First Nations Portfolio

Adelaide University's First Nations Portfolio

The First Nations Portfolio leads the University's strategic approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, providing advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors and senior leaders to help embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, knowledges and perspectives across governance, decision-making, education, research, employment and engagement.

Through its leadership, the Portfolio promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, helps ensure the University's activities reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations and priorities, and supports Adelaide University's ambition to be a destination of choice for Australia's First Peoples.

Our role

The First Nations Portfolio provides strategic leadership across five interconnected functions that work together to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities throughout the University.

Together these functions support education, research, governance, employment, engagement and reconciliation, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, knowledges and perspectives inform the University's strategic direction and decision-making.

Discover the First Nations Portfolio

Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor – First Nations

The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor – First Nations provides strategic leadership and coordination across the Portfolio. It advises the University on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters, governance, cultural safety, protocols, communications, engagement, employment priorities and institutional strategy.

First Nations Education

First Nations Education leads initiatives that strengthen learning and teaching across the University. This includes developing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curriculum, embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges throughout teaching and learning, strengthening educational pathways and fostering meaningful partnerships with communities.

First Nations Research and Innovation

First Nations Research and Innovation leads the University's strategic research agenda, supporting research excellence, capability, partnerships and innovation that delivers meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

First Nations Outreach and Engagement

First Nations Outreach and Engagement leads strategic partnerships with schools, communities and organisations. It supports future student pathways, community engagement and collaborative initiatives that strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

First Nations Strategy and Governance

Strategy and Governance leads the development and implementation of governance, policy and strategy that embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities across the University. The function supports institutional decision-making, cultural safety and long-term strategic planning.

The work of the First Nations Portfolio helps Adelaide University to:

promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence
embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, knowledges and perspectives across the University
ensure decision-making reflects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations and priorities
strengthen education, research, employment and community engagement
advance Adelaide University's aspiration to be a destination of choice for Australia's First Peoples.

Our leadership

The First Nations Portfolio is led by senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders working across education, research, governance, engagement and employment.

Together, the team provides strategic leadership and advice across the University, partnering with staff, students, Elders and communities to advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities and create meaningful institutional change.

Professor Steve Larkin

Deputy Vice Chancellor – First Nations

Leadership

Pro Vice Chancellor, First Nations Education: Professor Tina Brodie
Director, First Nations Outreach and Engagement: Dr Tiernan Cross
Dean, First Nations Research and Innovation: Dr James Charles
First Nations Ambassador: Adam Goodes
Director First Nations Employment and Interim Office DVC First Nations: Amanda DeDear
Associate Director, Strategic Projects: Michelle Theeuf

Contact us

Ready to get in touch? Contact us by email DVCFirstnations@adelaide.edu.au.