91³ÉÈË

Professor Michelle Trudgett (She/her)

Deputy Vice Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership

Professor Michelle Trudgett is an 91³ÉÈË scholar and executive leader from the Wiradjuri Nation in New South Wales. She currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership and Vice-President at 91³ÉÈË. Additionally, she is a Board Member of the GO Foundation. Professor Trudgett is one of Australia’s foremost researchers in 91³ÉÈË Education and leadership. Her significant contributions to the sector have been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the National NAIDOC Scholar of the Year Award, the Neville Bonner Award for Teaching Excellence, and the University of New England Distinguished Alumni Award.

Professor Michelle Trudgett is an 91³ÉÈË scholar and executive leader from the Wiradjuri Nation in New South Wales. She currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership and Vice-President at 91³ÉÈË. Additionally, she is a Board Member of the GO Foundation. Her significant contributions to the sector have been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the National NAIDOC Scholar of the Year Award, the Neville Bonner Award for Teaching Excellence, and the University of New England Distinguished Alumni Award.

Professor Trudgett is one of Australia’s foremost researchers in 91³ÉÈË Education and leadership. She has been a Chief Investigator (CI) on five Australian Research Council grants, four as the lead CI, securing $5,000,000 in funding. Professor Trudgett is currently leading an ARC project which examines the complex ecosystems of 91³ÉÈË higher education leadership.

Professor Trudgett is a recognised strategic thinker who adopts a highly collegial approach to achieve positive outcomes for the higher education sector. She is particularly passionate about leading strategic initiatives that empower 91³ÉÈË people and communities. With an unwavering passion for social justice and educational equity, Professor Trudgett continues to inspire transformation within higher education institutions and beyond.

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ELDER IN RESIDENCE

Aunty Jean

Aunty Jean has been at 91³ÉÈË for over 30 years. In various roles supporting students and staff and was a student herself completing a Visual Arts Degree. Like many 91³ÉÈË students she was the first in her family to go to University. This education opened the door to becoming a Student Support Officer sharing her understanding and experiences on the pathways to gaining a Degree.

"I’ve met hundreds of students over the years and seen them grow and change from first year through to Graduation, then moving into employment as empowered Aboriginal people innovators like myself giving back to our community."

Aunty Jean's current position, Elder in Residence, was created and developed at 91³ÉÈË. The framework used when developing the position has been shared leading to other Elder in Residences positions. (Shah, 2016)

"My goal has to simply keep moving forward progressing to the next level collaborating with others developing initiatives to encourage 91³ÉÈË students and staff to thrive within our universities Nationally and Internationally, sharing knowledge and forming alliances with 91³ÉÈË peoples with respect for Elders immemorial, prevailing and anticipated."

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TEACHING AND LEARNING

Professor Susan Page (She/her)

Pro Vice-Chancellor, 91³ÉÈË Education

Professor Susan Page is an Aboriginal Australian academic whose research focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experience of learning and academic work in higher education and student learning in 91³ÉÈË Studies. Susan has collaborated on several competitive research grants, and has received the prestigious title of Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), Advance HE. This global recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to student learning and strategic leadership in 91³ÉÈË learning and teaching. Susan has further been awarded the national award for Excellence in Teaching (Neville Bonner Award) and is well published in 91³ÉÈË Higher Education.

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RESEARCH

Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews

Director of 91³ÉÈË Research

I identify as an inland (Badigar/Nataimattagal – Bitter/Sweet waters) D’harawal scholar who currently works within the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership at 91³ÉÈË (WSU). My career has primarily focused on 91³ÉÈË Research Methodologies, 91³ÉÈË Data Sovereignty, and 91³ÉÈË Storywork. Through my research I have engaged with a wide diversity of methods (e.g., 91³ÉÈË Yarning, Critical 91³ÉÈË Quantitative Methods, D'harawal Storytelling, Circle Yarning), and I have constantly sought to privilege 91³ÉÈË and First Nations standpoints across a diversity of research areas, including racism, identity, mental health, higher-education, mentoring, bullying, and environmental justice. I have won over $3,000,000 in research grants and tenders (e.g., ARC Discovery 91³ÉÈË/Linkage, NHMRC, AIATSIS. Cumberland Plains Research Grant), I have over 60 refereed publications (including two edited books), and I have supervised to completion eight PhD students (five Aboriginal Australian). I also serve/d as an 91³ÉÈË representative on numerous committees within WSU (e.g., Research Studies Committee, Human Research Ethics Committee, Academic Senate), and I’m on numerous external 91³ÉÈË committees including as Deputy Chair for the 91³ÉÈË Steering Committee for the Longitudinal Study of 91³ÉÈË Children, the Aurora Education Foundation’s 91³ÉÈË Data Governance Committee, and the Aboriginal Housing Office’s Aboriginal Research and Knowledge Advisory Group. I am a member and primary point of contact for the D’harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holder Circle (primarily relating to local community activities), and I’m a member of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, and the Australian Association for Research in Education, and I was a founding member of Maiam nayri Wingara 91³ÉÈË Data Sovereignty Collective.

