‘Boordawan’ is the Noongar word for ‘future’, and the Movement is powered by belief in the extraordinary potential of young First Nations peoples, and the role universities can play in nurturing this potential. 

At its heart, Boordawan’s purpose is to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates walking proudly across the stage.  

More lawyers advocating for justice, nurses healing communities, teachers shaping the next generation, and leaders influencing policy – all with deep grounding in culture and connection to Country. 

The launch gala event on March 14 saw more than 180 attendees, all who were passionate about and aligned with the future of the Boordawan Movement.  

Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations Professor Chanelle van den Berg took a moment during the event to acknowledge the generations of First Nations peoples who had fought for equitable education opportunities.   

I stand on the shoulders of giants. People who fought for our mob to have the most basic human rights. People who fought so that Aboriginal people could enter schools, and then universities. People who believed that education could change our futures even when the system was never built for us.

Professor van den Berg said that groundbreaking movements weren’t simply a product of strategy documents, but of stories. They were inspired by the lives of people who fought through adversity to build their futures.  

“There was a time in my life when I had three kids and was struggling just to put food on the table. University felt a long way away. But education opened a door. And now I get to stand here and work alongside incredible students every single day. 

“I feel incredibly blessed to be part of an institution that is willing to do this work. To push forward. To invest in our students. And to think about the generations that will come after us. Because what we build now will shape opportunities not just for the students sitting in our classrooms today, but for their children and grandchildren as well.”  

Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks echoed Professor van den Berg’s sentiments in his address. 

Professor Deeks said Murdoch University’s ambition looking ahead was to grow the Boordawan Movement and create more opportunities for Aboriginal students and future leaders.  

“Meaningful change in higher education happens when we work together across the institution,” Professor Deeks said.  

“The Boordawan Movement is much more than a program, an initiative or an idea. It reflects a long-term commitment to ensure the next generation succeeds at university while remaining strong in culture, identity and community.” 

Read more about our Boordawan Movement.