ADA Indigenous
Commitment to Indigenous education, research, engagement and employment.
The Three Pillars, GarryPurchase
A message from Fabri Blacklock and Liza-Mare Syron, Co-Associate Deans Indigenous
As Co-Associate Deans Indigenous we’re proud to introduce you to ʹڲƱ Arts, Design and Architecture where we strive to be leaders in Indigenous education, research, engagement and employment.
Associate Professor Fabri Blacklock is a Nucoorilma/Ngarabal/Biripi woman whose mob come from Tingha, Glen Innes and Dingo Creek in northern NSW. Fabri is committed to embedding Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing into education and research and empowering Indigenous people through educational leadership.
Associate Professor Liza-Mare Syron's family are Biripi and Worrimi from the Mid-North Coast of NSW. Liza-Mare is a practitioner researcher in the performing arts and is the co-founder of Moogahlin Performing Arts, NSW's premier Indigenous performing arts company. Liza-Mare has also worked in Indigenous education, research, and arts policy development for over 30 years.
ʹڲƱ Arts, Design & Architecture is committed to creating a faculty where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff feel culturally safe and supported to pursue their dreams and goals. We’re equally committed to working meaningfully and collaboratively with Indigenous communities, organisations and stakeholders so the privileges that come with being connected to big institutions, such as universities, are shared and used in the pursuit of equity and social justice.
ܰArts, Design & Architecture Indigenous Strategy guides our Strategy Initiatives and holds us accountable to our commitments and promises. Our strategy speaks directly to the ʹڲƱ Indigenous Strategy’s three pillars: Culture and Country, Grow Our Own and Give Back.
Please contact us if you have any queries or comments.
Our commitment
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The ADA Indigenous Strategy comprises of four interrelated key focus areas of Research, Education, Engagement, and Employment, which will frame our strategic objectives.
The Indigenous Reference Committee (IRC) guides this work. It is Indigenous-led and brings together the voices of staff and students. The IRC ensures our Strategy and Implementation Plan align with the Three Pillars of the ʹڲƱ Indigenous Strategy: Culture and Country, Give Back, and Grow Our Own.
Through the Strategy and the IRC, ADA aims to be a leader in Indigenous education, research, employment, and engagement.
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We centre Indigenous voices to strengthen collective understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, lands, languages, and cultures. Our faculty provides a culturally safe and supportive environment for Indigenous educators and students, with dedicated spaces (theWinangala Gurrugurrubaa rooms) on both Paddington and Kensington campuses open 24/7 for study, connection, and community.
Our Indigenous Student Support and Engagement Specialist offers tailored guidance to future and current Indigenous students across all ADA disciplines. We also offer a range of financial support options to help Indigenous students thrive in their academic journey.
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We champion research that reflects the priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, guided by Indigenous principles, ethics, and methodologies. Our faculty fosters a culturally safe and supportive environment where Indigenous researchers and students can thrive.
Our Indigenous researchers and their current projects at ʹڲƱ Arts, design & Architecture include:
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We build strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure our work reflects their priorities and perspectives. From local collaborations to national projects, we engage with Elders, families, and community organisations to embed Indigenous knowledges, languages, and cultures in meaningful ways.
Within our School of Education, several flagship projects work in partnership with communities to create meaningful change through education.
The project partners with Elders, families, Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups (AECG), the NSW Department of Education, and schools across urban, regional, rural, and remote areas to co-develop programs that strengthen cultural inclusion and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The Cultural Residents Projectcollaborates with local Aboriginal communities to establish “Cultural Resident” or Cultural Educator positions in Eastern suburbs primary schools. These roles embed Indigenous histories, knowledges, and cultures throughout the curriculum, with support from World Vision and other partners, as part of a broader effort to secure government funding for such positions in all schools nationwide.
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We’re dedicated to growing and supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academic and professional workforce across all levels. This includes senior leadership roles, clear career development pathways, and tailored mentoring for early to mid-career staff.
Indigenous Pathways Programs
ʹڲƱ offers three flexible pathways for Indigenous students—Indigenous Pre-Programs, Indigenous Admission Scheme, and ʹڲƱ Gateway—providing entry into Arts, Design & Architecture based on potential, not just ATAR.
Dedicated Student Support
ʹڲƱ Arts, Design & Architecture, in partnership with Nura Gili, supports Indigenous students with scholarships, financial aid for materials, and a dedicated Indigenous Student Support Specialist. From enrolment to university life, we’re here to help you thrive.
Acknowledgement of Country
ʹڲƱ respectfully acknowledges the Bidjigal, Biripai, Dharug, Gadigal, Gumbaynggirr, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri peoples, on whose unceded lands we are privileged to learn, teach and work.We honour the Elders of these Nations, past and present, and recognise the broader Nations with whom we walk together.ʹڲƱ acknowledges the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to culture, community and Country.