September 28, 2026
Nyssa Murray appointed as Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement
UOW graduate returns to lead Woolyungah Indigenous Centre and guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy and engagement
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has appointed Nyssa Murray as Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, commencing 28 September 2026.
UOW has a longstanding and evolving commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research and community engagement, including through its Healing and Recognition Track (HART) Plan. Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) is the heart of that commitment, supporting more than 700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across UOW.
Reporting to the Provost, and directly to the Vice-Chancellor on strategy and the HART Plan, Ms Murray will provide senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership for UOW and strategic and operational oversight of WIC.
UOW Provost Professor Ana Deletic said her appointment reflected UOW's ongoing commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and self-determination.
“Nyssa brings a depth of experience across research, governance, policy and community partnership that will be of enormous value as we continue to strengthen cultural safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success across UOW.”
- UOW Provost Professor Ana Deletic
Ms Murray is a Dunghutti woman and experienced First Nations executive. As General Manager, Research and Capability at the National Indigenous Employment and Training Alliance, Australia's national peak body for Indigenous employment and training, Ms Murray supported the organisation’s growth by securing philanthropic and government investment, establishing its Research and Capability function, and developing its Research Governance and Indigenous Data Sovereignty Frameworks.
“As a Dunghutti woman, executive leader, researcher and PhD candidate, I've worked across universities, government, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and corporate Australia, and throughout that time I've remained focused on strengthening the conditions that enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to exercise self-determination.
“I'm looking forward to leading Woolyungah Indigenous Centre and strengthening the relationships that support our students, staff and communities to thrive, and to contributing to UOW's Healing and Recognition Track.”
- Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, Nyssa Murray
She previously held the inaugural national First Nations leadership role at BlueScope, and has worked across Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, and state and federal government, including as Aboriginal Partnership Manager with Regional NSW. Ms Murray is a UOW graduate and current PhD candidate at the University, and earlier in her career served as a Project Manager at UOW, where she led the University's first formal partnership agreement with an Aboriginal Elders Group.
She brings deep expertise in governance, research, policy and organisational transformation, and a strong track record of establishing new functions and partnerships that deliver sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Ms Murray also holds board and advisory roles spanning health, education, economic development and Aboriginal affairs, including with the Business Council of Australia's Indigenous Leadership Group and the Australian Government's Local Jobs Taskforce.