Indigenous culture in all its diversity is at the heart of Australia’s identity. It is our past, present and future. This year, QUT has celebrated many milestones in further realising its commitment to embedding Indigenous Australian culture, knowledge and perspectives across all areas of the University.
In November, QUT released its Campus to Country strategy, outlining aspirations to be a university of its place, reflective of culture both past and present, with Indigenous Australian narratives embedded into the campus design.
This follows the appointment of the first philanthropically endowed Indigenous Australian Chair in Creative Industries and establishment of the inaugural Indigenous Alumnus of the Year Award celebrated at the QUT Outstanding Alumni Awards in October.
Campus to Country
QUT has released its Indigenous Australian campus development strategy, Campus to Country, which aims to connect its campuses to place, both physically and through its engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The plan, which elevates QUT’s strategy to enhance engagement and empowerment of Indigenous Australians, was created to highlight the significance of the land on which QUT sits. It aims to foster a deeper understanding and recognition of Indigenous Australian occupation and connection to country.
Campus to Country incorporates new facilities, Indigenous artworks, significant public works, planned upgrades and changes to the campus experience.
Indigenous Chair in Creative Industries
The Indigenous Chair in Creative Industries will provide input and direction to support learning, teaching, research and outreach across the creative and performing arts, design, digital media and communication disciplines.
The Chair will assist in creating pathways to meaningfully connect with Indigenous creatives and communities and, through partnerships with industry, help build pathways to fulfilling careers in the creative industries for Indigenous students.
Earlier in the year, QUT alumnus and former CEO of Yum! Brands, Greg Creed, generously funded the first philanthropically endowed Indigenous Australian Chair in Creative Industries.
We look forward to welcoming the inaugural Indigenous Chair in Creative Industries, Wesley Enoch AM, to campus when he commences the appointment in March 2021.
Indigenous Alumnus of the Year
The Outstanding Alumni Awards (OAA) recognise graduates of QUT and its predecessor institutions for exceptional professional and personal achievements and contributions to the local, national, and international community.
The 2020 Outstanding Alumni Awards saw the establishment of the inaugural Indigenous Alumnus of the Year award. This year’s recipient and QUT Alumnus of the Year is Business and Law graduate, His Honour Judge Nathan Jarro. His Honour is Queensland’s first Indigenous judge and is one of only three Indigenous judges currently presiding over an Australian courtroom – an important step for First Nations people.
Read more about His Honour Judge Nathan Jarro or watch His Honour’s video.
QUT recognises and acknowledges QUT occupation of Aboriginal land and recognises our obligations to the Turrbal and Yugara people, and to all Indigenous Australian students, staff, visitors and communities.
By working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, QUT will continue to address challenges faced not only by Indigenous Australians but also by all Australians.
