Aunty Lynette Crocker is Adelaide University's inaugural Honorary Doctorate recipient, recognising her exceptional contributions to community, reconciliation, Aboriginal leadership and education.
A descendant of the Kaurna and Narungga Peoples, Aunty Lynette has dedicated more than three decades to advancing reconciliation, truth-telling and the sharing of knowledge between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. Her extensive voluntary contributions span education, Native Title, cultural heritage, environmental stewardship and community leadership.
Aunty Lynette was one of the original claimants in the Kaurna Native Title claim and played a significant role in the 2018 determination recognising Kaurna People as the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide Plains. She is also a founding member of the Kaurna Elders Assembly and continues to provide cultural leadership through community and governance roles.
At Adelaide University and its foundation institutions, Aunty Lynette has made a profound contribution to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aspirations and embedding Indigenous knowledges.
Adelaide University Vice Chancellor Professor Nicola Phillips says Aunty Lynette's impact has been felt across both the University and the broader community.
"Aunty Lynette empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their communities through cultural leadership, knowledge sharing and advocacy, to ensure that First Nations voices and stories are visible, present and heard," Professor Phillips says.
"Together with her broad community contributions, Aunty Lynette has played a pivotal role at our University and its foundation institutions, including as an inaugural and current member of our Purkarninthi Elders Group. This group was of fundamental importance in the formation of Adelaide University's Act, and specifically in the provision for an Aboriginal name and the inclusion of commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and education."
Professor Phillips says Aunty Lynette's honorary doctorate recognises a lifetime of service and leadership.
"Given her distinguished service and exceptional contributions to both the University and to the community, Aunty Lynette is a most worthy recipient. Through outstanding work sustained over decades, Aunty Lynette truly embodies Tirkangkaku's core values, including our commitment to excellence through equity."
