The third annual Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council (IHEAC) Conference on Indigenous higher education was held on the 21st of November, 2007 in Adelaide. Approximately 95 delegates attended the Conference with Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors and Pro Vice Chancellors making up a large proportion.
The theme of the Conference was Ngapartji Ngapartji - Yerra: Stronger Futures. The Conference focused on the following topics:
Papers and presentations were made by IHEAC members on these four topics, followed by workshops to address issues raised.
Back Row L – R: Dr Jeannie Herbert, Professor John Maynard,
Mr Graeme Gower, Dr Mark Rose, Professor Martin Nakata,
Ms Jill Milroy (Deputy Chair), Associate Professor Tracey Bunda,
Mr Gary Shipp, Front Row L – R: Ms Clair Andersen, Dr Kaye Price,
Dr Maggie Walter, Professor Boni Robertson, Professor Roger Thomas (Chair)
The following Awards were presented at the Conference Dinner:
University Indigenous Education Partnerships Award
The University Indigenous Education Partnership Award recognises a project that builds strong cross-sector relationships with schools, TAFE colleges, other registered training organisations and local communities and promotes successful pathways for Indigenous people to access higher education. Flinders University was the recipient of the 2007 Partnership Award for their Inspire Mentor Project. The award was presented at the Conference dinner by Senator Fisher and Professor Roger Thomas. Ms Simone Tur and Ms Catherine Koener accepted the award on behalf of Flinders University.
L – R: Professor Roger Thomas, Senator Fisher, Flinders
University Ms Simone Tur and Ms Catherine Koerner
Indigenous Elders’ and Leaders Awards
Each year the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council (IHEAC) presents Awards to Indigenous Elders and Leaders who have made a significant contribution to Indigenous higher education in Australia. This year the recipients were Professor Wendy Brabham, Aunty Joan Hendriks, Aunty Mae Robinson, Mrs Vera Budby (who accepted the award on behalf of Mr John Budby) and Aunty Mona Ngitji Ngitji Tur.
L – R: Professor Wendy Brabham, Aunty Joan Hendriks,
Aunty Mae Robinson, Mrs Vera Budby,
Aunty Mona Ngitji Ngitji Tur
2007 Indigenous Staff Scholarships
Five national Indigenous Staff Scholarships are awarded annually for a 12 month period. These annual scholarships recognise the outstanding efforts of staff in inspiring Indigenous people who are undertaking or contemplating study. The five recipients for study in 2008 are: Ms Valda Wallace, Ms Kerry Bodle, Mr Hendrick Van Issum, Ms Christine Evans and Ms Maureen Newton. Programme information, guidelines and the application form can be found at: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/indigenous_education/programmes_funding/higher_education.htm
L – R: Professor Roger Thomas, Senator Fisher
and Mrs Valda Wallace
L – R: Professor Roger Thomas, Senator Fisher
and Mrs Kerry Bodle
L – R: Professor Roger Thomas, Senator Fisher
and Mr Hendrick Van Issum
L – R: Professor Roger Thomas, Senator Fisher
and Ms Christine Evans
L – R: Professor Roger Thomas, Senator Fisher
and Mrs Maureen Newton
Neville Bonner Memorial Scholarship award
In honour of the late Senator Neville Bonner AO, the first Indigenous member of Federal Parliament the Neville Bonner Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an Indigenous student to complete an Honours year in politics or a political science related field. Ms Leila Smith is the 2007 recipient of this prestigious scholarship, unfortunately Ms Smith was unable to attend the Conference dinner, however recognition was given to her achievement.