Reinforcing a legacy of resilience and determination
A Curtin social work student and a law graduate are demonstrating the diversity of strength, vision and legacy of young Indigenous Australians.
Emma Garlett is a proud Nyungar-Nyiyaparli-Yamatji woman, and the first Aboriginal person to earn degrees from both Curtin Business School and Curtin Law School.
“When I said I wanted to be a lawyer, people laughed in my face. But that only made me work harder to prove them wrong,” she said.
After gaining her Curtin degrees in Law and Business, Emma worked as a lawyer at a top-tier firm, and then in mining at BHP. Now, she has established her own sustainability, communications and digital company, Garlett Group, where she helps government and industry work effectively and meaningfully with Aboriginal people through strategies, training and engagement.
Emma Garlett hosts the YouTube channel Paint it Blak that provides an Indigenous lens on events and issues.
“I’m committed to nurturing the next generation, and inspiring young people to pursue their aspirations and understand the rich history and potential within their communities.”
Like Emma, Dylan Murphy has a journey that resonates strongly with the NAIDOC Week theme. Empowered by the vision of his own future and inspired by the legacy of his grandfather, who was a law graduate, Dylan is studying for his Bachelor of Social Work at Curtin.
Born in Victoria and now living on Wadjuk Noongar Boodjar, Dylan is also employed as a recovery support worker.
“I’d like to create a space that mob can come to for support, backed by an Aboriginal multidisciplinary team. The space will focus on improving connection to health and wellbeing from a holistic approach,” he said.
Curtin student Dylan Murphy is a proud Wakka Wakka and Wemba Wemba Man from Gunai/Kunai Country in Victoria.
He explained that his drive to succeed is sustained by strong mentors and a deep sense of cultural connection.
“I’m also inspired by the strength of my mum, who raised three children on her own.
“One reason I decided to study at Curtin was the support provided by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies [CAS]. Jacqui Holub at CAS has been a ‘Noongar Mother’ figure to me, offering emotional support and help with my studies.”
Emma’s and Dylan’s vision of a bright future ahead have inspired them to gain a university degree that, in different ways, will empower them to build community strength and a legacy for young Indigenous students to study for a university degree.
Learn more about the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at curtin.edu/cas, and to connect with Garlett Group, visit garlett.com.au.
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