03/09/2026
A L U M N I • A W A R D S
🏅 First Nations Excellence
✨ Craig Taylor – Community Leader and Changemaker
For more than three decades, proud Wiradjuri man Taylor has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for First Nations people and communities across education, health, housing, social services and government.
🎓 A proud Charles Sturt University graduate and the first person in his family to attend university, Craig says studying in Wagga Wagga gave him the confidence to contribute without leaving his identity behind.
"Charles Sturt was the cornerstone that shaped my life at a time when Aboriginal participation in higher education was far less visible."
🏥 Today, Craig serves as Deputy Chief Aboriginal Health Adviser with the Victorian Department of Health and holds several leadership and governance roles, including Chair of the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service(AWAHS) and Director of the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Board.
🤝 Across every role, he has remained focused on turning policy and strategy into practical outcomes that improve people's lives.
🌱 One of his proudest achievements has been helping guide the growth of AWAHS over the past 23 years, including the development of its first multi-jurisdictional Aboriginal aged care facility, designed and built by Aboriginal businesses to provide culturally safe care for Elders.
📚 Before his leadership career, Craig worked as a rouseabout, shearer, prison officer and teacher. Each experience reinforced his belief in community, resilience and the power of education to transform lives.
💬 "Whether I was shearing sheep, working behind prison walls, teaching in classrooms, supporting families as a social worker or leading major policy and governance reform, there has been one constant throughout my career: a desire to make a positive difference."
🚀 Named Charles Sturt University's 2026 Alumni of the Year for First Nations Excellence, Craig hopes his journey encourages others to back themselves and dream big.
💬 "There will always be people who tell you something can't be done. Listen respectfully, then go out and prove them wrong."
👏 Congratulations, Craig, on this well-deserved recognition and on a lifetime of service, leadership and community impact.
📖 Read Craig's story via the link in the comments.
TEQSA PRV12018 (Australian University) CRICOS 00005F, 068869G.
First Nations at Charles Sturt
