NIDA was proud to receive a Highly Commended at the DDCA Awards for the Distinguished Australian First Nations Creative Leadership Award, recognising the profound and important work of our First Nations Unit. Presented by the Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Creative Arts (DDCA), these awards acknowledge leadership in creative arts teaching and research, and celebrate outstanding contributions to diversity, cultural practice and community engagement.
The DDCA highlighted, “NIDA’s First Nations Unit demonstrates outstanding leadership in truth-telling and cultural transformation through curriculum integration, workshops, and storytelling led by respected Elders.”
The commendation is in recognition of the exceptional leadership of NIDA’s First Nations Unit, Director of First Nations and Outreach Travis Cardona (Acting, 2008), First Nations Consultant Rhoda Roberts AO, Uncle in Residence Matthew Doyle and Project and Administration Coordinator Andrea Daniels.
Central to the team’s approach is Wingara, a Dharug word meaning “to listen, to hear, to think, to see.” Developed by Uncle Matt, Wingara is a foundational subject for all BFA students, embedding First Nations pedagogy into NIDA’s curriculum.
Aunty Rhoda’s research on the History of First Nations Theatre and her String Workshops have been key drivers of truth-telling and cultural learning across NIDA. The team also leads outreach initiatives including partnering with Souths Cares NAIDOC festival and hosting annual stalls at Yabun. Another key focus is providing an immersive experiences for visiting First Nations youth groups such as The Smith Family Girls from Oz, NAISDA, and most recently Beyond Broncos.
During Reconciliation Week 2024, the team hosted a panel titled Where to Now: After the Referendum, featuring Aunty Rhoda, John Paul Janke, Uncle Gerry Moore and Lisa Ogle. This year 2025 Aunty Rhoda hosted a panel discussion with NIDA alumni Dalara Williams (Acting, 2017) and Guy Simon (Acting, 2010) on the theme Bridging Now to Next.
Travis Cardona said, “This acknowledgement speaks to the strength of our team and the deep cultural integrity that guides our work. At the heart of our approach is Wingara, fostering ways students can connect and care for Country whilst undertaking interdisciplinary collaboration.”
In just a short time, the NIDA First Nations Unit has made an enduring impact, reshaping how stories are taught and shared, and championing First Nations creative leadership across the institute.
Read more: DDCA Awards 2025
Header image L-R: Rhoda Roberts AO, second-year Technical Theater and Stage Management student Shevon McCormack-Edwards, Andrea Daniels, Matthew Doyle, third-year Acting student Theo Clarke and Travis Cardona. Photo taken at Yabun Festival, 2024.