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Welcome to the October 2025 Edition
This month, we are celebrating the energy of connection, celebration, and preparation at the Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC) as we head toward the end of another busy year. Our Indigenous Learning Support Services team proudly represented James Cook University (JCU) at the National Indigenous Learning Support Conference in Melbourne, where we exchanged ideas and strengthened national partnerships that contribute to the success of Indigenous students in the Higher Education Sector.
Back on campus, we highlighted the inspiring journey of Pharmacy student Caleb Baker, hosted our beloved Student Lunches, and collaborated with the ARC Centre of Excellence on Indigenous Environmental Histories and Futures. This collaboration involved conducting a transformative research masterclass focused on the Cultural Interface and Working With Country.
Thank you to everyone—students, staff, and community members—who continue to make the IERC a strong, supportive, and inspiring place to belong.
Upcoming Events
Student Lunch
Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) Campus, IERC Building 301
- When: 26th November
- Time: 12:30 PM - 2 PM
Nguma-bada (Cairns) campus, IERC Building A21
- When: 26th November
- Time: 12 PM - 2 PM
We look forward to seeing you there!
SEMESTER 2
Fri 7, Last Date to Withdraw in eStudent
Sat 8-Fri 21, Exam Period
Fri 21, Semester 2 ends
TRIMESTER 3
Sat 29, Last Date to Withdraw in eStudent
Latest Updates
Pictured: Professor Martin Nakata, Kevin Hemmett, Eric Schwantler, Manola Chong, Kirby Brennan, Mahalia Nelson and Haryne Uta (L-R)
📸Image courtesy of the Indigenous Education & Research Centre
JCU at the National Indigenous Learning Support Conference 2025
Several of our IERC Indigenous Learning Support Services colleagues travelled to Melbourne for the National Indigenous Learning Support Conference, hosted by Deakin University’s NIKERI Institute.
Representing JCU were Professor Martin Nakata (DVC Indigenous Education & Strategy), Manola Chong (Head, Indigenous Learning Support Services, Townsville), and Indigenous Academic Support Advisors Kirby Brennan (Townsville), Haryne Uta (Cairns), and Mahalia Nelson (Cairns).
The National Indigenous Learning Support Conference is a collaborative initiative led by Professor Martin Nakata (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Indigenous Education and Strategy, James Cook University), Professor Chanelle van den Berg (Pro Vice Chancellor, First Nations, Murdoch University), and Professor Braden Hill (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Students, Equity and Indigenous, Edith Cowan University).
It began in 2016 with a series of annual symposia, and in 2023, the inaugural National Indigenous Learning Support Conference was launched at JCU.
The second conference was held in Western Australia in 2024 at Murdoch University. This annual event in Geelong, Victoria, brings together academics, researchers, and learning support staff from across Australia to share ideas and strengthen Indigenous student success in higher education.
Pictured: Kirby Brennan, Manola Chong, Mahalia Nelson (L-R)
📸Image courtesy of the Indigenous Education & Research Centre
Pictured: Participants from the conference engaged in smoking ceremony.
📸Image courtesy of the Indigenous Education & Research Centre
Professor Nakata delivered a plenary session and two keynote sessions on proactive support models and tutoring for success. The team also engaged in panels, workshops, and collaborative sessions throughout the week. It was an inspiring and energising opportunity for our staff to connect, share, and bring fresh ideas back to JCU to continue strengthening Indigenous learning support.
In 2026, the Conference will return home to JCU to host during the IERC’s 10-year anniversary and in 2027, it is planned to be hosted by Edith Cowan University in Western Australia.
Join the National Indigenous Learning Support Network
The National Indigenous Learning Support Network connects university staff who are passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. It’s a collaborative space for sharing knowledge, strengthening practices, and building community across institutions.
Matthew Starr, Julie O'Loughlin and Tupoa Guligo at the 2025 Indigenous Students' Awards Night
📽️Video courtesy of the Indigenous Education and Research Centre
2025 Indigenous Students' Awards Night Highlight Video
Our 2025 IERC Awards Night was a night to remember — filled with pride, culture, and celebration. We are excited to share that the presentation video is now available for viewing! Relive the inspiring moments, student stories, and community spirit that made the evening so special.
Pictured: Participants from the Research Masterclass hosted by the Indigenous Education and Research Centre and the ARC Centre of Excellence on Indigenous Environmental Histories and Futures.
📸Image courtesy of the ARC Centre of Excellence on Indigenous Environmental Histories and Futures.
Rethinking Research at the Cultural Interface: IERC Hosts Masterclass with ARC Centre of Excellence
Working with the ARC Centre of Excellence on Indigenous Environmental Histories and Futures, the IERC delivered a research masterclass that brought together a diverse group of scientists, research students, and Indigenous Partner Organisations to rethink how we approach Working With Country.
Through three days of exploration, Associate Professor Sana Nakata led discussions about the Cultural Interface and the paradigmatic commitments that shape our research practices - recognising that these commitments, while necessary, can also change and evolve as we engage across knowledge traditions.
