Murdoch University has the highest proportion of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students of any WA university – an achievement that is being celebrated at graduation ceremonies at RAC Arena.
More than 300 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students are enrolled at Murdoch in 2018 – a record for the University. That number is greater than the total number of Indigenous students that have graduated since 1990, which stands at 291.
Details of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander graduates were not kept before 1990, however, Murdoch University has produced some prominent leaders such as Professors Rhonda Marriott and Colleen Hayward AM.
To mark the occasion, a special Noongar designed graduation sash has been developed and will be worn for the first time by eight students taking part in the University’s September graduation ceremonies.
Former Aboriginal student Bianca Willder designed the sash, which pays tribute to the native flora and fauna found around the Murdoch campus.
The blue on the sash represents Djarlgarro Beeliar (Canning River) and Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), with the banksia, wattle and jarrah leaves replicating the bushlands of Noongar country. The Aboriginal symbols of people sitting show everyone together sharing and learning in a yarning circle, while the dragonfly dances in the sky around them.
The sash will be available to all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students that have graduated from Murdoch since 1973, and will be awarded in future years to all Indigenous graduates.
Director of Aboriginal Education, Equity and Inclusion, Braden Hill, said the development and design of an Aboriginal sash was regarded by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and alumni as a great honour, and welcome recognition for their academic achievements.
Mr Hill, who was Valedictorian when he graduated in 2009, said several Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander alumni had gone on to achieve great things in their careers and had made enormous contributions to their communities.
“This is a small but significant way that Murdoch University is able to recognise the unique contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to the academy,” Mr Hill said. “To be able to proudly wear a Noongar designed sash at their graduation will mean a lot to our students who have worked hard to succeed in their studies.
“It is also a wonderful way that Murdoch demonstrates its appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in incorporating this as a formal part of its graduation ceremonies. The wearing of these sashes are a wonderful expression of Indigenous success.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders that have graduated from Murdoch University and would like to receive a sash at a special Reconciliation event next May should contact Jordin Payne at the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre on 9360 2128.
Media enquiries: Connie Clarke 9360 2734 / 0424 287 361 / connie.clarke@murdoch.edu.au.