Dr Cara Cross
2024 Cohort
Pronouns: she/her
Cara's work in Indigenous higher education and health research agitates for social equity, seeking to call out and address systemic inequalities and advocate for positive change.
Cara is a proud Worimi and Biripai dubay/galbaan (woman) with a background in social change and leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and education. She is passionate about Indigenous higher education, Indigenous health, social justice and truth telling.
As Executive Officer, in the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Cara's work makes an important contribution to the advancement of UNSW's Indigenous Strategy, and the development and delivery of innovative education programs, community engagement and research excellence.
Cara is a published Aboriginal historian with a particular interest in Indigenous histories and scientific cultural knowledges. Her PhD focused on Aboriginal cultural knowledge, kinship and oral history, combined this with historical records and western scientific knowledge to gather cultural and documentary evidence. This evidence supports the truth-telling and recognition of Aboriginal pharmacopoeia.
Cara’s research contributes significantly to the discussion of Aboriginal deep history and the fight for recognition of Aboriginal healers, knowledge keepers and sacred sites. Cara is passionate about achieving social equality for Indigenous people and optimistic about a future where all individuals have equal access to opportunities and outcomes, by eliminating systemic inequalities.
“I envision the repatriation of cultural healing knowledges fostering social change for Aboriginal communities by strengthening identity and culture.”
Social change work
Cara is evaluating the benefits of an Aboriginal cultural program that is part of a rehabilitation program. The goal is to help men connect with their culture, understand their own stories and embrace their responsibilities and obligations. This support for Aboriginal men is making a real difference in the lives of individuals families and the community.