Mr Geoff Lui joined Dr Vincent Backhaus and other CIEHF researchers to discuss recent approaches to partnership building informed by the Cultural Interface approach.
A highlight of the masterclass was spending a (hot! day on Yirrganydji Country with Mr Gavin Singleton, whose generous sharing of knowledge grounded our discussions in place.
Pictured: Masterclass participants on Country
📸Image courtesy of CIEHF
Pictured: Staff and students at the October Student Lunch 2025
📸Image courtesy of the Indigenous Education and Research Centre
Student Lunches: Connecting, Sharing and Recharging Together
The Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC) brings students together for our much-loved Student Lunches — a time to pause, recharge, and reconnect.
These gatherings are more than just a shared meal; they’re a celebration of hard work, resilience, and achievement. They enable us to express our gratitude to our students for their dedication throughout the year, the leadership they demonstrate in their communities, and the positive energy they bring to campus life.
Across both Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) and Nguma-bada (Cairns) campuses, laughter filled the air as students and staff had a yarn, shared stories, and strengthened the sense of belonging that makes the IERC feel like home.
We’ve got one more lunch before the end of the year, and we’d love for everyone to join us — to share a meal, reflect on the highlights, and celebrate another incredible year together.
Because at the IERC, every lunch is a reminder that you belong, you matter, and your journey is something to be proud of.
Meet Our Student: Caleb Baker
Pictured: Caleb Baker
📸Image courtesy of the Indigenous Education and Research Centre
I am from Townsville, with ancestral connections to the Kalkadoon and Garawa tribes. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at JCU.
A Passion for Health and Helping Community
Throughout high school, I developed a passion for health, and medicine emerged as a significant area of interest in my career path within the health sector. As a young Indigenous person, providing care to my local Indigenous community was also a great motivation when choosing my area of study.
Choosing JCU — A Decision Close to Home
After high school, I took two gap years to consider my options. Tertiary education was always a path I thought of, as I was committed to my studies in high school, always striving for high academic achievement. While I debated studying further south, I ultimately chose JCU because it was closer to my family, and I have enjoyed my journey here so far.
Empowered by Family to Create Change
My parents have always been my greatest inspiration. Although they both completed only Year 10 or an equivalent level of education, their determination and hard work in supporting my sister and me left a lasting impact. Their unwavering encouragement throughout my studies motivated me to pursue tertiary education and “break the cycle,” creating new opportunities for our family’s future.
Overcoming Doubt and Taking the Leap
After two gap years, I had anxious feelings about resuming my studies, unsure of how I would perform, if I'd adjust to university life, or if my expectations would be met. Working constantly had me feeling stuck in a rut, and I saw university as an opportunity for growth and development. My parents' encouragement further solidified my decision.
Support from the IERC Community
The IERC has provided a comfortable space for study, with snacks and lunch kits to keep me energised, along with supportive staff and resources to assist with my weekly academic needs.
I feel incredibly rewarded for my decision to continue my studies. I've found a community around me while studying, and I feel content with where I am and confident about where I am headed. I know where I want to be and how I am going to get there.
Learning, Growing, and Giving Back
I am constantly learning and developing in ways that benefit both myself and those around me. My current academic journey is deeply fulfilling, and I've seen real-life applications of my course knowledge that I can use to inform my parents about their health. I've also made amazing friends who support my social well-being and give my mind the rest it needs to stay focused.
Advice for Future Students
University is more than just a place to earn a degree; you can learn so much about yourself just by throwing yourself through its door. You can connect with new people, explore new experiences, find a sense of community, and discover the determination to pursue whatever path lies ahead.
Pictured: Caleb Baker
📸Image courtesy of the Indigenous Education and Research Centre
Discover Contemporary Indigenous Studies at JCU
Learn, Reflect and Engage: Choose Indigenous Studies as a Major, Minor, or Elective.
Explore contemporary subjects such as People of Place, Knowledge, and Science to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities and the living world. Whether as a major, minor, or elective, Indigenous Studies subjects equip you to succeed with a lifelong learning mindset.
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.
Tutoring and Student Leadership Opportunities
Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) - Student
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.
Take charge of your studies - click below to get started!
Become an IPAL Tutor today!
We’d love for you to be part of our family, creating a lasting impact on the future of our students.
Tutors play an essential role in helping our students not only improve their academic performance but also grow in confidence and their ability to learn independently. The dedication of our tutors directly contributes to the IERC producing motivated, capable Indigenous students with the tools and strategies to succeed.
Click on the button below for more details on how to sign up today!
Become an Indigenous Student Ambassador with the IERC!
Passionate about leadership, culture, and making a difference? Become an Indigenous Student Ambassador at the IERC for 2025! You'll welcome new students, mentor future university leaders and build connections through exciting events like Welcome Day and Indigenous Schools.
Grow your leadership skills while positively impacting your JCU community!
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.
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.
