ABC appoints first Elder-in-Residence

The ABC has appointed Professor Jackie Huggins as its new Elder-in-Residence.

Professor Huggins is a Bidjara and Birribi-Gubba Juru woman an author and historian who has built a distinguished career across the Indigenous community through government and non-government sectors.

The Elder-in-Residence appointment will be for a two-year tenure, with an option for review.

In her Professor Huggins will provide support to the ABC’s First Nations employees.

Professor Huggins described her appointment as ‘one of my highest badges of honour’.

‘My new role is something that I never imagined I would do when I started my employment at the ABC when I was 16 years of age,’ she told the ABC.

Professor Huggins became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2001 and was recognised for her work in women’s issues, literacy, reconciliation and social justice.

“I look forward to deepening that connection through taking up the position of the ABC’s inaugural Elder-in-Residence and to meeting and yarning with people across the divisions and offices of our national broadcaster.

“I am also looking forward to working with the Director First Nations Strategy, the Bonner Committee and the ABC Leadership team in setting the stepping stones for the work ahead.”