A proud Adnyamathanha/Narrunga man born in Wallaroo South Australia, Adam Goodes has lead a lifetime of firsts.
He was part of the first generation born off Point Pearce Mission, the first in his immediate family to finish high school and the first to buy a home.
The former Australian rules footballer says education played an important part.
“Education has always been at the heart of those firsts," he said.
Now he has become the first Indigenous Ambassador for Adelaide University, a role he hopes will pave a path for others following in his footsteps.
“My people did not always have access to education, so as someone who has benefited from it, I look forward to giving back to my brothers and sisters in South Australia," Goodes said.
“You don't have to wait for others to be the first – you can step forward and be that first yourself.”
On the field, Goodes is known as one of the game's leading scorers, a two time Brownlow medallist and dual premiership player for the Sydney Swans.
He also holds the record for the most VFL/AFL games played by an Indigenous player.
Off the field, he is widely recognised for his advocacy for Indigenous rights, anti-racism efforts and community service.
In 2014 he was named Australian of the Year and is a multiple honorary doctorate holder.
Opening doors for First Nations students
Goodes is the founder of the GO Foundation, a non-profit aimed at empowering Indigenous young people through education.
The 46-year-old is also a Director of the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, helping First Nations marginalised communities gain vital language, literacy and communication skills.
Goodes says his long standing passion for education is driven by opening doors for First Nations students.
“I was lucky to be blessed with an education; with a good education, anything is possible," he said.
“Through Adelaide University I want to show my First Nations brothers and sisters that education is a real option, and that the doors here are wide open and welcoming."
A 'university of choice' for mob
Adelaide University is the first in Australia to have an Aboriginal name — Tirkangkaku — enshrined in its founding legislation.
Gifted by Senior Kaurna Elder Dr. Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O'Brien, the name means "Place of Learning" and acknowledges the university's location on Kaurna Country.
Adelaide University's Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Steve Larkin says the name brings "profound responsibility" that is now being realised through meaningful action.
"Through this name, the Kaurna People have placed their trust in us, and we are determined to honour that trust through our actions,” said the Kungarakan man.
“We are determined to become a university of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and that means backing our commitments with real action.
"The First Nations Ambassador position demonstrates our commitment to genuine partnership and ensuring First Nations voices are heard at every level of the University.”
