Latest news
NAIDOC Elder of the Year Award Winner 2024: Mr Kim CollardÂ
Congratulations Mr Kim Collard, Balladong/Whadjuk Elder of the Noongar Nation. Mr Collard is a CAS Alumni and former staff member, who is the recipient of the NAIDOC Elder of the Year Award 2024.
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.
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Empowering Students: Collaborating with Industry Partners to Make Real-World Change
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the integration of industry partnerships into academic programs has become increasingly vital. Recognising the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice, educational institutions are forging meaningful collaborations with industry leaders to provide students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in their chosen fields.
At the Centre for Aboriginal Studies we promote and encourage initiatives that foster student engagement with esteemed industry partners, such as Relationships Australia, Fremantle Ports, and Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation. These collaborations not only enrich the learning experience but also empower students to make tangible contributions to society while honing their skills and knowledge.
