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.

Nola Earnshaw is a Wardandi, Ballardong Noongar woman with a teaching background and completed her Master of Social Work in 2010. She is currently managing the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) in Cannington. It is an early education and parenting program based at Communicare and supports parents and carers as their child's first and most important teachers.

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

I loved my time at UWA, I was welcomed and supported by the School of Indigenous Studies, I met many wonderful people, and I enjoyed the opportunity to attain my Master of Social Work.  As a mature age student I wondered where my study would lead but in looking back that time heralded a major turning point in my life because I went on to find rewarding work which, by the way I am fortunate to still be doing!

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

As a unifying force of voice and culture, NAIDOC has and will continue to play a big part in bringing recognition and respect to our people.

What advice would you give to current Indigenous students navigating university or their future careers?

My advice to current Indigenous students on study and employment pathways at UWA is to reach out to the great academic support that is available, build solid networks and really make the most of your time on the beautiful UWA campus; enjoy your learning journey knowing that education leads to potentialities and possibilities.