Woolyunguh celebrated its students with the Student Success awards night on 15th November. The annual event is an opportunity to bring students, staff, academics, scholarship donors and the wider community together to showcase students’ academic achievements, dedication, and commitment throughout the year.
Jaymee Beveridge, Vice-President of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, commended students, staff, tutors, and allies for what has been a year of many firsts and records. The increase in Indigenous student participation at UOW was highlighted, with 615 Indigenous students in 2024 being the highest number in UOW’s 49-year history. The 28th Indigenous Nationals were also hosted by UOW which fielded two teams of enthusiastic and dedicated students who gave their all to the competition, even though they didn’t do so well at basketball.
2024 also saw the introduction of four awards named in honour of four Elders and their contributions to community, Country, culture, and the university. The awards and their recipients include:
Aunty Shas Robinson Award for Commitment to Country: Jarod Wright
Aunty May Button Award for someone who has endured hardships and still finds love to share: Jade Jackson
Aunty Joyce Donovan Award for Commitment to Healing our Community: Mitch Hoskins
Uncle Ernie Award for a Student who has a passion for Community and academia bringing them together seamlessly: Michelle Toms
A number of additional awards were also given in recognition of students, celebrating academic achievement and commitment to their studies. These successes are aided by the support of staff, tutors, and scholarship sponsors, all of whom make significant contributions to student success and Indigenous Advancement.
Graduate student and recipient of the Aunty Mary Scholarship, Riley Marks, spoke to the impact of the ITAP tutors and program saying that “without them I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today.”
Current student Michelle O’Connor similarly said that the flexibility and support of tutors and staff set the foundation for her to learn and pave a pathway for a better future. “Even if I wasn't able to physically be there at the WIC campus at university, they were still able to support me and my Indigenous culture,” Miss O’Connor said.
The staff from Woolyungah Indigenous Centre would like to extend a congratulation to all students for their continued efforts throughout the year, recognising the persistence of many in the face challenges. Aunty Joyce Donovan describes education as a way to heal past traumas, understand who we are, and grow members of our community. “It was and still is the remedy that heals me” said Aunty Joyce.
We would also like to extend our thanks to the tutors, academics, allies, and donors who enable our students to thrive and have real impact within their communities and the world around them. We look forward to another successful year in 2025 with your support.