
Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership
A focus on Indigenous success
We play a crucial role in promoting Indigenous success throughout the entire university.
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, The Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership (OISL) works closely with The Wollotuka Institute to provide a culturally responsive environment in which Indigenous staff, students, researchers, and community are welcomed and supported.
Pro Vice-Chancellor - Indigenous Strategy and Leadership Nathan Towney on Reconciliation 4:03
Guided by pillars
The work of the OISL is guided by the four pillars of the University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Research Framework.
Cultural Knowledge and Understanding
A roadmap for the University to become a culturally responsive and capable institution.
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Participation and Retention
Championing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in higher education.
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Research to Influence Change
Putting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices at the centre of our research agenda.
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Community Engagement and collaboration for Reconciliation
Driving reconciliation outcomes both inside and outside the institution.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and research are a whole of university commitment - it is everyone’s responsibility.
This Framework will see the University, our communities and our region work together to achieve excellence.

Artwork story: The symbol for people can be seen gathered within the growing vines. The brightly coloured people represent the older Aboriginal students at the University expanding their knowledge in their current fields while the smaller people symbols next to them are the new students just beginning their journey but with the older students as exciting role models. The leaves/ vines represent the growing of cultural knowledge breaking through barriers (the black and white lines) to better educate our local community. The colours within the black and white lines represent the success of the growing vines - it reflects a change in education, where Indigenous people, knowledge and culture is recognised and valued. The connected circles between the two vines represent the growing of Aboriginal-led research - connecting students across fields and educating our community.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.