Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre

01/06/2026

Meet Jonathan Burrill 👋🏽
Kulbardi is proud to introduce Jonathan, part of the School of Indigenous Knowledges at Murdoch University.
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Jonathan moved to Perth with his family in 2007. With a background in community development and sociology, he’s deeply committed to social justice, equity, and the power of education to create meaningful social change.
At Murdoch, Jonathan’s work centres on strengthening student engagement and creating positive, supportive learning environments. He’s passionate about building spaces where students feel empowered, respected, and connected, not only to each other, but to broader community and social outcomes. He also contributes to important work with the First Nations Projects team, supporting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Ethical Research Guidelines.
Jonathan’s approach is grounded in inclusion, connection, and community, and he’s always up for a yarn. You’ll usually find him around Kulbardi during the week, ready to support students however he can.
 
How can students engage with Jonathan?
✨ Drop in for a yarn or a chat anytime
✨ Get support around student life, wellbeing, and connection
✨ Talk through creating a positive and engaging uni experience
 
Jonathan is here to support your journey at Murdoch, feel free to stop by, have a yarn, and get connected 🤝🏽

29/05/2026

Western series ☀️

Our deadly kulbardi team came second overall, and brought home the spirit award!!

29/05/2026

Meet Nik Bennell 👋🏾
Kulbardi is proud to introduce Nik, Student Success Advisor at Murdoch University.
Nik’s Mob is Bennell’s, Blurton’s, Collard’s and Hansen’s on her mum’s side, and Cockie’s, Newell’s and Hart’s on her dad’s side. At Kulbardi, Nik is part of the Student Success Team, where she supports students to feel confident, connected, and empowered throughout their university journey.
Nik’s approach is all about having a yarn, creating a relaxed and welcoming space where students can talk through anything on their mind. Whether it’s academic support, navigating uni systems, or just figuring things out along the way, Nik is here to help make the experience feel a little easier (and less overwhelming).
You’ll often find her ready for a chat - and yes, there’s a comfy bean bag waiting for you too.
 
How can students engage with Nik?
✨ Drop in for a yarn about uni life, studies, or anything in between
✨ Get support with academic challenges or staying on track
✨ Chat through navigating university systems and expectations
✨ Connect in a relaxed, welcoming space (bean bag included!)
 
Nik is here to support your journey at Murdoch, feel free to stop by, have a yarn, and get connected.

27/05/2026

Meet Allana Sheppard 👋🏾
Kulbardi is proud to introduce Allana Sheppard. Allana is a proud Whadjuk Noongar yorga and the Senior Advisor First Nations at Murdoch University.
Allana leads and supports initiatives that strengthen cultural safety and help attract, develop and retain First Nations talent across the University. Her work contributes to creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and communities feel respected, valued and empowered.
Working under the guidance of the Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations and alongside People and Culture, Allana partners with key areas across Murdoch including the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre, School of Indigenous Knowledges, Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, and the Waardong Indigenous Veterinary Program. Through this work, she helps drive meaningful and sustainable outcomes for First Nations peoples in higher education.
Allana is passionate about strengthening workforce initiatives, supporting culturally responsive practices, building strong partnerships, and contributing to systems and environments where First Nations people can thrive.
 
How can students engage with Allana?
✨ Reach out for guidance, information, or a yarn
✨ Explore opportunities like the Aboriginal Talent Register
✨ Share ideas and connect through meaningful conversations
✨ Be part of safe, supportive spaces grounded in respect and collaboration
 
Allana values connection and relationship building, and is always open to engaging with students, staff and community.

26/05/2026

Yesterday marked National Sorry Day, a time of deep reflection that we walk in the footsteps of Elders and community leaders who have devoted their lives to advocacy, healing, and truth-telling in response to the trauma of the Stolen Generations. Their work reminds us that the impacts of this history continue to be felt today, not only by those directly affected, but by their descendants who are still seeking healing, reconnection, and a renewed sense of identity.

At Kulbardi, we see this reality every day. We see First Nations students coming through our doors looking for a place where they can feel safe to be themselves, and where they can begin or continue their journey of reconnecting with culture, community, and identity. For many, there is a deep sense of absence, an empty space where culture, language, and belonging should be. These are the enduring scars of the Stolen Generations, and they cannot be ignored.

Kulbardi stands as a place of acceptance, support, and possibility. We want you to know that you are welcome here exactly as you are. We are committed to walking alongside you, nurturing your cultural knowledge, strengthening your identity, and supporting your leadership development as part of your broader academic journey. This commitment is not just words; it is embedded in our strategic priorities and brought to life through initiatives like the Boordawan Movement.

As we now move into National Reconciliation Week, we also call on our non-Indigenous colleagues and wider community to step forward with us. This is a time to move beyond acknowledgment and into meaningful, sustained action.

