A Yorta Yorta elder, educator, community leader and language revivalist, Aunty Sharon’s PhD is a powerful autoethnographic account of the Yalka Loitjba Language Rematriation Project, which is centred on reviving Yorta Yorta language for contemporary use. Her research is a blend of academic rigour and cultural storytelling, including immersive creative work that brings the language revival journey to life.
“It is 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.”
Aunty Sharon has dedicated her life to the Shepparton and Barmah Aboriginal communities, not only as a Yorta Yorta language practitioner across generations, but as a former administrator of the now closed Hyllus Maris School in Mooroopna. Alongside her daughter Roxanne Atkinson, Aunty Sharon has created an array of culturally rich resources to share the Yorta Yorta language from board games and books to mobile apps and fridge magnets.
Aunty Sharon also received the Nancy Millis medal on 29 May. 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.
“We are honoured to walk alongside her on this historic journey and celebrate her legacy on Yorta Yorta country.”
Aunty Sharon was one of two PhD candidates that graduated from La Trobe’s Shepparton campus on 29 May, joining 69 other students. The largest cohort came from the Bachelor of Nursing, including proud Indigenous graduate Shaelyn Crowhurst, who entered university through La Trobe’s Bradford Shepparton Pathway Program.
“The Bradford Program gave me the support I needed during Year 12 and without it, I probably wouldn’t have studied in Shepparton,” Shaelyn said.
“I’ve always had a passion for caring for people and I’ve really fallen in love with working in healthcare.”
Shaelyn is now working in the paediatric ward of Goulburn Valley Health as part of her graduate year. She has credited La Trobe’s supportive environment and leadership opportunities for her easy transition into the workforce.
“It’s such an intimate campus that you’re not just a number. The staff really know each student and support you throughout your journey,” Shaelyn said.
Shepparton Head of Campus Elizabeth Capp said Thursday’s graduation ceremony was a celebration of deep community connection and transformative personal achievement.
“Our graduates - from nursing, education, social work, business and beyond – are making a real difference in their communities,” Elizabeth said.
“Aunty Sharon and Shaelyn are shining examples of how education can empower individuals and uplift entire communities. Their stories reflect the determination, purpose and pride shared by our entire graduating cohort.”
The University also bestowed its highest honour at Thursday’s graduation ceremony to Uncle Paul Briggs AO, who was presented with an Honorary Doctorate.
PHOTO: La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell, Dr (Aunty) Sharon Miller, Bachelor of Nursing graduate Shaelyn Crowhurst and Shepparton Head of Campus Elizabeth Capp.
Media Contact
Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
