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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. She has held a number of Indigenous Higher Education leadership positions and she has lead a university-wide Indigenous graduate attribute project (UTS). Susan has collaborated on several competitive research grants, has received a 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
Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews is a D’harawal man raised on Bidigal (bitter water) and Nattaimattagal (sweet water) Country. As a scholar, Prof Bodkin-Andrews’ research encapsulates and promotes Aboriginal Australian standpoints and perspectives across a diversity of disciplines (most notably education and psychology). He has been a chief investigator for numerous research grants examining a diversity of topics including, mental health, mentoring, identity, Traditional Knowledges and Storytelling, Indigenous-centered statistics, education, racism, and bullying. He has over 60 refereed publications (including two edited books), and supervised to completion six PhD students (three Aboriginal Australian). He has also represented university and community organisations on a range of Indigenous initiatives, including the 2018 ARC ERA evaluation, the 2021 ARC college of experts, the Steering Commitee for the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, the Indigenous Working Group for the ARC Engagement and Impact review, National Indigenous Researchers and Knowledge Holders Network, assisting the D'harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holders Circle with a range of community activities (e.g., Two cultures martial arts, Indigenous medicinal gardens, local government negotiations and development), and developing university responses to the revised AIATSIS code of ethics, the ANZRC Review. In addition, he is currently a member of Maiam nayri Wingara Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Data Sovereignty Group, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the D’harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holders Circle, and Pak Hok Pai (White Crane Kung Fu) Australia Incorporated.
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
Matilda Harry is a proud Wiradjuri woman, is the Media Officer in the Office of Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous Leadership at Western Sydney University. In this role, Matilda advocates for and celebrates the significant achievements and successes of Western Sydney University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, researchers, alumni, and Elders. She has produced social media strategies, video content and written five editions of The Yarning Circle. Personally, she is devoted to increasing the educational opportunities and independence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities across health, employment, policy, and reform sectors. She is a high achieving PhD candidate at Western Sydney University undertaking research to empower and make meaningful change for all Australians, particularly First Nations communities. Matilda's ongoing involvement with First Nations communities has led her to work in grassroots and peak body initiatives and institutions across local, state, and national platforms.
INDIGENOUS FUTURES
Fiona Towney
DIRECTOR OF INDIGENOUS FUTURES
Fiona Towney is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Central-West NSW.
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. Fiona also provides exceptional influencing skills in relation to engagement with internal and external stakeholders across multiple projects, including the Indigenous Centre of Excellence, a vision she shared with her colleagues as far back as late 2019.
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.
ADMINISTRATION
Kelsie King (She/her)
Executive Officer
Kelsie King is a Gundungurra woman who currently lives and works on Dharug 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 currently lives and works on Dharug land. Monique started working with Western Sydney University in 2021 in the Office of Engagement and Advancement as an Ignite Business Administration Trainee. During her traineeship and previous role as a Recruitment Assistant, she gained an abundance of experience and knowledge in executive support and event management.
Monique contributes passionately to the community as a dedicated member of the KARI Singers—a group of exceptionally talented vocalists committed to celebrating their cultural heritage through the artistry of song and dance. Renowned for their captivating performances, which are a unique blend of Indigenous songs and modern pieces, infused with a distinct cultural flair.
Katarina Ferkula-Cohen (She/her)
Casual Project Assistant
Katarina Ferkula-Cohen is a proud Dunghutti woman from the Mid-North Coast of NSW, born and raised on the ancestral lands of the Darug people. Since joining Western Sydney University as an IGNITE Business Trainee in 2024, Katarina has focused on cultural advocacy. She has actively contributed to many University events through the deliverance of Acknowledgements of Country and taken part in important cultural discussions from a School-based level.
Katarina is now the Project Officer within the DVCIL team, where she continues to build upon meaningful initiatives that support and empower First Nations communities.
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. Gabrielle started working with Western Sydney University as a Business Administration Trainee in the Graduation Team in 2014. Since commencing with Western Sydney University, she has been committed to her career progression, securing roles in the Badanami Team, Future Student Engagement Team, and the Indigenous Employment Team. Gabrielle is an alumna and current student of Western Sydney University, placed on the Dean's Merit List for 2020 and 2021, and has completed her Graduate Certificate in Business and Master of Business Administration.
Gabrielle has extensive knowledge of university systems and processes, developing a wide range of skills, knowledge and capabilities that allow her to deliver exceptional outcomes toward the institution's strategic direction. Her involvement in the Western Sydney University community has enabled Gabrielle to create strong and fruitful connections with the institution's key stakeholders.
Sharna McNamara (She/her)
INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT OFFICER
Sharna McNamara is a proud Wailwan & Gamilaraay Woman from Coonamble, NSW. Who is currently living and Working on Darug Country. Sharna started with Western Sydney University in 2022 as an IGNITE Trainee, where she worked for the Division of Finance and Resources. Since graduating in 2023 Sharna has worked within a Senior Administration Role, gaining an extensive amount of knowledge within the administration and executive support sector throughout her time at Western. Sharna has rejoined the DVCIL Portfolio as the Indigenous Employment Officer.
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 10 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 Kamilaroi mobs. His interests include family history, Star Wars (child of the seventies) and storytelling. When he is not 'Dad's Taxi', he likes to cook and spend time with the family.
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 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. He previously worked at the Mana Yura Student Support Team (2016-2021) 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.
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.
