• Charles Sturt University and local communities celebrated the third annual First Nations Success Awards on Thursday 9 November
• The Awards recognise the achievements and contributions of university staff, students and community members in the communities in which they live
• Recipients were recognised for a diverse array of university and community contributions

First Nations communities and Charles Sturt University celebrated a deadly night on Thursday 9 November with the University’s third annual First Nations Success Awards which were held at the Dubbo RSL Club.

The Awards were established in 2021 to recognise the achievements of First Nations students, staff and community members and their contributions towards Charles Sturt and the communities in which they live.

There are six main award categories where nominees have the chance of receiving an award, namely, Recognition of Community Contribution; Staff Achievement; Student Academic Excellence; Student Achievement; First Nations Impact Award; and Staff Recognition of Service.

Charles Sturt University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Success) Ms Heather McGregor said the Awards were a great way to acknowledge recipients for their extensive work and contributions to First Nations culture and the Charles Sturt University community.

“It was heart-warming and inspiring to see a diverse group of First Nations elders, students, alumni, staff and executive leaders come together to celebrate many forms of First Nations success. So many powerful stories of achievement were shared, as well as connections,” Ms McGregor said.

“We had three important First Nations organisations show their support, each sponsoring a category - Yilabara Solutions, the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, and Deadly Science. We are very excited about ongoing collaboration with these and more organisations.”

This year, awards were bestowed within five categories. The 2023 Award recipients include:

Recognition of Community Contribution Award

• Aunty Rhonda Radley
• Ms Katherine Kitch
• Uncle Bill O’Brien

Staff Achievement Award

• Ms Jen Hartley
• Mr Lloyd Dolan
• Ms Marlene Bayliss
• Ms Samantha Duke

Student Academic Excellence Award

• Ms Lucia Flint
• Ms Peita Richards
• Ms Sophie Smithers

Student Achievement Award

• Ms Taylor Jane Cutmore-Smith
• Ms Laura Grant
• Ms Natasha Meyer-Cuthbert

First Nations Impact Award

• The Indigenous Board of Studies, accepted by Chair Professor Jay Phillips who is also Head of the Charles Sturt School of Indigenous Australian Studies

For more information on the Charles Sturt First Nations Success Awards visit the university’s website. 

For many years, Charles Sturt University has demonstrated a firm commitment to working with First Nations peoples, communities and stakeholders. 

Woven into the Charles Sturt University 2023-2025 Strategy is a commitment to improve First Nations education, research and engagement and to drive shared ownership for outcomes.

ENDS