Indigenous Student Success

Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership, is positioning Western Sydney University as a national leader in Indigenous higher education. We are the University of choice for over 800 Indigenous students, and with your help, we will be able to expand this community.

By investing in Indigenous excellence, you will be providing opportunity for our Indigenous students and staff to reach their full potential. 

MATILDA HARRY, EDUCATOR

Matilda is a proud Wiradjuri woman, born and raised on Darug country. She is passionate about making positive social change for young Indigenous people. Recently completing a Masters in Education, Matilda is embarking on a new challenge in a PhD in Indigenous Youth Mentorship which will enable her to make a difference in her community by being an advocate for Indigenous young people.

A former Western Sydney University Community Scholarship holder, Matilda was recently awarded the Yarramundi Scholarship to support her PhD.

“I am indebted to Western for the support provided to me from my undergraduate degree all the way through to my PhD and hopefully beyond this milestone into the future. 

This scholarship will allow me to pursue my interest and passions in Indigenous research and support me to give back to the community. 

As a first in family student to access higher education, I am honoured to have such an opportunity.”

 

Thank you to all donors to the Western Sydney University Community Scholarship. We look forward to sharing news about Matilda’s research as she continues her PhD.

LUKE HODGE, YOUNG FILM MAKER

Scholarship recipient Luke Hodge is an emerging film maker aiming to contribute to the growing area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling on screen.

A proud Dunghutti man, Luke is in his final year of a Bachelor of Communication (Screen Media) and aspires to direct films that express personal and cultural stories through the art of storytelling.

“As an Aboriginal filmmaker and professional storyteller, I am committed to preserving our sacred languages, stories, and cultural customs for future generations that strengthen our cultural identities and connection to Country. I aim to spotlight our strong cultural heritage and help provide a platform for other Aboriginal youth to creatively express themselves and share their own story.” 



Luke holds a Harvey Norman Scholarship and was recently successful in being awarded a NSW Aboriginal Land Council Educational Scholarship to further support his educational goals.

“Receiving the scholarship was truly life altering in a plethora of ways. For me, in my family, and in my friendship group and my peers, I've become a bit of a leader in that sense with trying to inspire and motivate others to apply for and be involved in the conversation of scholarships and the effect they have on people. And for me, they're life changing.”

Published April 2022