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.

 

Your Guide to Curtin as an Indigenous Student

Listen to the Centre for Aboriginal Studies Program Coordinator, Brendon DeGois share how to navigate Curtin.

 

CAS Graduates 2026

In 2026, 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 2026

 

CAS Alumni 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.

 

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.

Since the 1980s, Aboriginal studies have thrived thanks to the strong Aboriginal leadership and community-driven control over its operations. Key figures like Chris Kaputin and Ted Wilkes established foundational programs, and from 1981, Ted Wilkes led the Aboriginal Education Unit with a vision for future growth.

CAS also gained vital support from the Aboriginal Advisory committee, which included respected advocates like Rob Riley, Dennis Eggington, Dean Collard, Cedric Wyatt, Jackie Oakley, Jim Morrison, Ken Wyatt, May O’Brien and others who acted as strong advocates and supporters of Aboriginal programs and fostered close ties with WAIT leadership. In collaboration with prominent Aboriginal figures such as Jack Davis and Joan Winch. The dedication of Aboriginal and supportive non-Aboriginal staff alike has been instrumental in shaping the Centre’s success and impact.

Caption: CAS Banner and photograph of Ted Wilkes and Prime Minister Gough Whitlam at the opening of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, 1994.

The Centre was officially opened by the then 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.

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