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Murdoch recognises Noongar leaders with prestigious fellowships

Noongar leaders in Angela Ryder, Anthony Hansen, Olman Walley, Ingrid Cumming, and Alison Scott

The School of Indigenous Knowledges welcomes five influential leaders as Honorary Fellows, acknowledging their contributions to forging a brighter future for First Nations communities.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Honorary Fellows program, welcoming five esteemed Noongar leaders in Angela Ryder, Anthony Hansen, Olman Walley, Ingrid Cumming, and Alison Scott,” Associate Professor Jenna Woods, Dean of the School of Indigenous Knowledges, said.

“These appointments honour the profound and ongoing contributions that each have made to our communities, recognising the strength of Indigenous Knowledges beyond traditional academic settings.”

The Honorary Fellow appointments formalise the existing relationships the leaders have with Murdoch University, having previously contributed to strategy, teaching, learning and research activities.

They are a reciprocal acknowledgment of the significant contributions that each have made, and continue to make, in enabling the culturally-appropriate, high-quality work of the School and University.

“The School of Indigenous Knowledges exists at the intersection of academia and our Indigenous community,” Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations Chanelle van den Berg said.

“So, the recognition of their leadership within and outside the University demonstrates our commitment to showcasing Indigenous excellence and reinforcing a positive, strengths-based perspective across academic and cultural environments.”

Meet the Fellows

Aunty Angela Ryder 

Aunty Angela Ryder is a Wilman Noongar woman and community leader who co-founded of the Langford Aboriginal Association and former Senior Manager of Aboriginal Services with Relationships Australia. 

Ms Ryder's contributions to her community were recognised in 2013 at the Perth NAIDOC Awards Ceremony when she was named The Community Person of the Year. She was also one of the inaugural 100 women inducted into the Western Australian Women's Hall of Fame.

[Pictured bottom left]

Uncle Anthony Hansen

Uncle Anthony Hansen is a Noongar man with family ties throughout the South-West of Western Australia. He is a Stolen Generation Survivor who has worked in Government for 28 years, with positions in the WA Police Force and Department of Children Protection.

Mr Hansen is also a representative on a number of Indigenous boards and committees, inlcuding roles as co-chair of the Bringing Them Home Committee WA, deputy chair of the Western Australian Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation, and a committee member of The Department of Premier and Cabinet Aboriginal Advisory Council of Western Australia.

[Pictured bottom right]

Ingrid Cumming 

Aunty Ingrid Cumming is a proud Whadjuk Balardong Noongar woman from Fremantle with over 15 years experience across the government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. She is an alumnus of Murdoch University and Melbourne Business School. 

Ms Cumming is recognised as a young leader in the First Nations community and has been given the name “Ngoorlak” by her Elders, which is the name for the Carnarby Cockatoo, the bringer of rains, healing and change. 

[Pictured in centre]

Olman Walley 

Olman Walley is a Wilman, Balardong, Binjareb, Wadjuk Noongar man, raised in the Wilman (Wheatbelt) region and taught Noongar culture by his family and elders. His Noongar name is Chitty Chitty (Willy Wagtail) and he has spent over 20 years sharing the stories, history, music, dance and knowledge of his ancient culture. 

Mr Walley has shared Noongar culture around the world through his business Boorloo Experiences, including engagements through Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and across Australia. He has also led the establishment of several dance groups, including a community program teaching Noongar children dance from the age of five. 

[Pictured top left]

Alison Scott

Alison Scott is a proud Noongar woman with family connections across the South West of Western Australia. She is a strong advocate for victims of family and domestic violence and Aboriginal empowerment, regularly speaking publicly about her own personal and professional experiences to educate community and advocate for change. 

Ms Scott is working on projects across Australia evaluating State and Federal government programs targeting First Nations people. These projects include family and domestic violence advocacy, family support, remote employment, corrections through care and healing services.

[Pictured top right]

 

“We see these appointments as an expression of our appreciation for our leaders,” said Associate Professor Woods.

“We honour our birdiyas past, present, and future, for their strength, resilience, and care in leading our communities. As knowledge holders, our birdiyas work tirelessly towards a brighter future for our communities.”

Find out more about the School of Indigenous Knowledges.

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Murdoch recognises Noongar leaders with prestigious fellowships

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