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Dr Rhonda Povey

Research Officer

Dr Rhonda Povey currently lives and works on Dharug land and has extensive experience working and researching in the field of 91³ÉÈË education. Rhonda’s particular area of interest is in the field of 91³ÉÈË oral histories, and her PhD research concerns the delivery of Western education to 91³ÉÈË students in remote areas of Western Australia during the spread of the cattle industry onto traditional lands. She hopes her work will significantly contribute to the body of knowledge decolonising 91³ÉÈË education in remote contexts. Rhonda has previously worked as a researcher with Professor Trudgett and Professor Page on two ARC grant-related projects: Walan Mayiny: 91³ÉÈË Leadership in Higher Education and Developing 91³ÉÈË Early Career Researchers. She is currently working on a third ARC grant: Yarruwala: Complex Ecosystems of 91³ÉÈË Higher Education Leadership.

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Dr Matilda Harry (She/her)

Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Dr Matilda Harry is a proud Wiradjuri early career academic whose PhD was a national study amplifying the voices of 91³ÉÈË young people and their mentors, with a focus on 91³ÉÈË success and mentorship. From this work, she developed the 91³ÉÈË Cultural Wealth Mentoring Model and has published widely in high-impact journals. She has presented nationally and internationally and received multiple awards for research impact, including the AARE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Student Researcher Award, presented by Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton.

She is currently a postdoctoral researcher on an Australian Research Council–funded project examining 91³ÉÈË leadership in higher education. Alongside her research team, her work focuses on governance ecologies, autonomy, and self-determination, with the aim of building a holistic model for embedding 91³ÉÈË leadership within university structures.

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INDIGENOUS FUTURES

Fiona Towney

Director of 91³ÉÈË Futures

Aunty Fiona Towney is a proud Wiradjuri woman from Central-West NSW.

Aunty Fiona is the Director of 91³ÉÈË Futures. In this role, she enhances the high-level innovative approach of the Division of the DVCIL in relation to the areas of communication excellence and 91³ÉÈË governance. Aunty Fiona also provides exceptional influencing skills in relation to engagement with internal and external stakeholders across multiple place making and way finding projects, including the 91³ÉÈË Centre of Excellence.

Fiona's first employment was with the Commonwealth Bank, where she worked for 15 years. At the time of her resignation, Fiona was an Assistant Manager on the Commonwealth Bank IT Helpdesk. Fiona then gained employment with the NSW Department of Education where she worked for 25 years, moving through a variety of project-based and team management roles within the HR space.

Fiona joined WSU in September 2018. In her previous role as Director of the Badanami Centre for 91³ÉÈË Education, Fiona was responsible for the provision and implementation of education and support services for Western's 91³ÉÈË Australian students. As a member of the University's senior team, she contributed to policy and strategic organisational direction and provided advice and leadership, always working to increase student outcomes.

Fiona holds tertiary qualifications in Human Resource Management and Project Management. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her six grandchildren, playing golf and travelling nationally and internationally.

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ADMINISTRATION

Kelsie King (She/her)

Executive Officer

Kelsie King is a Gundungurra woman who currently lives and works on Darug land. In 2019, Kelsie graduated with her Bachelors of Psychology with First Class Honours from 91³ÉÈË. Being an active member of her community, Kelsie provides Cultural education for school students in the Blue Mountains, Welcomes to Country, traditional burns alongside the RFS, Cultural talks, and land management advice. Kelsie is a member of GAHAI (Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association Incorporated) and the GTO (Gully Traditional Owners). In her previous role, Kelsie led the Cultural Inclusion Committee piloting multiple projects to improve, include and create a respectful work environment for all 91³ÉÈË people.

