Media releases

Indigenous graduates from Federation University Australia will be honoured at the opening of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alumni Chapter in Ballarat.  

The University has 625 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alumni and establishing the new Chapter will foster deeper connection with the University.

Prominent Indigenous alumni speaking will include Anthony Harrison, who now works in holistic medical care at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-op, and Alison McRae, who is currently studying a Master of Arts by Research.

Aunty Diana (Di) Nikkelson, a well-respected member of the Aboriginal community in Ballarat and one of the founding members of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, will also attend.

The event coincides with this week’s launch of the University’s new Reconciliation Action Plan, which highlights the need to identify, locate and engage with the University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alumni.

The Ballarat launch will be held at Prospects Restaurant, SMB campus from 6:00pm Friday, 15 November, and has been organised by the University’s Reconciliation Action Committee and the Aboriginal Education Centre.

A similar event will be held in the student lounge of the Gippsland campus from 1:00pm to 2:30pm on Friday, 22 November. 

Quotes attributable to Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett

“Establishing this new Alumni Chapter will help the University community maintain contact with our growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni.”

“Alumni events provide an opportunity for former students to come together and make new friendships and connections that can be beneficial socially and in their careers. It’s exciting to be able to give our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni this opportunity through the new Chapter.” 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Indigenous alumnus, Anthony Harrison

“This new alumni chapter has come at a very welcome time and shows how far we have come. Future Aboriginal students will appreciate this announcement very much.”

“My time at Federation University was very important to me. I graduated from the University with a Nursing degree and now I am very proud to provide medical care and support at the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-op.”