International Women’s Day with Professor Robyn Heckenberg
Dean of Learning and Teaching at CAS
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we introduce Professor Robyn Heckenberg, a Wiradjuri academic and Dean of Learning and Teaching at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies.
Professor Heckenberg’s work embodies her deep connection to culture and country. Wearing a river red gum costume from Yindyamarra Bila Yiramal (2018), she symbolizes care for the Murray River. Seated beside Darngidyal (“father who begets”), a sculpture honouring the wisdom of fathers and grandfathers, she reflects on their lasting influence.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a Wiradjuri woman, mother, daughter, and academic. My totems are possum and goanna—both clever beings. I was raised with my nan’s belief that contribution matters more than status, and I deeply value lifelong learning. My career began at TAFE, where I wrote curriculum, taught, and consulted for ATSIC before transitioning into university lecturing. Now at Curtin, I integrate ancestral knowledge, community collaboration, and my passion for rivers and waterways into my work.
What is your role at Curtin University?
I am the Professor of Indigenous Studies and Dean of Learning and Teaching at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies. I don’t believe in hierarchies, but since we’re stuck with them, I use my role to amplify the voices of those who aren’t in the room. While humility is important, sharing successes strengthens advocacy. CAS is growing, attracting students, building partnerships, and collaborating across the university.
Is International Women’s Day important to you?
Yes, International Women’s Day is important to me. In 1975, I joined marches and festivities in Sydney, which sparked my lifelong advocacy for social justice and feminism. I was involved in the Rape Crisis Centre and worked with feminist groups, often navigating white middle-class feminism, as Aileen Moreton-Robinson discusses in Talkin’ Up to the White Woman.
Tips for being a good ally?
Indigenous women have always been changemakers, advocating for incarcerated women, fighting sexual violence, and leading feminist marches. Stand beside us, listen, and take systemic racism seriously. Change is possible because systems are made up of people, people can transform them.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honour the voices, strength, and leadership of Indigenous women who continue to shape a more just and equitable world.
Exciting News: The CAS Artefacts Cabinet is Now Installed! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated artefacts cabinet has been successfully installed in the CAS Reception, preserving and showcasing important pieces of history.
This project began in 2020, driven by Jeannie Morrison and Melony Darroch, with invaluable support from our Curtin colleagues Elizabeth McKenzie and Sue Aldenton, who played a key role in collecting and cataloguing artefacts held by the Centre. Some of these artefacts are now securely housed with Curtin Archives, with restricted access in accordance with cultural protocols.
One of the most significant pieces in the collection is Citizenship for Aborigines: A National Aboriginal Policy, published in 1944—one of the oldest books in the CAS Collection. You can explore this important historical work online here: Citizenship for the Aborigines: A National Aboriginal Policy
This cabinet stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural knowledge of our community. Be sure to stop by and take a look! 👀✨
Left to Right Pictured: Carrying Dish from Western Desert, Small Digging Bowl and Bark Painting from North East Arnhem Land.
We are beyond proud to celebrate Aunty Elizabeth Hayden (Liz), a proud Ballardong, Whadjuk Wilman Senior Noongar Elder, who has just submitted her PhD Doctoral Thesis in Allied Health at Curtin University! 🎓✨
This is a truly remarkable achievement for this moorditj yorga, and we couldn’t be prouder of her dedication, wisdom, and contributions to research and community. Congratulations, Aunty Liz—your journey is an inspiration to us all!
See Moorditj Yorga Aunty Liz:
Yamatji Man Daniel Curran’s Inspiring Journey to Give Back to His Community
Daniel Curran’s journey stands out as a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Daniel’s mob are Yamatji people of Western Australia and his path to becoming a medical doctor is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born and raised in the small town of Geraldton, Daniel’s childhood was marked by challenges familiar to many Indigenous Australians. Despite facing adversity and socioeconomic hardship, Daniel refused to let circumstances define his future. Inspired by a desire to make a positive impact in his community and driven by a passion for healthcare, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and academic pursuit.
Daniel’s journey began modestly, with a job at McDonald’s providing him with the financial means to support himself and pursue his dreams. But his ambitions reached far beyond the fast-food counter. With determination and a solid work ethic, Daniel enrolled into an enabling course at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, determined to carve out a brighter future for himself and those around him.
The road to medical school was not without its obstacles. Daniel faced the daunting challenge of balancing academic studies with part-time work and familial responsibilities. Yet, with each obstacle encountered, Daniel emerged stronger and more determined than ever to achieve his goals.
His hard work paid off when he was accepted into the University of Western Australia’s prestigious medical program. Despite being one of only a handful of Indigenous students in his cohort, Daniel embraced the opportunity, recognising the significance of his achievement not only for himself but for future generations of Indigenous students.
Throughout his medical training, Daniel remained steadfast in his commitment to giving back to his community. He actively sought out opportunities to engage with Indigenous health initiatives, volunteering his time and expertise to support other students. His dedication to serving others and advocating for Indigenous health equity earned him widespread admiration and respect among his peers and mentors.
Today, Daniel Curran stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. His journey from McDonald’s to medicine serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and support, anything is possible.
As Daniel continues on his journey to becoming a medical doctor, his story serves as an inspiration to Indigenous youth everywhere, proving that no dream is too big and no obstacle too great to overcome.
