Professor N’arweet Carolyn Briggs AM has been appointed to the Wominjeka Djeembana Indigenous research lab at Monash University’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.

Professor N’arweet Carolyn Briggs AM is a Boon Wurrung senior elder and a descendant of the First People of Melbourne, the Yaluk-ut Weelam Clan of the Boon Wurrung. She is also the Founder and Chair of the Boon Wurrung Foundation, established to conduct cultural research, including for the restoration of the Boon Wurrung language.

She has been significantly involved in developing and supporting opportunities for Indigenous youth and Boon Wurrung culture for over 40 years. In 2019, she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to the Aboriginal community. She holds a PhD from RMIT University.

N’arweet Carolyn said she is thrilled to be recommencing at Monash. “Returning to Monash fills me with a sense of rediscovery and excitement. Reflecting on my early days at The Centre for Research into Aboriginal Affairs in the mid-70s, where I worked on impactful research projects, I realised how crucial a strong, trustworthy team is. The support and networks I’ve built over the years at Monash University are invaluable, and I’m eager to continue this collaborative journey,” she said.

Her research will focus on upskilling communities in remote, regional, and urban areas to ask the right questions and ensure their voices are heard.

“Research cannot continue to extract knowledge from communities without reinvesting it back into them. It’s essential for communities to take ownership and move forward with robust support structures. Universities should act as tools for these communities, focusing on effectiveness, skill-building, and resource investment rather than individual interests. My goal is to build on this approach, ensuring that universities contribute to both the infrastructure and aspirations of communities, especially from an Indigenous perspective.”

“Many Indigenous people face frustration because they don’t know how to frame questions in a way that gets listened to by the government and researchers. My aim is to empower these communities by ensuring that research outcomes are beneficial and empowering in the long run. By working with focus groups and guiding them on how to articulate their needs, we can provide them with tools and next steps to move forward effectively, she said.”

Professor Susan Elliott AM, Provost and Senior Vice-President at Monash University welcomed the appointment of Professor N’arweet Carolyn Briggs.

“N’arweet Carolyn has had a tremendous impact on the community over the course of her career. We are delighted she has rejoined Monash University in this capacity and look forward to the insightful learning opportunities her appointment will create for our students.”

Professor Mel Dodd, Interim Dean of Monash Art, Design and Architecture said: “I’m delighted to be formally welcoming Professor N’arweet Carolyn Briggs AM back to our faculty. Monash has had a longstanding relationship with N’arweet Carolyn; she’s an inspirational and exceptional community elder whose cultural knowledge and experience has been recognised by communities throughout Australia.”

“This appointment is especially significant in light of the recent launch of our core unit, ‘BLK1000 – Indigenous Australian creative practice and ways of knowing’, to be completed by all students across our three disciplines; a milestone move toward Indigenising curriculum within the faculty, led by our Wominjeka Djeembana Research Lab.”

Executive Director, External Community Engagement & Impact, Jamil Tye, said, “N’arweet Professor Carolyn Briggs AM has a long connection to Monash, working with the likes of Professors Colin Bourke and Eleanor Bourke, and Professor Isaac Brown to lay the foundation of our First Nations agenda at the University. It is therefore extremely exciting that she has decided to return to lead and contribute to the important work being done by Professor Brian Martin and others.”

“N’arweet’s contribution to maintaining the language, customs, history and culture of the Yalukit Willam is unrivalled. As a Yorta Yorta/Boon Wurrung man, it is extremely special to have her as part of our Monash community once again,” Jamil said.

Professor Brian Martin, Director of Wominjeka Djeembana Research Lab said: “I’ve known and worked with Aunty Carolyn for many years and she plays an integral part of our commitment to providing a space of Indigeneity, critical thinking and creative practice. She’ll be instrumental in the aim of our research to become a national and international leader in Indigenous ways of knowing through practice-based discourses.”

Congratulations to Professor N’arweet Carolyn Briggs AM  on her new appointment and wish her success at Monash.