Associate Professor Sandra Wooltorton, Director of the Nulungu Research Institute on The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Broome Campus, was this month presented with the Reconciliation Award at the 2015 Kullari NAIDOC Ball and Awards Ceremony.
Stating that “reconciliation comes from the heart”, the award recognised Associate Professor Wooltorton’s work and dedication to practical reconciliation throughout her career as an educator and contributor to the wellbeing of many Indigenous children.
“I’m delighted to receive this award. NAIDOC is a good time to reflect on the very many people across all the fields of endeavour who focus their personal and working lives on making our country a better place for all people,” Associate Professor Wooltorton said.
“It is important to realise that everyone benefits from Indigenous reconciliation, in personal, social, political and national ways. It seems to me that the learning journey of planning and achieving practical outcomes for reconciliation begins with the heart. The journey requires dialogue, deep listening and learning – as well as a willingness to change positions for transformation to take place.”
Associate Professor Wooltorton is passionate about education, particularly where it can support Aboriginal empowerment through culture, caring for country and sustainable futures. Despite these topics being reflected in current research by Nulungu, she would like to further explore the role and significance of Indigenous cultural resurgence.
“When all Australians acknowledge that we stand on land traditionally owned by Indigenous people, and when we all want to learn the stories, language and history of our places and Australia as a whole, then we can build on the traditions of the past to create a better future,” Associate Professor Wooltorton said.
Matthew Hill, Campus Minister on the Broome Campus, said the award both reflected the personal and professional achievements of Associate Professor Wooltorton and the broader approach to reconciliation.
“This is an encouragement to all of us to continue in our own way, irrespective of our particular role on Campus, to continue to the mission of reconciliation to which this University is tasked,” Mr Hill said.
For more information about available courses at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Broome Campus, please visit http://www.nd.edu.au/broome.