Two QUT Indigenous graduates have been recognised in this year’s Alumni Awards for their creativity and efforts to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.
Daniel Browning is an Aboriginal journalist, radio broadcaster, documentary maker, sound artist and writer.
He is the new presenter of the ABC’s Art Show and has worked for the national broadcaster for 27 years including his role as ABC’s Editor of Indigenous Radio.
“There's an absolute relationship between what I studied and where I am today professionally,” he said.
“The link is my passion for the arts and the ability to think critically and that's what my degree taught me.”
Mr Browning is a descendant of the Bundjalung and Kullilli peoples of far northern New South Wales and south-western Queensland.
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) in 1995, he has been praised for creating a permanent record of the stories and oral histories of First Nations peoples as well as addressing social justice issues.
As executive producer of last year’s investigative Podcast Thin Black Line he oversaw a series that examined the circumstances surrounding the 1993 death in custody of Aboriginal teenager Daniel Yock.
“I had an overarching responsibility to tell the story in a fair and balanced way. A big part of the job generally is working with people who have had traumatic experiences and to build rapport with them,” he said.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Creative Writing) graduate Ellen Van Neerven is recognised as one of Indigenous Australia’s leading literary voices.
Involved in the black&write! Indigenous Writing and Editing project from 2011-2017 and again this year, the role is aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Indigenous editors within Australian publishing.
The Aboriginal Australian author, educator and editor has also edited or authored seven books.
“My Mum told me to follow my dreams and potentially take on opportunities that were not going to be immediately economically rewarding but would put me in line with my passions,” the Alumni Award winner said.
“I think this award means a lot to my parents who always supported me with the career choices I made.”
Ellen is currently working with Inala Elders in a Knowledge Keepers Poetry Circle project, facilitating the storytelling and healing of Elders and acknowledging their contributions to Inala and the wider Brisbane region.
The QUT Alumni Awards are an annual awards event, where graduates are recognized for exceptional professional and personal achievements and contributions to the local, national and international community.
Media contacts:-
Debra Nowland, 07 3138 3151 or media@qut.edu.au
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