We are going All In — the question is, are you ready to go All In with us?

25/05/2026

In preparation for the coming rain, we planted Quandongs (Santalum acuminatum), Murin Murin (Scaevola spinescens), and Dongalang (Rhodanthe chlorocephala - Everlasting seeds) together in the Kulbardi Garden.

These lubly plants were sourced from Wheatbelt Native Gardens and we’re so happy to have Quandongs, an important medicine plant, and colourful everlastings now growing here at Kulbardi for the future.
This planting was guided with care, following strict and important instructions from Richard McDowell from Wheatbelt Native Gardens, ensuring these plants are given the best start to thrive.

There’s something powerful about growing knowledge, culture and connection through living plants. We look forward to watching them flourish and continuing to care for this space together 💖

25/05/2026

Meet Jesse Griffiths 👋🏾
Kulbardi is proud to introduce Jesse Griffiths. Jesse is a Badimia Yamatji man and First Nations Strategic Projects Lead at Murdoch University.

Jesse plays an important role in strengthening the systems and pathways that support First Nations students across the university. His work focuses on improving processes and structures to ensure students have access to an experience that is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to their needs.

Through his leadership, Jesse contributes to creating a university environment where First Nations students feel supported throughout their journey, from enrolment through to completion. His approach is grounded in a strong commitment to equity, cultural respect, and continuous improvement, ensuring that systems work for students and reflect their strengths, voices, and aspirations.

In his role at Murdoch, Jesse works behind the scenes to influence meaningful change, shaping how services are designed and delivered to better support First Nations student success. His work helps create stronger foundations for students to thrive in a culturally safe and supportive environment.

How can students engage with Jesse?
✨ Connect through initiatives that improve student support systems and experiences
✨ Share feedback to help shape inclusive and accessible processes
✨ Engage with services designed to support your journey at Murdoch
✨ Be part of a university community working towards better outcomes for First Nations students

Jesse is here to support your journey by helping create the systems and environments that enable you to succeed.

22/05/2026

Kaya Mob 👋🏾
We’re celebrating the powerful impact of community, creativity and care in action.

At a recent workshop led by our very own Julianne Wade, supporting WA’s first children’s hospice, Boodja Mia, families came together to create meaningful glass artworks that will become part of the hospice space. These pieces are more than art, they represent connection, love, and a place where children and families will feel supported, safe and at home.

We’re proud to see the work of Julianne, recognised as part of this important initiative. Alongside her work on campus, Julianne continues to create spaces that bring people together through culture, creativity and shared experience. Her work extends well beyond Murdoch, contributing to community wellbeing, inclusion and healing in meaningful ways.

The Sandcastles Boodja Mia project shows how staff and community partners can make a lasting difference. Through creativity and cultural connection, this work helps shape spaces of care, dignity and belonging leaving a positive legacy for families across WA.

Thank you to all involved in bringing this vision to life ✨

22/05/2026

Meet Rebekah Smith 👋🏾
Kulbardi is proud to introduce Rebekah Smith. Bek is a Menang Noongar Yorga from Gnowangerup. She leads the Engagement and Outreach Team at Murdoch University.

Bek plays a key role in shaping how Kulbardi connects with students, schools, and community. She leads school programs and community engagement initiatives that build meaningful, lasting relationships grounded in respect, collaboration, and cultural integrity. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to creating opportunities for connection through programs and events that celebrate First Nations culture, knowledge, and community.
In her role at Murdoch, Bek guides the delivery of engagement activities that bring people together, from outreach with schools to on-campus events that create safe and welcoming spaces for learning, sharing, and cultural exchange. She is passionate about fostering strong relationships and creating experiences where community is at the centre.

How can students engage with Bek?
✨ Get involved in Kulbardi events that celebrate community and culture
✨ Participate in outreach and engagement programs across campus
✨ Connect through activities that strengthen relationships and shared understanding
✨ Be part of spaces that centre First Nations voices, stories, and experiences

Bek is here to support your journey, whether you’re looking to connect, engage, or be part of a strong community.

21/05/2026

We’ve got a deadly opportunity at Kulbardi! 🌟

We’re on the lookout for an Engagement and Communications Officer, First Nations - someone creative, community‑minded, and ready to help us share stories, run events, and connect with mob across campus and beyond.

In this role you’ll help shape culturally strong communications, support community‑led outreach, promote our big events like Birak and Deadly Dreaming, and bring our social media to life with real stories and real impact. You’ll work within our Engagement & Outreach team to help strengthen relationships with First Nations communities and future students.

If you love storytelling, culture, events, and making a difference — this might be your next move. 💛🖤❤️

Support First Nations engagement through impactful communications, events and outreach aligned with community priorities.