UC’s Inaugural Galambany Professorial Fellow Named Australian Water Professional of the Year
The University of Canberra’s own Galambany Professorial Fellow, Dr Leslie ‘Phil’ Duncan, was recently named Australian Water Professional of the Year at the Oz Water 2024 gala night in Melbourne, Victoria.
The award was presented in recognition of Dr Duncan’s significant contributions to national water management for over 40 years, and his tireless work bridging communities and government to amplify the voices and improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples.
Dr Duncan said that the award meant the world to him – and reflected not only his work, but also the value of collaborations between Indigenous Australia and corporate institutions, government and industry.
“This award also signifies recognition of the learnings from my Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Holders across this Country, who have instilled their knowledge in me as well,” he said.
A proud Kamilaroi man, Dr Duncan was the first Indigenous Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, as well as the first Indigenous board member of the NSW Natural Resource Access Regulator.
He is a member of Water Trust Australia and an Australian Freshwater Science Society – National Indigenous Executive. Last year, Dr Duncan was a keynote speaker at the United Nations 2023 Water Conference in New York, the United States, and presented at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Dr Duncan has dedicated his life to promoting and enhancing collaboration via two-way knowledge exchanges, amplifying the voices of Traditional Owners in conversations around water management.
In mid-2023, Dr Duncan became the University’s inaugural Galambany Professorial Fellow, with the Centre for Applied Water Science. In this role, he focuses on providing strategic leadership in Indigenous natural resource management and facilitating engagement with Indigenous institutions and networks.
“The University of Canberra is extremely proud of our purpose statement – Galambany, a Ngunnawal word meaning ‘we are together as one’,’ said Professor Lucy Johnston, Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University.
“Permission for the use of ‘Galambany’ came from the Ngunnawal Elders, and this recognises our deep connection to the Ngunnawal peoples and the place in which our Bruce campus is located. The introduction of the Ngunnawal Professional Fellowship was to embody this purpose of ‘one university, one place’.
“We are delighted and proud to have Uncle Phil as our first Galambany Professorial Fellow. Through his work at CAWS, and across the University more broadly, Uncle Phil empowers, connects and shares knowledge with our people, cultures and places.
“Receiving this award is an illustration of Phil’s contributions, and we congratulate him!”
Dr Duncan feels that addressing water literacy and integrating Indigenous cultural values, perspectives and knowledge into future planning and water management strategies across the country is a significant national step to create a more cohesive, inclusive future.
“We also need to look at allocations and Indigenous leadership – including gender balance as per Men’s and Women’s Business – and taking youth on that journey with us,” he said.
“This approach can create greater options, two-way knowledge exchanges, relationships and partnerships across the wide range of stakeholders that are involved in the water industry.”
Dr Duncan said that it is a privilege and an honour to be the University’s first Galambany Professorial Fellow.
“My focus is to assist wherever and whenever required across UC, to make a difference wherever possible, and connect the University to Indigenous Australia on a platform of inclusion and respect,” he said.
“UC has so much to offer, and I see myself as an influencer, connector, supporter and provider of sound strategic advice, as we move forward together.”