Welcome to the January 2026 Edition

Happy New Year, and welcome to the first IERC Newsletter for 2026!
In this edition, we share upcoming events, key semester and trimester dates, Learning Support Services, study and research opportunities, and current recruitment opportunities. Whether you’re new to JCU or returning to your studies, this newsletter highlights how the Indigenous Education & Research Centre can support you, keep you connected, and help you start the year with confidence.

Upcoming Events

SSAF Indigenous Student Lunch

IERC student lunches provide a relaxed space for Indigenous students to connect, enjoy a free meal, and take a break from study.

All students are welcome to drop in, meet the IERC team and Student Ambassadors, and have a yarn in a culturally safe environment. No registration is required.

Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) campus, IERC Building 301

When: 18 February 2026
Time: 12 PM - 2PM

Nguma-bada (Cairns) campus, IERC Building A21

When: 18 February 2026
Time: 12 PM - 2 PM

SEMESTER 1

Mon 2, Credit/Course Transfer/Return to study applications close
Tue 3, Class registration opens
Fri 13, Orientation Week
Mon 23, Semester 1 begins

TRIMESTER 1

Sun 1, Enrolments close
Tue 3, Class registration closes
Mon 9, Payment due date
Thu 19, Census date

Latest Updates

Pictured: IERC Students attending Welcome Day Trimester 2026
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

IERC Welcome Day & SSAF Indigenous Student Lunch

IERC’s Welcome Day and SSAF Indigenous Student Lunch were a great way to kick off the year, bringing students together to connect, meet the team, and settle into the new trimester.

It was great to see students enjoying a relaxed space, sharing a meal, and getting to know the support available through IERC. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the day such a positive start to 2026!

The IERC Learning Support Services Team

Pictured: Gavin Miller (SSA) and Matthew Starr (SSA)
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

A big welcome to all new and returning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students! The Indigenous Education & Research Centre (IERC) is here to support you every step of the way — from starting your studies to graduation and beyond.

No matter where you’re studying — on campus at Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) or Nguma-bada (Cairns), at a regional study centre, or online and off-campus — our team is ready to support you with a wide range of services designed to help you succeed.

What support is available?

Pictured: Janaya Barry (SSA) & Student Taya Webb
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

Academic & Study Support

Our Indigenous Academic Support Advisors are here to help you build confidence and strong study skills, including support with:

Study planning and staying organised
Understanding assessments and subject expectations
Academic writing, referencing, and research skills
Accessing supplementary tutorial support

Pastoral & Personal Support

Our Indigenous Student Support Advisors provide a safe and supportive space where you can:

Access culturally respectful pastoral support
Get help balancing study, work, family, and community commitments
Receive support during challenging times
Be connected with other JCU support services when needed

Pictured: Mahalia Nelson (ASA)
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

Pictured: Kirby Brennan (ASA) and student Lizzie Tabui
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

Practical Support

We can also assist you with practical matters such as:

Navigating JCU systems and services
Support with scholarships, finances, and accommodation
Connecting you with the right people across the university

IERC is a place to feel supported, connected, and confident in your university journey. There is no question too big or too small — we’re here to walk alongside you as you work towards your goals.

Find out more or get in touch via the IERC website.

IERC Research at JCU

Pictured: Mer (Murray Island) looking out towards Waier and Dauar
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

At the Indigenous Education & Research Centre (IERC), our research focuses on creating real benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and on strengthening the capacity of researchers and research students to contribute to positive change. Our work brings together Indigenous knowledge, community priorities, and academic rigour to explore issues that matter — from sustainability and education outcomes to cultural wellbeing and social impact.

Pictured: A/Prof Sana Nakata, Head of Research, Indigenous Education and Research Centre
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

Our research includes projects that:

investigate how Indigenous knowledge can guide sustainable environmental decision-making in the Torres Strait and beyond, supporting community resilience and self-determination;
build networks of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers committed to high-quality collaborative research.

Whether you’re thinking about a higher degree by research like a Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous), or simply want to learn how research can support our communities, the IERC provides pathways, supervision, and support to help you succeed.

