Indigenous education leader to head Centre for Aboriginal Studies

A well-respected leader in Indigenous mental health and community health has been appointed the new Director of Curtin University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS).

Fred Yasso, a proud Juru man from North Queensland, has been an integral part of CAS since 2019, working both as part of a team and in leadership roles providing innovation and excellence in teaching.

Curtin Provost, Professor Jeremy Kilburn said Mr Yasso’s experience in delivering major teaching initiatives focussed on Indigenous cultures and perspectives, would ensure CAS continues to advance its commitment to Indigenous education and positive change for First Nations People.

“Fred is a highly skilled and passionate leader who we know will foster and maintain the excellent environment CAS is very proud of- one in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and all students and staff work collaboratively to achieve excellence in the areas of learning and teaching, research, innovation, engagement and impact,” Professor Kilburn said.

Mr Yasso, who holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Indigenous Community Health, said he was looking forward to building on the important history of the Centre and its role in Indigenous higher education in Australia.

“The crucial work of CAS began at Curtin in the 1970’s, came to fruition with the creation of CAS in 1984 and is continuing today. I am conscious of the inspirational legacy of past Directors who have all contributed to the transformation of Indigenous higher education,” Mr Yasso said.

“I feel honoured and humbled to continue this tradition of helping our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities to become self-empowered through higher education and research.

“I am also very excited about the challenges of the role and look forward to contributing to this work in any way I can.”

For more information about Curtin’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies, visit here.