2025 National Indigenous Engineering Summit:
Building Connection
A hybrid one-day gathering to share, learn and connect.
This year, we are shifting to a free, one-day hybrid format to allow broader participation, provide more flexible ways to engage, and create meaningful opportunities for sharing knowledge and building connections.
About the summit
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Morning Program (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Afternoon Program (12:00 pm - 4:30 pm)
Program
9.00 AM: Welcome
9.10 AM - 9.30 AM: Acknowledgement of Country, Introduction to the Summit, Housekeeping, National Centre for Indigenous Engineering
Speaker: Associate Professor Joe West, Associate Dean (Indigenous) Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
9.30 AM - 10.00 AM: Indigenous Storytelling
Speaker: Dr Cat Kutay, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University
10.00 AM: Program Break/ Morning Tea
10.15 AM - 11.15 AM: Recognising the First Engineers – Advancing Reconciliation through Engineering
Speaker: Dr Helen Fairweather, Head of Accreditation - Professional Standards, Engineers Australia
11.15 AM - 12.00 PM: VIEWS
Speakers:
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Dr Scott Rayburg, Academic, Swinburne University of Technology
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Ryan Chand, Indigenous Outreach and Future Student Advisor
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Michelle Bellino, Head of Student Experience, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
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Guruji Wagner, Bachelor of Design Student (Mechanical Engineering Systems), The University of Melbourne
12.00 PM: Lunch Break
12.40 PM - 1.00 PM: In-person yearning (break for online audience)
1.00 PM - 2.00 PM: Indigenous Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
Speakers:
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Helen Vaughan, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Associate Professor Joseph West, Associate Dean (Indigenous), Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
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Associate Professor Juliana (Kaya) Prpic, Associate Dean, First Nations Relationships, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
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Associate Professor Mark Allan, Enterprise Fellow, Senior Urban Planning, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, Centre for SDIs and Land Administration
2.00 PM - 3.00 PM: Engaging Indigenous communities in Capstone projects
Speakers:
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Associate Professor Juliana (Kaya) Prpic, Associate Dean, First Nations Relationships, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
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Associate Professor Tom Goldfinch, Senior Lecturer in Integrated Engineering Academic Advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students, Faculty of Engineering
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Dr Louis Taborda, Lecturer, Capstone Coordinator, School of Project Management
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Ashley Renehan, Centre for Appropriate Technology Limited (CfAT)
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Angshu Madge, Student - The University of Melbourne
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Oliver Peters, Student, Masters of Environmental Engineering, The University of Melbourne
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Alexander Shaw, Student, Masters of Environmental Engineering, The University of Melbourne
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Tully Mahr, Student, Master of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne
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Lily Whiteman, Student, The University of Melbourne
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Dr Madhurima Das, Lecturer, Engineering Design, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne
3.00 PM - 4.00 PM: Digitalising the Thomson Collection
Speakers:
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Ashley Perry, Repatriation Coordinator, Museums and Collections, Global, Culture & Engagement,
Chancellery, The University of Melbourne -
Dr Djambawa Marawili, Leader of the Madarrpa Clan, Baniyala Community, North East Arnhem Land
Ngingy Marawili, Emerging Leader, Madarrpa Clan, Baniyala Community. North East Arnhem Land -
Kade McDonald, Specialist Advisor - Indigenous Partnerships and Collections, The University of Melbourne
4.00 PM - 4.15 PM: Wrap up
Speakers:
Associate Professor Joe West, Associate Dean (Indigenous) Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Juliana (Kaya) Prpic, Associate Dean, First Nations Relationships, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne
4.15 PM: Event Concludes
Artist Acknowledgement
Working with Country, Shawana Andrews, 2015
The image represents Indigenous ways of knowing and working with country that reflect a reciprocated custodial relationship with nature’s elements. Earth, fire, wind and water are featured as key elements of Indigenous engineering. Earth is represented with square blocks of knowledge that is mined not only for its industrial use and economic value but for its spiritual significance. Fire is represented as a significant means of land management and agricultural sustainability. Wind is represented through its relationship with time as cultural memories (depicted as moths) travel through generations along songlines. Water is represented by fish swimming in a reed weaved fish trap. The fish symbolise students entering and exiting the trap through recruitment, retention, graduation and capacity building.
If you have any queries about this event please contact the events team at industry-events@unimelb.edu.au.
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