Graduating from Murdoch’s very early days, Isabelle’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education in breaking barriers. Born into a world where opportunities for Indigenous Australians were severely limited, when she started at Murdoch Isabelle was working full-time, married and had four young children. She used to listen to lecture tapes while she was cooking and do assignments when her children were in bed, usually staying up into the small hours.

With fellow Aboriginal student Dr Mara West, Isabelle was given the opportunity to establish an Aboriginal Advisory Council by a Pro Vice Chancellor. They were instrumental in setting up an Aboriginal support unit in a little demountable on campus which ultimately evolved into becoming the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre. The Centre encourages increased participation in tertiary education by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through outreach programs, enabling courses, student support and scholarships. 

Since graduating from Murdoch University, Isabelle has dedicated her life to the education and empowerment of Indigenous Australians in families, communities, organisations and workplaces. Her hard work and dedication in her field was recognised when she was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International, inducted into the Department of Education’s Aboriginal Education Awards of Achievement Hall of Fame, and received a Warrior Award for International Indigenous Education.

Since 1998 she founded and still operates a consultancy business which builds strong foundations for successful program outcomes for community, corporate and government organisations.

Isabelle has also earned her place as an advisor to both national and state governments on issues affecting education for Indigenous Australians and is an active participant on numerous committees and councils. She is the current Chairperson of the new WA Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council which provides a collective representative voice for Indigenous Australians across WA on matters relating to education and training in schools and TAFE colleges.