Bachelor of Arts, 1994
Driving First Nations opportunities lands Charles Sturt Alumni top honour
Wiradjuri man and Charles Sturt University alumni Mr Craig Taylor has spent his life walking between two worlds – one of culture and Country, the other of Western systems and institutions.
It wasn’t until he stepped into life as a Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) student in Wagga Wagga in the early 1990s that this duality was nurtured, not discouraged.
The University’s ethos of Yindyamarra Winhanganha - the wisdom of knowing how to live well in a world worth living in - became a driving force as Craig kicked career goal after career goal, earning him the title of Charles Sturt University 2026 Alumni of the Year for First Nations Excellence.
“Looking back, Charles Sturt was the cornerstone that shaped my life at a time when Aboriginal participation in higher education was far less visible,” Craig said. “Charles Sturt valued community, practical thinking and social responsibility, giving me confidence and the belief that I could contribute without leaving my identity behind as a proud Wiradjuri man.
“That foundation became the catalyst for lifelong learning.”
Craig graduated from Charles Sturt in 1994 as the first in his family to attend university.
This award recognises an outstanding achievement or contribution by a First Nations alumni in their chosen industry, profession or field.
For Craig, his contribution comes in the form of more than 30 years of turning policy, governance and investment into real outcomes for First Nations people and communities.
“For the past 23 years I have served on the board of the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS), including almost two decades as Chair,” he said.
“Over that time, the AWAHS has grown into a strong, accountable, multi-site Aboriginal community-controlled health service operating across two jurisdictions.
“I am proud of the governance, discipline and partnerships that have helped build AWAHS into the organisation it is today.”
Craig’s work with the AWAHS is also helping advance the service’s first multi-jurisdictional Aboriginal aged care facility, designed and built by Aboriginal businesses to support dignity and culturally safe care for Elders.
“Seeing a policy become reality, a health service expand, a family access housing or a young person have opportunities that weren't available to previous generations reminds me why this work matters,” he said.
“Making a difference in people's lives is both a privilege and a responsibility that I never take for granted.”
Craig works as the Deputy Chief Aboriginal Health Adviser with the Victorian Department of Health alongside his role as Chair of the AWAHS and as a Director on the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Board, but his journey to get there was far from linear.
“Before I ever stepped foot in a university lecture theatre, I worked in a range of jobs that taught me the value of hard work, resilience and perseverance,” Craig said.
“I spent time working as a roustabout and shearing sheep throughout the Hay district and across western New South Wales - experiences that grounded me in the realities of rural life and taught me the importance of community, teamwork and getting the job done no matter the conditions.”
Continuing to seek new opportunities, Craig later worked in the correctional system as a prison officer, where he gained insight into human behaviour, disadvantage and the challenges many people face in life.
“It was work that reinforced my belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to create a better future,” he said.
“After furthering my own studies, I discovered a passion for learning and helping others and commenced my professional career in education, teaching both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
“Teaching gave me the opportunity to work closely with young people and communities and helped shape my belief that education has the power to transform lives.”
Craig’s career evolved from there into social work, community service, Aboriginal affairs, health and government leadership, including serving as a senior leader within the NSW Department of Education, leading major workforce and social procurement initiatives within Rail Projects Victoria, managing strategic projects within the Victorian Department of Health and contributing to Aboriginal housing, health and community development through numerous board and governance appointments.
“Looking back, whether I was shearing sheep, working behind prison walls, teaching in classrooms, supporting families as a social worker or leading major policy and governance reform, there has been one constant throughout my career: a desire to make a positive difference,” he said.
“I have always been driven by a belief that change is possible, particularly when others believe it cannot be achieved.”
Throughout the many fields of employment and various job sites, Craig’s roots at Charles Sturt were never forgotten.
“Some of my favourite memories are the friendships I built with fellow students and lecturers, many of whom remain important people in my life today,” he said.
“I also have great memories of playing for the Rivcoll Bushpigs and winning the premiership in 1992 - to this day, members of that era still meet every Christmas in Albury to share stories over a beer or two.”
With these foundations in place, Craig’s advice to incoming students and budding professionals remains simple but effective: Never stop dreaming.
“There will always be people who tell you something can’t be done,” he said.
“Listen respectfully, then go out and prove them wrong.
“Dream big. Set ambitious goals. Back yourself. Be willing to work hard and never let setbacks convince you to give up.”