About us
Kaya Wanjoo
Welcome to the Centre for Aboriginal Studies
The Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS) provides a culturally safe learning environment for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as well as non-Indigenous students and staff. Our commitment to cultural safety is reflected in our staff, which includes three Elders, and our shared Midgegoroo meeting place, symbolising the resilience of Aboriginal Resistance Warrior and his son Yagan. Since its establishment in 1974, CAS has been a pioneer in educational innovation and policy development.
Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or seeking to advance your studies, CAS is here to support you every step of the way.
Welcome from Director Frederick Yasso
A proud Juru man from North Queensland, has been an integral part of CAS since 2019, working both as part of a team and in leadership roles providing innovation and excellence in teaching. Mr Yasso holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Indigenous Community Health and has said he is looking forward to building on the important history of the Centre and its role in Indigenous higher education in Australia.
Indigenous Futures High School Challenge Highlights
CAS Alumnus Uncle Kim Collard, Ballardong and Whadjuk Elder
We are committed to community empowerment. CAS Alumni Uncle Kim Collard exemplifies this ethos by reinvesting in his local community through business initiatives and empowering others.
Indigenous Self-Determination
We champion self-determination by nurturing the next generation of leaders. Our policies are rooted in active Aboriginal community engagement, fostering a reciprocal exchange of ideas, influences, and practices to ensure culturally appropriate education.
In 2025, we offer a dynamic suite of programs, from enabling courses to undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. With 81.5% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates securing full-time employment, our programs are a powerful foundation for strong career outcomes and future success.
We are so proud of our graduates and all their achievements.
Caption: CAS Graduates 2025
The Centre’s History
The origins of CAS began in 1974 with short educational courses for Aboriginal people provided by the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT). This included an Alcohol Counsellor Course, a Liaison Officer Course and in 1976 the Aboriginal Bridging Course to prepare students for entry in tertiary courses.
Since 1974, CAS has been a leader in educational innovation, empowering students and fostering Indigenous leadership. The 50-year history of academic courses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at Curtin continues to leave a long-lasting impact in our communities.
Caption: Students completing the Aboriginal Bridging Course speaking with WAIT staff member Eric Butterworth about work in the social work sector, 1979.
The Centre was officially opened by former Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam in 1994. We recently celebrated 40-years of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS) building 211, as this reflects the dedication and visionary Aboriginal leadership that has kept it deeply connected to the community.
Caption: CAS Banner from the official opening and photograph of Ted Wilkes and Prime Minister Gough Whitlam at the opening of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, 1994.
Our Timeline
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Our building and facilities
We have a range of facilities and equipment for students and researchers in our purpose-built building on the Curtin Bentley Campus.
See our building and facilities
Our people
Our skilled and knowledgeable staff provide a supportive and welcoming place for Indigenous students and researchers at Curtin.
More about our people