As part of NAIDOC Week, we’re privileged to share insights from some UWA Indigenous Alumni on this year’s NAIDOC them, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, and what it means to them.

The story of the swan was gifted to UWA by Dr Richard Walley OAM, Senior Indigenous Cultural Advisor. These alumni show the power of an education and a supportive and strong community. Like the maali, or swan, in the story, they were nurtured to grow. In turn, they are now nurturing others to grow, giving back to their community and using their skills and knowledge to support others.

Anika Gosling is a Whadjuk Noongar woman, with family ties to Ballardong and Minang country who completed her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 2020 and Honours in 2021. She is an APHRA certified registered psychologist.

Looking back, what aspects of your time at UWA had the greatest impact on you personally or professionally?

All the support I received from SIS (School of Indigenous Studies) and the PSYCH-SIS mentorship program. I was able to access consistent guidance, support, and people who helped me navigate challenges as they came up, rather than dealing with them alone. The PSYCH-SIS mentorship program gave me the opportunity to connect with a mentor who understood academic and practical demands of studying psychology, as well as the expectations of balancing study, work, and sport.

What does this year’s NAIDOC theme mean to you?

For me, this year’s NAIDOC theme, “50 Years of Deadly,” reflects the strength and resilience of our culture. It recognises everything we have endured and how we continue to come out the other side stronger. While there is still much to improve, it also highlights how much we have achieved and continue to achieve as a people.