By Deanne Jeffers
LA Trobe University Shepparton campus 2025 graduation ceremony was marked by a historic milestone as Dr Aunty Sharon Miller became the first Yorta Yorta woman to graduate with a PhD on ancestral country.
Her PhD is a powerful autoethnographic account of the Yalka Loitjba Language Rematriation Project, which is centred on reviving Yorta Yorta language for contemporary use.
“It’s truly difficult to describe my latest achievement. I think I am still coming to terms with the fact that I have completed my candidature. It is an exciting time for me,” Aunty Sharon said.
“My thesis has led me to a brand-new research area on language called Community Heritage Languages within Yorta linguistics. As a language practitioner in First Nations, I can now work more towards the community aspect in developing language to a greater extent.”
In addition to this landmark achievement for a First Nations student, Aunty Sharon also received the Nancy Mills medal on May 29. The medal is awarded to authors of outstanding doctoral theses.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said Aunty Sharon’s graduation embodied the university’s mission to serve its communities.
“Dr Miller’s work is a shining example of community-led research that is both academically outstanding and culturally transformative,” Professor Farrell said.
“One of the things that we’re very proud of at La Trobe is that we recently launched an Indigenous-led research centre called the Gabra Biik, Wurruwila Wutja, or the Gabra Biik for short, led by Professor Julie Andrews
“One of the things that we’re very keen to do, of course, is support is First Nations scholarships. So, in many respects, the remarkable achievement by Aunty Sharon is an example of that.”
Aunty Sharon was one of two PhD candidates that graduated from La Trobe’s Shepparton campus on May 29, joining 69 other students. The largest cohort came from the Bachelor of Nursing, including proud Indigenous graduate Shaelyn Crowhurtst, who entered university through La Trobe’s Bradford Shepparton Pathway Program.
“I’ve always had a passion for healthcare, like I’ve always wanted to care and look after people, and I’ve always had a passion for science. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be someone who has an impact on others.
“The Bradford Program gave me the support I needed during Year 12 and without it, I probably wouldn’t have studied in Shepparton,” said Shaelyn, who graduated from high school in 2020. “Starting uni in 2021 was not the best year to continue because we were going through lockdowns and everything, but the graduate program through those lockdowns and pandemics.
Shaelyn is now working in the paediatric ward of Goulburn Valley Health as part of her graduate year. She credits La Trobe’s supportive environment and leadership opportunities for her easy transition into the workforce.
“Particularly in Shepparton, because the campus is so small and intimate, it’s nice because you have that good bond and connection with your teachers,” she said. “You’re able to get the support you want. I felt La Trobe as a whole has consistently been very supportive and welcoming for absolutely everyone.”
The University also bestowed its highest honour at Thursday’s graduation ceremony to Uncle Paul Briggs AO, who was presented with an Honorary Doctorate.
