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Professor Michelle Trudgett (She/her)
Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous Leadership
Professor Michelle Trudgett is an Indigenous scholar and executive leader from the Wiradjuri Nation in New South Wales. She currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and Vice-President at Western Sydney University. Additionally, she is a Board Member of the GO Foundation. Professor Trudgett is one of Australia’s foremost researchers in Indigenous Education and leadership. Her significant contributions to the sector have been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the National NAIDOC Scholar of the Year Award, the Neville Bonner Award for Teaching Excellence, and the University of New England Distinguished Alumni Award.
Professor Michelle Trudgett is an Indigenous scholar and executive leader from the Wiradjuri Nation in New South Wales. She currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and Vice-President at Western Sydney University. Additionally, she is a Board Member of the GO Foundation. Her significant contributions to the sector have been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the National NAIDOC Scholar of the Year Award, the Neville Bonner Award for Teaching Excellence, and the University of New England Distinguished Alumni Award.
Professor Trudgett is one of Australia’s foremost researchers in Indigenous Education and leadership. She has been a Chief Investigator (CI) on five Australian Research Council grants, four as the lead CI, securing $5,000,000 in funding. Professor Trudgett is currently leading an ARC project which examines the complex ecosystems of Indigenous higher education leadership.
Professor Trudgett is a recognised strategic thinker who adopts a highly collegial approach to achieve positive outcomes for the higher education sector. She is particularly passionate about leading strategic initiatives that empower Indigenous people and communities. With an unwavering passion for social justice and educational equity, Professor Trudgett continues to inspire transformation within higher education institutions and beyond.
ELDER IN RESIDENCE
Aunty Jean
Aunty Jean has been at Western Sydney University for over 30 years. In various roles supporting students and staff and was a student herself completing a Visual Arts Degree. Like many Indigenous students she was the first in her family to go to University. This education opened the door to becoming a Student Support Officer sharing her understanding and experiences on the pathways to gaining a Degree.
"I’ve met hundreds of students over the years and seen them grow and change from first year through to Graduation, then moving into employment as empowered Aboriginal people innovators like myself giving back to our community."
Aunty Jean's current position, Elder in Residence, was created and developed at Western Sydney University. The framework used when developing the position has been shared leading to other Elder in Residences positions. (Shah, 2016)
"My Goal has to simply keep moving forward progressing to the next level collaborating with others developing initiatives to encourage Indigenous students and staff to thrive within our universities Nationally and Internationally, sharing knowledge and forming alliances with Indigenous peoples with respect for Elders immemorial, prevailing and anticipated."
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Professor Susan Page (She/her)
PRO VICE-CHANCELLOR, INDIGENOUS EDUCATION
Professor Susan Page is an Aboriginal Australian academic whose research focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience of learning and academic work in higher education and student learning in Indigenous Studies. Susan has collaborated on several competitive research grants, and has received the prestigious title of Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), Advance HE. This global recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to student learning and strategic leadership in Indigenous learning and teaching. Susan has further been awarded the national award for Excellence in Teaching (Neville Bonner Award) and is well published in Indigenous Higher Education.
RESEARCH
Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews
Director of Indigenous Research
I identify as an inland (Badigar/Nataimattagal – Bitter/Sweet waters) D’harawal scholar who currently works within the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership at Western Sydney University (WSU). My career has primarily focused on Indigenous Research Methodologies, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, and Indigenous Storywork. Through my research I have engaged with a wide diversity of methods (e.g., Indigenous Yarning, Critical Indigenous Quantitative Methods, D'harawal Storytelling, Circle Yarning), and I have constantly sought to privilege Indigenous and First Nations standpoints across a diversity of research areas, including racism, identity, mental health, higher-education, mentoring, bullying, and environmental justice. I have won over $3,000,000 in research grants and tenders (e.g., ARC Discovery Indigenous/Linkage, NHMRC, AIATSIS. Cumberland Plains Research Grant), I have over 60 refereed publications (including two edited books), and I have supervised to completion eight PhD students (five Aboriginal Australian). I also serve/d as an Indigenous representative on numerous committees within WSU (e.g., Research Studies Committee, Human Research Ethics Committee, Academic Senate), and I’m on numerous external Indigenous committees including as Deputy Chair for the Indigenous Steering Committee for the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, the Aurora Education Foundation’s Indigenous Data Governance Committee, and the Aboriginal Housing Office’s Aboriginal Research and Knowledge Advisory Group. I am a member and primary point of contact for the D’harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holder Circle (primarily relating to local community activities), and I’m a member of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, and the Australian Association for Research in Education, and I was a founding member of Maiam nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty Collective.
