CDU celebrates first On Country graduates as First Nations teacher education Hub marks milestone

Six experienced Aboriginal educators have become the first graduates of Charles Darwin University’s On Country Program, gaining university qualifications while continuing to teach in their remote Northern Territory communities.

Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) First Nations Training and Teacher Education Hub has celebrated its first six graduates, marking a significant milestone as the Hub approaches the end of its inaugural year.

The graduates completed the Undergraduate Certificate Remote Educators through the Hub’s pilot On Country Program, which supports experienced Aboriginal educators to undertake university study while remaining connected to their schools, communities and Country.

Co-designed with schools and communities across the Northern Territory, the program recognises the cultural knowledge, language expertise and classroom experience Aboriginal educators already bring to children’s learning.

Through flexible, community-based delivery, CDU lecturers travel to remote communities to support students in their own schools and workplaces.

The approach enables educators to build professional skills, gain academic credit and progress towards further qualifications while continuing to teach and support local children.

CDU Lecturer in Indigenous Knowledges (On Country Education) Melina Davidson said the first graduates, Witiyana, Rilmi, Rerrkirr, Godut, Yindyjay and Milkinydjarrwuy,  were already experienced First Nations educators working at Garrthalala School, Dhalinybuy School and Wandawuy School.

Completing the Undergraduate Certificate Remote Educators had strengthened their teaching knowledge, built confidence in their professional practice and provided an important step towards becoming qualified teachers.

The six graduates are the first students from a 30-strong cohort across remote communities in 2026 to complete the certificate through the pilot program.

Ms Davidson said the achievement demonstrated what was possible when higher education was designed in partnership with communities.

Throughout their studies, the educators drew on local languages, stories, Country and community knowledge to inform their approach to teaching.

“For me, one of the most rewarding parts of being an on Country lecturer has been learning about the students’ teaching expertise and cultural knowledge through the assessment of evidence collected and shared,” she said.

“Their assessments have highlighted the deep knowledge they already bring to teaching and the important role they play in supporting children to learn in culturally responsive ways.

“It has been a privilege to witness and recognise this expertise through a university program that values and celebrates the strengths Aboriginal educators bring to their schools and communities.”

The graduation also offered a meaningful moment for the children taught by the educators, who watched their teachers’ achievements being recognised.

“One of the most memorable moments was watching the faces of their own students as they saw their teachers graduate,” Ms Davidson said.

“It was incredibly powerful to see the pride and excitement in the children as they celebrated this achievement alongside their teachers.

“It showed them that higher education is possible while staying connected to community, culture and Country, and that learning is something that continues throughout life.”

For graduate and Laynhapuy Homelands School teacher Witiyana Munuŋgurr, learning on Country alongside fellow Yolngu teachers and visiting CDU lecturers was an empowering experience.

“CDU lecturers coming, sharing their knowledge and experience with the Yolngu teachers so we can learn both ways helps us shape our education and teach the kids, because kids are the reason we teach,” he said.

Witiyana said completing the certificate had strengthened his skills and encouraged him to continue studying.

“I’m really proud of my studies, because it’s helping me upgrade my skills and inspiring me to do more.

“Teaching is a really important role. I’m now enrolled in a Diploma of First Nations Language Work, where I’ll be challenged more but I get to keep going.”

All six graduates plan to continue their studies through the Diploma of First Nations Language Work, which provides a pathway to the Hub’s Associate Degree of First Nations Cultural and Language Education.

Their achievement marks an early milestone for a program that brings university learning into remote communities and recognises the expertise of educators already supporting children’s education, language and cultural connections.

Further information is available through CDU’s First Nations Training and Teacher Education Hub.