Professor Julie Andrews, Academic Director of Indigenous Research at La Trobe University, has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Trailblazer.
Professor Andrews is the only Victorian-descended Aboriginal female professor in a Victorian University and has been considered a trailblazer by the Yorta Yorta community since she studied at La Trobe in the 1990s.
The first female Yorta Yorta Professor and a highly respected First Nations scholar, Professor Andrews' contribution to Indigenous higher education and research culminated with the establishment of the Gabra Biik Wurruwila Wutja Indigenous Research Centre at La Trobe University.
Professor Andrews has made a huge contribution to documenting Victorian Indigenous history, forging links with Indigenous communities and mentoring several Indigenous research students in their education and research journey.
For the past 20 years Professor Andrews has taught thousands of students across La Trobe's campuses.
She is also La Trobe University's most cited Aboriginal Studies researcher.
Professor Andrews told National Indigenous Times it was an honour to be recognised.
"I actually felt like the whole evening was a beautiful experience for the women who we being honoured," she said.
"The minister was very kind and welcoming, and the event felt like a safe space for all people there that were from different backgrounds and cultures.
"The good will from everyone involved was really respectful as well. It was lovely to receive the award with an Elder from my community, I was so honoured that we were both there."
Professor Andrews said she was not aware she was being inducted until it was announced at the ceremony.
"To be honoured in such an esteemed way with all the women around you getting the same honour… it made me feel very proud of our achievements," she said.
"I have never felt like that before. Everything I do is for my people and my community, so that was an opportunity to spend time reflecting on what I have been able to achieve in my working life and for my community. It was an honour to be there for my people.
"One gentleman came up to me and said "I would like to thank you for everything you have done". He was man of Sri Lankan descent who was there for us daughter who was also being honoured. You don't realise the impact you have on other people. It was a nice experience.
"My children were absolutely proud. They were watching it on the live stream and texting me. My daughter was with me. The event had a real family feel to it."
Professor Andrews's career highlights include:
- Responsible for the development of an Indigenous academic framework for La Trobe University which has led to the development of a unique First Nations curriculum.
- In 2012, developed the first subject at La Trobe with completely First Nations content and delivered by First Nations lecturers, which continues to be taught today.
- Created the first On Country immersion subject for a Victorian university (Encountering Aboriginal Victoria – Parallel Systems of Knowledge). This is the first of its kind in Victoria and a unique immersion program within the local Aboriginal community at Shepparton and the Barmah Forest Area.
- Founded and is currently leading, La Trobe's first Indigenous Research Centre called Gabra Biik, Wurruwila Wutja (Clever Country, Clever People) developed as part of La Trobe's Indigenous Research Strategy 2022-2030.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said Professor Andrews' trailblazing achievements in Indigenous education and research continue to have long-lasting impacts not only on La Trobe University but on Professor Andrews' family, the Yorta Yorta community, the wider Victorian Indigenous community and other Victorian universities.
"Professor Andrews is a role model for the entire community," Professor Farrell said.
"Her combined attributes of Aboriginality, Traditional Owner status, academic expertise, family networks and community connections have opened a door for meaningful partnerships across communities and paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps."
