Vice-Chancellor farewelled in traditional ceremony

Larrakia custodians have performed a ceremony to officially farewell Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks from Charles Darwin University (CDU), acknowledging the powerful legacy he will leave behind in supporting Indigenous education and leadership.

The custodians performed a ‘Farewell to Country’ and Smoking Ceremony at CDU’s Casuarina campus in Darwin on 7 December. 

CDU Larrakia Academic-in-Residence, Billawarra Lee (Aunty B) and Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and Regional Outreach Professor Reuben Bolt both praised Professor Maddocks’ ability to champion Indigenous education since he began at CDU in 2014. 

He received glowing video farewells from several Indigenous alumni and was acknowledged for being instrumental in introducing Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies at CDU events. 

Professor Maddocks said he was proud of the legacy he was leaving behind in strengthening Indigenous education at CDU. 

“In my seven years at CDU it’s been a privilege to have overseen the graduation of our 1000th Indigenous student and the 12,000th Indigenous VET student,” Professor Maddocks said.  

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve so far, but there is still more work to be done. 

“I leave here with fond memories of the country and its people and with friendships that I will always remember.”  

Larrakia Nation CEO Robert Cooper presented Professor Maddocks with a gift of white ochre sourced from the Casuarina cliffs, while Professor Bolt bestowed him with a stunning wooden carving of a Barramundi.