Each year, up to five dedicated places are set aside in Murdoch University’s School of Veterinary Medicine for Indigenous students through the Waardong Program’s alternative entry pathway. 

The Program, designed for First Nations students who are passionate about animal health and science but may not have met standard entry requirements, provides academic tutoring, cultural guidance and mentorship throughout the university experience.

Supporting the next generation of First Nations leaders has always been a priority for Murdoch University, and over the past decade, this has evolved into programs, traineeships, placements, outreach and opportunities that help to turn dreams into reality. 

The Moorditj-abiny Champion Program offers First Nations students the opportunity to act as leaders through meaningful professional experiences - from supporting the delivery of workshops and outreach to assisting with cultural events on campus. 

Moorditj-abiny Champions are encouraged to take on leadership opportunities during their time as students, preparing them for their next steps as future leaders in their chosen careers. 

The Maali Traineeship Program offers meaningful employment pathways for First Nations peoples in the higher education sector and other industries.  

In partnership with Nudge NGO, the Program offers 12-month, paid, fulltime employment in a chosen field across the University which is aligned with a relevant TAFE qualification.  

Graduates complete the program with work experience, a qualification and opportunities for ongoing employment and/or study. 

50 years of deadly research  

Over the past five decades, Professor Rhonda Marriott AM has dedicated her life to closing the healthcare gap for Aboriginal mothers and families.  

A proud Nyikina woman from Derby, Professor Marriott AM became a nurse, then midwife – before carving out her legacy in education and research. 

Her higher education career began with a trailblazing appointment as Australia’s first Indigenous head of a university school of nursing – right here at Murdoch.  

In that inaugural role, she set up a dedicated Indigenous nursing pathway with Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre that is still operating today. 

In 2014, Professor Marriott AM established the Aboriginal Health Research Group at Murdoch, which would grow into the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change in just under a decade.  

The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change embeds Aboriginal voices and Knowledges into research and policy – benefitting the lives of families across WA and beyond.  

The Institute has helped to drive systemic change and transform the WA healthcare system through impactful projects like Birthing on Noongar Boodjar and Baby Coming You Ready. 

Murdoch University’s School of Indigenous Knowledges (SIK) embeds learnings from more than 60,000 years of Traditional Knowledges and practices into the university curriculum. 

SIK champions Two-Way science and learning initiatives across various fields, with teaching practices guided by cultural principles and Indigenous epistemologies.  

The curriculum focuses on recognising, respecting and utilising the Knowledges that exist within First Nations Cultures and Communities, which students can carry with them into their futures.  

SIK Dean Associate Professor Jenna Woods said education is and continues to be transformative. 

“Every student that comes through SIK during their degree will leave with a better understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal Culture and Knowledge,” Associate Professor Woods said.  

“Those students will one day take that Knowledge into their workplace and the communities they are part of, making them better places for First Nations people.”  

Associate Professor Woods’ university journey began when she was 18 years old, when she enrolled in Murdoch University’s K-Track. She had a two-year-old son at the time, and juggled motherhood and caring for her family with her studies.  

She went on to complete her bachelor's degree and a master’s Degree, where she researched the barriers that Aboriginal women face when seeking help in situations of family violence.  

When she was appointed as Dean of the School of Indigenous Knowledges in 2024, Associate Professor Woods channelled her focus into developing a curriculum which encompasses a broad spectrum of Knowledges, and shows young Aboriginal people that university is a place where they belong, and where their Culture is not only respected, but woven into the fabric of Murdoch University. 

Emeritus Professor Leonard Collard, a proud Whadjuk/Ballardong Noongar Elder from WA’s South West, made it his life’s mission to break barriers, and support and develop the careers of Aboriginal research scholars.  

In 1996, he completed his Master’s by Coursework in literature and communications at Murdoch University, and went on to be Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at Murdoch for more than a decade.  

In this role, he poured his time and energy into the next generation of scholars enrolled in Aboriginal Studies. 

He then continued his impactful career in higher education, taking on roles across the WA University sector as an Associate Professor at Curtin University, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame and Winthrop Professor Level E at the University of Western Australia where he holds Emeritus status.  

