Reading time: 2 minutes
On Friday 22nd of August 2025, Curtin University Library hosted the second Indigenous All Stars conference in the Lantern at level 7 of the TL Robertson Library. The inaugural event, held in 2024, was designed to bring together Curtin’s Indigenous Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, connect them with senior Indigenous researchers and knowledge holders, and highlight research as a meaningful and rewarding career path for Indigenous undergraduate students.
This year, the conference expanded its reach by welcoming Indigenous HDR students from other universities, as well as Curtin’s non-Indigenous HDR students and supervisors involved in Indigenous-themed research. The event was officially opened by Curtin’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne, reaffirming both the Library’s and Curtin’s commitment to supporting Indigenous scholarship and research.
The conference fostered rich opportunities for connection, storytelling, and mutual learning. Attendees explored the possibilities and challenges of research, sharing tears, laughter and yarns about their journeys. Indigenous research students navigating a Western university context often find themselves balancing two worlds whose values don’t always align – “You go to university to become a white fella.” At the same time, they strive to remain true to their culture, identity and communities. Events like this conference play a vital role in bringing together those Indigenous researchers and research students so they can connect, recharge and support one another.
Being an Indigenous researcher in Australia carries unique burdens beyond those faced by non-Indigenous research students. Research topics are often deeply personal, rooted in family histories and experiences of loss and adversity. Areas such as mental health, incarceration, and suicide among Indigenous communities are pursued not only out of academic passion and a drive for impactful findings, but also from a profound sense of responsibility and a heartfelt desire to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Attendees as well as presenters expressed their deep appreciation of the Library’s Indigenous Learning Advisor and her Library colleagues for organising All Stars again in 2025, applauding the Library’s commitment to reconciliation and appreciation of Indigenous ways of connecting, learning and conducting research.
Written by Learning Success Coordinator, Dr Petra Dumbell
