (IHEAC) hosted forum of Indigenous PhD holders held at the Australian National University this week.
CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, and Chair of the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council Professor Steve Larkin announced the 2010 and 2011 Elders awards for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elders for their outstanding contribution.
The 2011 Elders awards were presented to:
* Aunty Ruth Hegarty, of the Australian Catholic University
* Aunty Rosmund Miriam Graham, of Griffith University
* Aunty Joan Vickery from Monash University and University of Melbourne; and
* Ms Rose Guywanga and Rev Dr Dinyini Gondarra, of Charles Darwin University.
Waymamba Gaykamangu, a retired lecturer from CDU, was presented with the 2010 Elders award.
The forum is exploring student experiences in gaining doctorates, research training and research careers. Participants are sharing ideas on how to improve university access and participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Discussions will help inform the Australian Government's Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. The review panel, chaired by Professor Larissa Behrendt, is due to report in early 2012.