Flinders University has become the first South Australian university to be awarded the prestigious SAGE Cygnet Award for its success in increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student participation.
The SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity) Cygnet Awards recognise institutions that are making significant strides in improving equity, diversity and inclusion.
This marks Flinders’ second SAGE Cygnet Award this year, having already been recognised for its support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. It also follows the University’s recognition by Times Higher Education as one of the world’s top 10 universities for reducing inequalities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the award reflects Flinders University’s deep commitment to improving educational outcomes for First Nations students.
“We are dedicated to creating pathways that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed, and this Cygnet Award recognises our determination to break down barriers to participation and engagement at Flinders,” Professor Stirling said.
“Many of our talented Indigenous students are trailblazers, often the first in their family or community to pursue higher education. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps, knowing that Flinders is here to support them every step of the way.”
Between 2020 and 2024, Flinders increased its Indigenous student representation by more than 20%. This has included an increase in retention rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to 76%, while the progression rate has surged by nearly 20% to 92%.
Key initiatives driving these outcomes include culturally appropriate academic support, increased access to financial assistance, accommodation scholarships, dedicated social and networking spaces, and outreach programs to rural and remote areas.
Flinders’ governance initiatives, like the Tarrkarri-ana Committee, established in 2021 to drive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success, and the Indigenous Student Success Targets (2022-2025) have been instrumental in attracting and supporting more Indigenous students.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), Professor Simone Tur, said these initiatives underpin the University’s whole-of-institution approach to creating a truly welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
“At Flinders, it’s all about building a strong sense of belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, academic and professional staff,” said Professor Tur.
Flinders University currently supports nearly 450 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying across a wide range of disciplines including medicine, law, education, health, sciences, and business.
The University’s commitment is particularly vital, as recent census data shows only 47% of Indigenous Australians aged 25-34 have completed a tertiary qualification, compared to 76% of non-Indigenous Australians.
Chief Executive Officer of SAGE, Dr Janin Bredehoeft, commended Flinders for its comprehensive approach to supporting Indigenous students.
“Flinders deserves to be congratulated for prioritising and taking action on First Nations inclusion in a way that has had tangible impacts for Indigenous students.”
The two Cygnet Awards build on Flinders’ 2019 Bronze Award accreditation under the SAGE-administered Athena Swan framework. More info on Athena SWAN at Flinders is available here.