Dr Rhonda Povey
Research Officer
Dr Rhonda Povey currently lives and works on Dharug land and she has extensive experience working and researching in the field of Indigenous education. Her particular area of interest is related to the delivery of Western education to Aboriginal students in remote areas of Australia, especially during the spread of the cattle industry onto traditional lands. Rhonda hopes her work will significantly contribute to the body of knowledge decolonising Aboriginal education in remote contexts. Rhonda is currently working as a researcher on the Walan Mayiny: Indigenous Leadership in Higher Education project.
Matilda Harry (She/her)
Post Doctoral Research Fellow
Dr Matilda Harry is a proud Wiradjuri early career academic whose PhD was a national study amplifying the voices of Indigenous young people and their mentors, with a focus on Indigenous success and mentorship. From this work, she developed the Indigenous Cultural Wealth Mentoring Model and has published widely in high-impact journals. She has presented nationally and internationally and received multiple awards for research impact, including the AARE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Student Researcher Award, presented by Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton.
She is currently a postdoctoral researcher on an Australian Research Council–funded project examining Indigenous leadership in higher education. Alongside her research team, her work focuses on governance ecologies, autonomy, and self-determination, with the aim of building a holistic model for embedding Indigenous leadership within university structures.
INDIGENOUS FUTURES
Fiona Towney
DIRECTOR OF INDIGENOUS FUTURES
Aunty Fiona Towney is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Central-West NSW.
Aunty Fiona is the Director of Indigenous Futures. In this role, she enhances the high-level innovative approach of the Division of the DVCIL in relation to the areas of communication excellence and Indigenous governance. Aunty Fiona also provides exceptional influencing skills in relation to engagement with internal and external stakeholders across multiple place making and way finding projects, including the Indigenous Centre of Excellence.
Fiona's first employment was with the Commonwealth Bank, where she worked for 15 years. At the time of her resignation, Fiona was an Assistant Manager on the Commonwealth Bank IT Helpdesk. Fiona then gained employment with the NSW Department of Education where she worked for 25 years, moving through a variety of project-based and team management roles within the HR space.
Fiona joined WSU in September 2018. In her previous role as Director of the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education, Fiona was responsible for the provision and implementation of education and support services for Western's Indigenous Australian students. As a member of the University's senior team, she contributed to policy and strategic organisational direction and provided advice and leadership, always working to increase student outcomes.
Fiona holds tertiary qualifications in Human Resource Management and Project Management. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her six grandchildren, playing golf and travelling nationally and internationally.
ADMINISTRATION
Kelsie King (She/her)
Executive Officer
Kelsie King is a Gundungurra woman who currently lives and works on Darug land. In 2019, Kelsie graduated with her Bachelors of Psychology with First Class Honours from Western Sydney University. Being an active member of her community, Kelsie provides Cultural education for school students in the Blue Mountains, Welcomes to Country, traditional burns alongside the RFS, Cultural talks, and land management advice. Kelsie is a member of GAHAI (Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association Incorporated) and the GTO (Gully Traditional Owners). In her previous role, Kelsie led the Cultural Inclusion Committee piloting multiple projects to improve, include and create a respectful work environment for all Indigenous people.
Crystal McDermid (She/her)
SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Crystal McDermid is a proud Aboriginal woman living and working on Darug country. Crystal started with Western Sydney University in 2008 through the Indigenous Traineeship Program, where she began working in the School of Management. Since graduating from the Traineeship Program, Crystal has worked in various senior executive offices throughout the University, including the Office of the Vice Chancellor and Office of the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Her current role is Executive Assistant to Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership. Crystal has experience in executive support, event management and stakeholder management.
