Indigenous Alumni
Charles Sturt University Distinguished Alumnus of the Year – Indigenous Alumni
This award recognises outstanding indigenous leaders in their industry, profession or field of research who have made or are making a significant difference in both local and/or wider communities
Winner
Name: Mr. Peter Matsumoto
Career: Community Engagement Coordinator
Studies: 2016, Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)
Peter supports his local indigenous community through counselling and gatherings that take place in a cultural way. He provides Cultural Awareness training to the Non-Indigenous community to contribute towards building stronger understanding and connection between both the Indigenous and Non-Indigenous community members.
Highly Commended
Name: Mrs. Erica Smits
Career: NSW Aboriginal Land Council
Studies: 2020, Bachelor of Business (Management)
I left school in year 10 and started a family young which meant I had to put my career aside to get a job to support my family. I finally found myself after working my way up to a place I could finally go to uni. I then started my career at NSW Aboriginal Land Council as a Project Officer and during my time with the organisation have completed a number of courses at TAFE, as well as a Bachelor of Business with Charles Sturt, to progress her career.
I am currently the Director of the Sydney/Newcastle region for the NSWALC – a career goal i set out to achieve 5 years ago. I now hope to continue my work with the organisation to one day become CEO. I was also a finalist for the 2020 Dreamtime awards.