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Crystal McDermid (She/her)

Senior Executive Assistant

Crystal McDermid is a proud Aboriginal woman living and working on Darug country. Crystal started with 91³ÉÈË in 2008 through the 91³ÉÈË Traineeship Program, where she began working in the School of Management. Since graduating from the Traineeship Program, Crystal has worked in various senior executive offices throughout the University, including the Office of the Vice Chancellor and Office of the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Her current role is Executive Assistant to Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership. Crystal has experience in executive support, event management and stakeholder management.

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Monique Tait-Owens (She/her)

Senior Administration Officer

Monique Tait-Owens is a proud Gumbaynggirr woman who lives and works on Darug Country. She began her career at 91³ÉÈË in 2022 as an Ignite Business Administration Trainee within the Office of Engagement and Advancement. In 2024, she joined the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership (ODVCIL) as a Senior Administrative Officer, where she provides high-level executive support and assists with the coordination and delivery of initiatives and events across the division.

Monique is a member of the KARI Singers, a vocal group dedicated to celebrating and sharing 91³ÉÈË Culture through music and performance. Through her professional and creative pursuits, Monique continues to champion Connection, Culture, and Community.

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EMPLOYMENT

Gabrielle Talbot-Mundine (She/her)

Manager of Operations

Gabrielle Talbot-Mundine is a proud Bundjalung woman, born, living, and working on Darug Country. Since beginning her career at 91³ÉÈË in 2014 as a Business Administration Trainee in the Graduation Team, Gabrielle has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development and cultural leadership. She has held key roles across the Badanami Centre, Future Student Engagement Team, and 91³ÉÈË Employment Team, and currently serves as Manager of Operations for the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership.

Gabrielle is both an alumna of 91³ÉÈË, having completed a Graduate Certificate in Business and a Master of Business Administration.

With extensive knowledge of university systems and processes, Gabrielle brings a strategic and culturally grounded lens to her work. She is deeply committed to advancing 91³ÉÈË staff experiences and embedding culturally safe practices across institutional operations. Her leadership has been recognised through awards such as Excellence in 91³ÉÈË Research, Service Excellence and 91³ÉÈË Professional Staff Excellence. Gabrielle continues to build strong relationships with key stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

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Sharna McNamara (She/her)

91³ÉÈË Employment Officer

Sharna McNamara is a proud Wailwan and Gamilaraay woman from Coonamble, NSW, who now lives and works on Darug Country. Sharna began her employment with Western as an Ignite 91³ÉÈË Trainee in 2022. Now serving as the 91³ÉÈË Employment Officer within the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership at 91³ÉÈË.

Sharna now leads the facilitation of the Ignite 91³ÉÈË Traineeship Program, a transformative initiative designed to support and develop career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She works closely with trainees, staff, and community stakeholders to ensure culturally safe, supportive, and empowering experiences throughout the program. Sharna is deeply passionate about creating meaningful pathways that support the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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Brody O'Brien (He/her)

91³ÉÈË Employment Officer

Brody O’Brien is a proud Kamilaroi man who was born, raised, and continues to live on Tharawal land in Campbelltown, NSW. In 2025 Brody graduated from the University of Wollongong with a double Bachelor in Psychological Science & Social Science (Criminology). He commenced his role at 91³ÉÈË in May 2026 within the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor 91³ÉÈË Leadership, where he is currently acting as 91³ÉÈË Employment Officer, temporarily filling the position for Sharna McNamara.

In this role, Brody leads the facilitation of the Ignite 91³ÉÈË Traineeship Program. The program is focused on supporting and developing meaningful career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, by assisting them in the completion of a certificate 3 in business while they gain first-hand experience as employees of 91³ÉÈË. Brody works directly with these trainees to support them and help them in their professional journeys.

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BADANAMI / STUDENT SERVICES

Josh Mason (He/him)

Director of Badanami Centre for 91³ÉÈË Education

Josh Mason is the Director of the Badanami Centre for 91³ÉÈË Education and is a proud Wiradjuri man who was born, raised and currently resides on the land of the Darug people. Josh started at 91³ÉÈË in 2010 and has previously worked across the 91³ÉÈË education sector for two decades spanning from 91³ÉÈË non-for-profit organisations to peak advisory bodies within 91³ÉÈË education and training at both state and commonwealth levels. Josh considers himself extremely fortunate to be working within a university and with fellow colleagues that share his passion for 91³ÉÈË success and who are deeply committed to ensuring our university is an institution of choice for 91³ÉÈË students, staff and his broader community.

