Burning commitment to supporting mob

First published on ECU

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

At our University, we have an important opportunity to share best-practice cultural knowledge to further educate, inform, and progress positive perspectives and behaviour change in wider community attitudes.

We also have the great privilege to learn from and be inspired by our own Indigenous students and staff about what this year' s NAIDOC Week 2024 theme - 'Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud' means to them.

Journey to be proud of

Tillara (Tilly) Casey is Strategy and Talent Manager (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) in People and Culture at ECU.

An ECU Alumni herself, Tilly has spent the last decade working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff at the University, and she says it's been quite a journey.

"I'm a Yawuru and Karajarri woman from the Kimberley region," says Tilly. "I came to ECU to study a Bachelor of Communications in the School of Arts and Humanities, going on to complete a Graduate Certificate in Project Management in the School of Business and Law.

"I began work at ECU 10 years ago now; while completing my undergrad I worked as a student casual and later in administration at Kurongkurl Katitjin, ECU's Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research.

"Then I moved into a Student Success position where I supported our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and now, I'm in People and Culture, leading our strategic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment initiatives.

Ripple effect of Higher Education

"I love working in Higher Education, especially at an access university like ECU. I want our mob to see themselves here, because we know that education has a ripple effect on the lives of our students, their families and communities. I am fortunate that at ECU we have such a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and this is reflected through our leadership.

"Last year was difficult for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, I think this year's NAIDOC theme is a reminder of the importance of our identity, culture and a time to celebrate our strength and resilience.

"Creating spaces for mob to use their voice, share their unique perspectives and celebrate their achievements reinforces "my why" to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, and the broader community.

"My hopes are centred on a vision of equity, inclusion, and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A space where our community leads the way in shaping policies and decisions that affect our lives for future generations."

Empowering Indigenous Futures: Inspiring the Next Generation of Creative Thinkers

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the unique ability to infuse Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing throughout teaching and research programs, that's why we've created the Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Futures Fellowship Scheme.

"Through the scheme, we aim to empower pathways to success by providing resources, opportunities and support that enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve their goals and thrive in academic careers."

Indigenous knowledges and community connection are vital sources of strength and we are looking to appoint people who are passionate about advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and research.

Find out more about the Vice-Chancellor's Indigenous Futures Fellowship Scheme