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.
Daniel Hunt is a Jaru and Indijibarndi man and is the Homeless Medicine Consultant at Royal Perth Hospital, Medical Advisor at the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia, ForHealth Urgent Care Clinician and Chair of the Blood Borne Virus and Sexually Transmitted Infections Advisory Committee in Western Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 2010 and his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2016.
What advice would you give to current Indigenous students navigating university or their future careers?
To not only enjoy the process, but also not be scared of failing. So often it is easy to get caught up on the end goal that we forget to appreciate the journey itself. It is in the process - the setbacks, the learning, and the small wins - where real growth happens.
Looking back, what aspects of your time at UWA had the greatest impact on you personally or professionally?
It was the friendships that were made and how those friends became family. Having a place to call home on campus made all the difference. Being able to go to Shenton House (the School of Indigenous Studies) to rest between classes, study, or simply hang out with other Indigenous students created a sense of belonging that you can’t put a price on.
Those moments the laughs, the yarns, the shared struggles and shared wins built meaningful connections and long‑lasting friendships. It wasn’t just a building; it was a community, a safe space, and a home away from home.
What does this year’s NAIDOC theme mean to you?
Turning 50 years old and calling it deadly is exactly right. When we look at how far we’ve come over the last 50 years, there is so much to be proud of: proud of our communities, proud of our resilience, and proud of the path we’ve carved out for ourselves.
It’s easy to get caught up in the deficits, the challenges, and the things that still need fixing. But when we shift our focus to our strengths, our achievements, and the power of our collective voice, we can truly see just how strong we are as a community.
Recognising that strength isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff it’s about honouring everything we’ve overcome and everything we continue to build. That’s what makes the next 50 years look even more deadly.
What are you most hopeful for when thinking about the future for Indigenous students and communities?
I hope to see a continued and steady increase in Indigenous students represented across all areas of university study: medicine, nursing, music, psychology, journalism, and beyond. I want to see our people thriving at every level, from undergraduate degrees through to PhDs.
Having our voices present in all parts of society means we can better support our communities, shape our future, and ensure the next 50 years are just as deadly as the last.