University launches Indigenous alumni network
Monash University has launched an Indigenous-led alumni network to connect graduates, strengthen ties, and support future students.
The network, called Djambana Ballert Gadhaba — meaning the community is strong together — has been established through Monash’s William Cooper Institute. Monash said it was created as an Indigenous-led space for alumni to maintain ties with the university community, celebrate shared experiences and support the next generation of students.
According to the university, the initiative aims to ensure alumni engagement with Indigenous graduates is guided by Indigenous voices and priorities. It is positioned as a dedicated place for graduates to build relationships and stay engaged with the university in meaningful ways.
Key Points
- Monash launches Djambana Ballert Gadhaba Indigenous alumni network
- Network established through Monash’s William Cooper Institute
- Indigenous-led space to sustain ties and celebrate experiences
- Focus on connection, culture, mentoring and professional growth
- Invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni to opt in
- Monash marked 1000th Indigenous graduate and 2025 cohort milestone
Monash said the network will provide opportunities for Indigenous graduates to connect with other alumni, participate in events and access lifelong learning initiatives. It will also offer mentoring and professional development pathways, alongside avenues for continued involvement in university life.
Focus areas
- Community connection
- Cultural celebration
- Mentoring
- Professional growth
- Ongoing involvement in university life
The university said it also hopes the network will inspire current and future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by providing access to the experiences and leadership of alumni who have completed their studies.
William Cooper Institute director, Erin Pennett, said the launch marked an important step in strengthening long-term relationships between Monash and its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates.
“The establishment of Djambana Ballert Gadhaba is a proud milestone,” Ms Pennett said.
“By strengthening these lifelong connections, we’re creating a space.”
How to join
Monash is currently inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alumni to join the network by completing an opt-in form. The university said the intent is to keep graduates engaged in ways that reflect their priorities while ensuring a pathway back to the broader Monash community.
Monash celebrated the largest ever cohort of Indigenous graduates from a business degree in Australia last year. The university said the new network was established to provide a place for graduates to continue building relationships while remaining connected to university life.
Last year, the university marked the graduation of the 1000th Indigenous course graduate — Wonnarua-Gringai woman, Nikyah Hutchings. Also in 2025, the university celebrated the largest ever cohort of Indigenous graduates from a single business degree in Australia, with 17 students completing their studies.
The Alumni Network, through the William Cooper Institute, is designed to maintain a strong community among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates by fostering connection, creating mentoring pathways and supporting ongoing professional development.
