Distinguished Alumni Professor Braden Hill, with ECU staff Tillara Casey and Tracey Taraia.
The Award recognises Professor Hill's exceptional contributions to higher education, equity and Indigenous leadership, celebrating an inspiring career rooted in his Noongar (Wardandi) culture and driven by an unwavering commitment to social justice.
Presented by Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Andrew Deeks, the award honours alumni who exemplify professional excellence, community service and personal achievement.
Professor Deeks commended Professor Hill for his commitment, passion and innovative work, saying he was an inspiration to the university community and an extremely worthy recipient of this award.
"As our students and graduates embark on their own professional journeys, your personal story exemplifies what is possible through application, vision and sheer hard work," said Vice Chancellor Deeks.
A true torchbearer
Professor Hill's remarkable journey as a leader and advocate for equity and diversity has left an indelible mark on the education landscape in Western Australia and beyond.
As someone who entered into university through an enabling course, Professor Hill's academic and professional path is a testament to the transformative power of education. He earned his Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts and later a Master of Indigenous Education at Murdoch, where he began his career and cultivated his passion for fostering educational pathways for underrepresented groups. Since entering into academia, Professor Hill's career as an educator, researcher and leader has been dedicated to widening participation and equity in education.
A national thought leader
As a national thought leader, Professor Hill has advanced research at the intersection of Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ social and emotional well-being, securing major funding from NHMRC and Healthway for groundbreaking studies.
Beyond academia, he has built a vibrant online platform, using social media to educate and inspire on topics ranging from race relations to equity and diversity, with over 12,000 followers on TikTok.
Reflecting on his journey
Professor Hill credits Murdoch University as the springboard for his career and a cornerstone of his advocacy for equity and justice.
"Murdoch gave me a career I love, a community I'm grateful to be connected to and a life I wouldn't have imagined as a young kid," he said.
"It provided me with the language and knowledge to understand where I stood in a broader social and political context and ignited my passion for using education to transform lives and communities."
"Feeling a sense of empowerment through education, meant that I gained an understanding of how transformative education can be not only for individuals, but entire communities and so that has been a passion I have kept with me ever since.
"I managed to create the platform of a career I love and am proud to have been able to provide that kind of pathway now for others."
Championing change in education
Looking to the future, Professor Hill continues to challenge systemic inequalities in education. He emphasises the role universities must play in addressing barriers caused by socioeconomic disparities, advocating for a fairer system that creates opportunities for all, regardless of their background.
"Our education system has serious inequalities that we can't ignore," Professor Hill noted.
"Right now, a young person's future often depends on things they can't control—where they live, the type of school they went to (or could afford), and their parents' jobs. That’s not fair. If we don't address this, these inequalities will only deepen.
"Universities train teachers and provide pathways to higher education, but we need to look across the entire educational landscape to ensure fairness and equity."
A celebratory moment
The Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony took place on Thursday, 28 November 2024, where Professor Hill joined an elite cohort of Murdoch University alumni whose accomplishments continue to inspire future generations.
ECU congratulates Professor Hill on this well-deserved honour, recognising his leadership, advocacy and longstanding dedication to creating meaningful change in education and society.