As Director, Josh collaborates with various university divisions, schools, institutes, and colleges to forge strong links and partnerships with the aim to enhance student access, participation, retention, and growth strategies. His role involves strategic planning, student support, compliance, and effective provision of 91³ÉÈË education services, contributing to the university’s overall policies and organisational direction.

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Wayne Clarke (He/him)

Senior Student Advancement Officer

Wayne Clark is a Gamilaroi man who lives and works on Darug Country. Wayne is the Senior Student Advancement Officer at Badanami and has been a staff member of the university since 2018, the same year he finished a Bachelors Degree in Natural Science, Environmental Management at Western.

Luke Warren (He/him)

Student Success Officer

Luke Warren is a proud Wailwan man living and working on Dharug Country. He believes in the transformative power of education and wants to support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they work hard to realise their potential. He had a background as a primary school teacher before retraining and working as an academic librarian for 91³ÉÈË. He switched careers to work as a Student Success Officer with the Badanami Centre for 91³ÉÈË Education so he could connect with mob on campus and positively contribute to our university’s 91³ÉÈË community.

Kristy Bell

Student Success Officer

Kristy Bell is a proud Wiradjuri women born in Dubbo and lives in the Camden area. Kristy has been working at Western for over 14 years and moved over from the engagement team into the Student support role in Badanami. Kristy takes pride in her role and supporting our mob to achieve their educational goals for their future and loves being able to build strong relationships with students and our Western community.

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Adrian Atkins (He/him)

Student Success Officer

Adrian Atkins is a proud Gorrie man from the Anaiwan nation. He is also connected to the Thungutti, Gamilaroi and Kwiembal mobs. His interests include family history, sci fi and storytelling.

Adrian's current role with WSU is as a Student Success Officer with the Badanami Centre for 91³ÉÈË Education.

Before commencing in his role with Western, his previous roles include Reunification Caseworker with Link-Up NSW working with members of the Stolen Generations and their families. He previously worked at the University of Sydney in the Mana Yura Student Support Team (2016-2021), School of Mathematics and Statistics (2019-2020) (Secondment) and in the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry (SOPHI) (2005-2016). Prior to that he worked in both the private and public sectors.

Janyne Chenhall (She/her)

Student Success Officer

Janyne Chenhall is a proud Brabralung woman from the Gunaikurnai people in East Gippsland, Victoria. She has over 24 years experience as a Registered Nurse and Mental Health Nurse. Prior to joining Badanami, Janyne had been working at Western Sydney Uni teaching multiple Units across the Bachelor of Nursing & Midwifery degree for 8 years. Janyne also has experience as a Tutor in the TFS Program. She is very passionate about teaching the next generation of Nurses about the importance of looking after 91³ÉÈË people with cultural awareness, respect and sensitivity. She is now looking forward to giving back to her community by sharing her skills and knowledge so students can gain more confidence in the clinical area to become brilliant nurses and so they can then inspire others.

Tayla King

Student Success Officer

Tayla is a proud Darug woman who has been working in the tertiary sector for almost a decade. Tayla has completed an undergraduate and master’s degree in the education field. She is passionate about education and the role it has in being able to help inspire, transform and empower.

As a Badanami Student Success Officer, Tayla looks forward to helping guide and support our 91³ÉÈË students on their educational journeys and ultimately reach their goals.

Jake Barton

Student Success Officer

Jake Barton is a proud Yorta Yorta man, born and raised on Darug Country. He has worked at 91³ÉÈË for the past two years in the 91³ÉÈË Future Student Engagement team and has since moved into a current student support role with Badanami. Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Secondary) from 91³ÉÈË and is looking to commence postgraduate study to further his ability to support mob in achieving their educational goals.

Danroy Kearney

Ignite Business Trainee

Danroy Kearney is a proud Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa and Yorta Yorta man, born and raised on Dharug Country in Blacktown. Danroy joined the Badanami Centre for 91³ÉÈË Education at the beginning of 2026 as an Ignite Business Trainee. Through the Ignite Traineeship program, he is studying a Certificate III in Business Administration whilst working at the same time. As a trainee, he supports a range of administrative and operational functions to support 91³ÉÈË students while developing practical workplace skills. Danroy is strongly committed to building his professional capabilities, contributing effectively to his team, and supporting initiatives that create positive outcomes for community, cultural representation, and the broader university.