Monique Tait-Owens (She/her)
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICER
Monique Tait-Owens is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman who lives and works on Darug Country. She began her career at Western Sydney University in 2022 as an Ignite Business Administration Trainee within the Office of Engagement and Advancement. In 2024, she joined the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership (ODVCIL) as a Senior Administrative Officer, where she provides high-level executive support and assists with the coordination and delivery of initiatives and events across the division.
Monique is a member of the KARI Singers, a vocal group dedicated to celebrating and sharing Indigenous Culture through music and performance. Through her professional and creative pursuits, Monique continues to champion Connection, Culture, and Community.
Meg Flavell
Media Officer
Meg Flavell is a proud Yorta Yorta woman born and raised on the ancestral lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, currently living and working on the lands of the Darug people.
Meg graduated with distinction from Western Sydney University in 2021, with her Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication), where she received the Dean’s Medal and was also placed on the Dean’s Merit List for 2019, 2020 and 2021.
With over 25 years of experience as a graphic designer in the publishing and print industries, Meg takes great pride in passing this knowledge on to the next generation of designers from western Sydney in her role as Design Tutor, commencing at Western in 2022.
Meg has worked in various roles at Western since beginning in 2022, including Digital Communications Officer in the School of Humanities
and Communication Arts and Graphic Designer within the Office of Marketing.
Meg is excited to take on the role of Project Officer within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and the opportunity to connect with community, advocating for the successes of Western’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, academics, alumni and Elders.
EMPLOYMENT
Gabrielle Talbot-Mundine (She/her)
Senior Coordinator, Indigenous Employment
Gabrielle Talbot-Mundine is a proud Bundjalung woman, born, living, and working on Darug Country. Since beginning her career at Western Sydney University in 2014 as a Business Administration Trainee in the Graduation Team, Gabrielle has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and cultural leadership. She has held key roles across the Badanami Centre, Future Student Engagement Team, and Indigenous Employment Team, and currently serves as Manager of Operations for the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership.
Gabrielle is both an alumna of Western Sydney University, having completed a Graduate Certificate in Business and a Master of Business Administration.
With extensive knowledge of university systems and processes, Gabrielle brings a strategic and culturally grounded lens to her work. She is deeply committed to advancing Indigenous staff experiences and embedding culturally safe practices across institutional operations. Her leadership has been recognised through awards such as Excellence in Indigenous Research, Service Excellence and Indigenous Professional Staff Excellence. Gabrielle continues to build strong relationships with key stakeholders to drive meaningful change.
Sharna McNamara (She/her)
INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT OFFICER
Sharna McNamara is a proud Wailwan and Gamilaraay woman from Coonamble, NSW, who now lives and works on Darug Country. Sharna began her employment with Western as an Ignite Indigenous Trainee in 2022. Now serving as the Indigenous Employment Officer within the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership at Western Sydney University.
Sharna now leads the facilitation of the Ignite Indigenous Traineeship Program, a transformative initiative designed to support and develop career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She works closely with trainees, staff, and community stakeholders to ensure culturally safe, supportive, and empowering experiences throughout the program. Sharna is deeply passionate about creating meaningful pathways that support the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
BADANAMI / STUDENT SERVICES
Josh Mason (He/him)
Director of Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education
Josh Mason is the Director of the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education and is a proud Wiradjuri man who was born, raised and currently resides on the land of the Darug people. Josh started at Western Sydney University in 2010 and has previously worked across the Indigenous education sector for two decades spanning from Indigenous non-for-profit organisations to peak advisory bodies within Indigenous education and training at both state and commonwealth levels. Josh considers himself extremely fortunate to be working within a university and with fellow colleagues that share his passion for Indigenous success and who are deeply committed to ensuring our university is an institution of choice for Indigenous students, staff and his broader community.
As Director, Josh collaborates with various university divisions, schools, institutes, and colleges to forge strong links and partnerships with the aim to enhance student access, participation, retention, and growth strategies. His role involves strategic planning, student support, compliance, and effective provision of Indigenous education services, contributing to the university’s overall policies and organisational direction.