Research at the IERC is not just about producing knowledge — it’s about working together with communities, strengthening cultural voices in academic settings, and generating outcomes that support meaningful change.

Visit the IERC research pages to explore current projects, researchers, and opportunities to get involved.

Study with IERC at JCU

If you are planning your next steps in study, the IERC has a pathway for you. We offer a wide range of learning opportunities—whether you are just starting from introductory undergraduate subjects or aiming to deepen your knowledge through postgraduate study. Whatever your background or future goals, you will find programs designed to help you grow, explore new possibilities, and succeed.

At the heart of what we offer are our Indigenous Studies subjects. These subjects help you understand Indigenous peoples, cultures, knowledges, and histories — and are great for anyone wanting deeper cultural insight and real-world skills. You can choose to:

Major or minor in Indigenous Studies as part of a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Take individual Indigenous Studies subjects as electives to enrich your main degree.

If you are ready to go further, the IERC also supports study pathways for professional and research-focused futures:

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies is ideal for working professionals or community members wanting to expand their knowledge at their own pace.
You can take your learning even further through a Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) or Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous) to develop research skills and contribute to meaningful change.

Pictured: Professor Felecia Watkin-Lui
Head of Indigenous Teaching & Learning
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

Studying with the IERC isn’t just about subjects — it’s about support. Through the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP), students can access scholarships, academic assistance, cultural programs, and mentoring to help you thrive from your very first subject to your highest qualification.

Whether you’re just starting out, looking to enhance your degree, or planning your future career with advanced study, the IERC team is here to help you explore an option that fits your path.

Take charge of your studies with an IPAL Tutor

Tutors are experienced students who’ve overcome the same challenges helping you master difficult subjects, develop effective study strategies, and build confidence!

Whether you’re studying on campus or online, our Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) tutoring program is designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at JCU - completely free!

Receive personalised, one-on-one tutoring tailored to your subjects and learning needs. Our Indigenous Academic Support Advisors work closely with you to match you with the right tutor, provide regular check-ins, and ensure you have the tools to succeed.

Check out our IPAL Tutoring Program webpage and email ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au to get your tutor today!

IPAL Tutor Recruitment

IERC is seeking students to join our Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) Tutor team.

IPAL tutors support other students by sharing their knowledge, study strategies, and lived experience in a peer-led, culturally safe learning environment. This is a paid opportunity that allows students to build confidence, leadership skills, and professional experience while giving back to the community.

IPAL tutors:

Support students in key subject areas
Help others build confidence with study and assessments
Act as positive role models within the university community

This role is ideal for students who are confident in their studies, enjoy helping others, and want to strengthen their leadership and communication skills.

For further details on eligibility and how to apply, please email ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au.

Indigenous Student Ambassador Recruitment – Now Open

Pictured: Indigenous Student Ambassadors at the IERC Winter School Program 2025
📸Image courtesy of the IERC

IERC is currently recruiting Indigenous Student Ambassadors and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to apply.

This is a paid role supporting IERC Student Events and High School programs. The role offers leadership experience, professional development, and opportunities to represent Indigenous students at JCU.

Eligibility

Second year of study or above
Credit average or above

This role suits students who are passionate, reliable, and proud to represent Indigenous students at JCU.

To apply, send your expression of interest and resume to ierc.programs@jcu.edu.au or speak with the IERC Student Programs team to find out more.

Stay in the loop with all the latest events, opportunities and inspiring student success stories! Follow JCU: Indigenous Education & Research Centre on Facebook and JCU_IERC on Instagram to stay connected, celebrate achievements and be the first to know about exciting programs and support services.

Indigenous Scholarships

Secure Your Scholarships Now!

Scholarships can be a game-changer, and now is the perfect time to explore your options!

Please see a list of open scholarships below, or click on the button for more information.

More info

We want to hear from you!

Whether you are a JCU graduate who has landed your dream job, a current student celebrating a deadly placement, a proud family member, a supportive teacher, or a community member creating opportunities for others, we would love to hear from you.

Your stories, feedback and ideas are essential to us and will help our community continue to grow and thrive.