In a full circle moment, Emeritus Professor Collard’s nephews Aaron Taylor and Rohan Collard now work at Murdoch, where they also inspire the next generation of deadly leaders. 

Dr Mara West  

Yamatji Elder Dr Mara West has championed the social, political and economic position of Aboriginal peoples in Australia for more than 40 years through her career in both the public and private sectors.  

Dr West was the fourth Aboriginal person to graduate from Murdoch University, and, alongside Isabelle Adams, set up the first Murdoch University Aboriginal Advisory Committee. 

Since 1988, she has worked as part of Murdoch’s Remote Area Developments Group to deliver water and wastewater systems to remote WA comunities – and she is also chair of the Homelands Water and Energy Group.  

Dr West is also an integral member of the Kulungu Aboriginal Research Development Unit at Telethon Kids Institute, and chair of the HEAL (Healthy Environment and Lives) Network WA’s Aboriginal Reference Group. 

In 2023, Dr West was awarded Murdoch University’s highest honour – the degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa). 

Dr Rosemary van den Berg 

Dr Rosemary van den Berg was an esteemed Noongar Elder, writer, historian and matriarch who dedicated her life to empowering young First Nations peoples to pursue higher education. 

She was the first Aboriginal person to be awarded a PhD in WA, and blazed a trail for all those who looked up to her. 

Throughout her life, Dr van den Berg worked for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in Perth, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and the Australian Public Service in the area of Aboriginal Affairs.  

She also ignited passion for education through tutorage - including teaching essay writing and English to Aboriginal KATEC (bridging course) students at Murdoch University.  

Among those she inspired during this time were distinguished alumni Professor Braden Hill, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students and Engagement) at ECU, and her granddaughter Professor Chanelle van den Berg, who is now Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations at Murdoch University. 

In 2024, Murdoch University named a space after Dr van den Berg in the Boola Katitjin building in honour of International Women’s Day. 

Noongar Elder Dr Millie Penny AM has spent her life and career empowering Aboriginal women, children, families and communities. 

She worked in the community sector for more than 35 years, where much of her work focussed on supporting women and children through family violence. 

Dr Penny AM shares her Cultural Leadership and Knowledge through her roles as an Elder researcher at The Kids Institute, within the WA Council of Social Services, and as a founding member of the Circle of Elders for the WA Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI). 

Dr Penny AM is also a member of Murdoch University’s Aboriginal Reference Group and Circle of Elders at the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change.  

Her guidance and Knowledge have been pivotal to Murdoch University’s First Nations portfolio operations, curriculum and research.  

In 2025, Murdoch University awarded Dr Penny AM the degree of Doctor of the University. 

Dr Jim Morrison 

Dr Jim Morrison is a Mineng Goreng Elder, founding member of Reconciliation WA and Chief Executive of West Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation.  

His work has been dedicated to seeking acknowledgement, healing and redress for the children forcibly removed from their families, Country and Culture.  

Dr Morrison founded Yokai: Healing Our Spirit, to help heal the spirits of Stolen Generations – and through Yokai, he facilitates Sorry Day commemorations each year in Perth. 

He has worked passionately for equitable access to education and training, employment, and support for young First Nations peoples. 

Through his role as member of Murdoch University’s Aboriginal Reference Group, Dr Morrison has provided invaluable guidance regarding Murdoch’s Reconciliation journey. 

In 2025, Murdoch University awarded Dr Morrison the degree of Doctor of the University. 

Dr Vivienne Hansen 

Dr Vivenne Hansen is a proud Balladong Wadjuk Yorga who has dedicated her life to sharing Noongar Culture and Knowledge. 

Dr Hansen is a Practitioner of Noongar Medicine, and uses her passion for healing as well as preserving Noongar Culture.  

As the first Indigenous member of the National Herbalist Association of Australia, Dr Hansen has blazed a trail for future generations, contributing key literature about Bush Medicine. 

She has co-authored two books, Noongar Bush Medicine and Noongar Bush Tucker, which are both practical guides and historical records. 

Dr Hansen now plays a key role in Murdoch University’s First Nations Training Framework, where she passes Traditional Knowledges through Bush Medicine classes with First Nations staff and students.  

In 2026, Murdoch University awarded Dr Hansen the degree of Doctor of the University.