Kristy Bell
Student Success Officer
Kristy Bell is a proud Wiradjuri women born in Dubbo and lives in the Camden area. Kristy has been working at Western for over 14 years and moved over from the engagement team into the Student support role in Badanami. Kristy takes pride in her role and supporting our mob to achieve their educational goals for their future and loves being able to build strong relationships with students and our Western community.
Adrian Atkins (He/him)
Student Success Officer
Adrian Atkins is a proud Gorrie man from the Anaiwan nation. He is also connected to the Thungutti and Gamilaroi mobs. His interests include family history, sci fi and storytelling.
Adrian's current role with WSU is as a Student Success Officer with the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education. He is based on the Bankstown City campus, which stands on Darug country. Before commencing in his role with Western, he spent 12 months working as a Reunification Caseworker with Link-Up NSW working with members of the Stolen Generations and their families. He previously worked at the Mana Yura Student Support Team (2016-2021), School of Mathematics and Statistics (2019-2020) (Secondment) and in the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry (SOPHI) (2005-2016) at the University of Sydney.
Luke Warren (He/him)
Student Success Officer
Luke Warren is a proud Wailwan man living and working on Dharug Country. He believes in the transformative power of education and wants to support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they work hard to realise their potential. He had a background as a primary school teacher before retraining and working as an academic librarian for Western Sydney University. He switched careers to work as a Student Success Officer with the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education so he could connect with mob on campus and positively contribute to our university’s Indigenous community.
Janyne Chenhall (She/her)
Student Success Officer
Janyne Chenhall is a proud Brabralung woman from the Gunaikurnai people in East Gippsland, Victoria. She has over 24 years experience as a Registered Nurse and Mental Health Nurse. Prior to joining Badanami, Janyne had been working at Western Sydney Uni teaching multiple Units across the Bachelor of Nursing & Midwifery degree for 8 years. Janyne also has experience as a Tutor in the TFS Program. She is very passionate about teaching the next generation of Nurses about the importance of looking after Indigenous people with cultural awareness, respect and sensitivity. She is now looking forward to giving back to her community by sharing her skills and knowledge so students can gain more confidence in the clinical area to become brilliant nurses and so they can then inspire others.
Tayla King
Student Success Officer
Tayla is a proud Darug woman who has been working in the tertiary sector for almost a decade. Tayla has completed an undergraduate and master’s degree in the education field. She is passionate about education and the role it has in being able to help inspire, transform and empower.
As a Badanami Student Success Officer, Tayla looks forward to helping guide and support our Indigenous students on their educational journeys and ultimately reach their goals.
Nikayla Brown (She/Her)
Student Success Officer
Nikayla Brown is a Dharawal woman born in Campbelltown, raised in the South Coast of NSW, and currently living on Darug Country. In 2022, Nikayla graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Child and Community) with Distinction and was an active member in the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program at the NSW Department of Education. Whilst at university, Nikayla also participated as a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Facilitator and Academic Notetaker for students with disability.
In her previous role, Nikayla advocated for all students at university to travel overseas as part of their degree and coordinated the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s New Colombo Plan Mobility and Scholarship Programs. As a Badanami Student Success Officer, Nikayla now endeavours to support Indigenous students in all aspects of their university goals and promote immeasurable success to their journey.
Jake Barton
Student Success Officer
Jake Barton is a proud Yorta Yorta man, born and raised on Darug Country. He has worked at Western Sydney University for the past two years in the Indigenous Future Student Engagement team and has since moved into a current student support role with Badanami. Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Secondary) from Western Sydney University and is looking to commence postgraduate study to further his ability to support mob in achieving their educational goals.
Wayne Clarke (He/him)
SENIOR STUDENT ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
Wayne Clark is a Gamilaroi man who lives and works on Darug Country. Wayne is the Senior Student Advancement Officer at Badanami and has been a staff member of the university since 2018, the same year he finished a Bachelors Degree in Natural Science, Environmental Management at Western.
Victor Simon
Ignite Business Trainee
Victor Simon is a proud Biripi and Wiradjuri man, born and raised on Anaiwan country in Armidale rural NSW. Victor joined the Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education at the beginning of 2025 as an Ignite Business Trainee.
