Kurongkurl Katitjin Dean, Professor Dan McAullay with Emeritus Professor Simon Forrest in front of the iconic Kurongkurl Katitjin building at ECU Mount Lawley.
The name Kurongkurl Katitjin, in Noongar language, means "coming together to learn." This concept has shaped the Centre's identity from the beginning: a place grounded in culture, community, and shared knowledge, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are supported to thrive in education and beyond.
Foundations of cultural leadership
Culturally safe and responsive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been part of Edith Cowan University's Mount Lawley campus since the commencement of the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program in 1976. In 1985, these programs became Aboriginal-led, laying the groundwork for a dedicated academic department within the newly established Edith Cowan University in 1991.
As a graduate of Mount Lawley Teachers College, Emeritus Professor Simon Forrest was appointed as the inaugural Chair (or Head) of Department, and under his leadership, saw significant growth in Aboriginal student enrolments, the appointment of Aboriginal staff, and the development of culturally grounded educational programs. This growth led to the department achieving academic School status in 1993, becoming Kurongkurl Katitjin, School of Indigenous Australian Studies within the Faculty of Arts.
In 2005, the School transitioned to become Kurongkurl Katitjin, Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research. This change coincided with the opening of a purpose-built facility on the Mount Lawley campus, marking a major milestone in its evolution and further strengthening the university's commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research, and cultural leadership.
A centre for today and tomorrow
Under the current leadership of Professor Dan McAullay, Kurongkurl Katitjin continues to thrive as a space of empowerment, innovation, and cultural learning.
Professor McAullay acknowledges the work of his predecessors, including Emeritus Professor Simon Forrest, Professor Graeme Gower, Emeritus Professor Colleen Hayward AM, and Professor Braden Hill, carrying the Centre's legacy forward.
We stand on strong foundations. Kurongkurl Katitjin remains true to its name. We are still coming together to learn, to listen, and to lead. Our focus is on empowering the next generation while staying deeply connected to culture and community.
Kurongkurl Katitjin Dean, Professor Dan McAullay
Legacy, strength and vision
As NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, this year’s theme resonates strongly with ECU. Reflecting on the journey of Aboriginal education, Professor Forrest highlights the progress and legacy that continues to grow.
"The ongoing legacy, strength and vision of the early Aboriginal programs at the Mount Lawley campus were built by people like John Sherwood, May O’Brien, and many others. Looking back, my earlier appointment as an academic lecturer in 1983 was a watershed moment - a significant turning point for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people entering the academy. It marked the beginning of a natural evolution that continues today, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in research and teaching grows and thrives in universities across Australia."
That moment laid the foundation for Indigenous leadership in higher education and continues to shape Kurongkurl Katitjin’s identity and purpose. A growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates, including many who return to ECU as staff and academics, actively shaping the future through teaching, research, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation.
"It’s incredibly powerful to see former students become leaders within the institution and within our communities. Their presence sends a strong message to current and future students: ‘You belong here, and you can thrive here.’ This is what legacy looks like in action," said Professor McAullay.
Looking forward
As Kurongkurl Katitjin honours the legacy of those who paved the way, it remains committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, educators, and researchers. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of its purpose-built facility on the Mount Lawley campus - a milestone reflecting decades of growth and cultural strength.
Looking ahead, Kurongkurl Katitjin will continue its important work with the planned move to ECU’s City campus in 2026, ensuring the spirit of "coming together to learn" remains at the heart of its mission. Through these transitions, the strength, vision, and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will continue to shape ECU’s future.
See The West Australian’s NAIDOC Week 2025 feature 7 July 2025.
Learn more about Kurongkurl Katitjin: Edith Cowan University’s Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research.
