Tirkapena Indigenous Award

The Tirkapena Indigenous Award recognises an听Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander听alum whose significant achievements have impacted their profession and/or community.

Nominations for the 2025 Tirkapena Indigenous Award听will open mid-year, 2025.For further information please contact the Alumni Relations team at听alumni@adelaide.edu.au, +61 8 8313 5800.听

Tirkapena Indigenous Award Recipient 2024

Talisha King

Talisha King is a Gurindji, Mudburra and Waanyi woman and a public health advocate working to improve the lives of indigenous peoples through health and reconciliation. She received a听Tirkapena Indigenous Award听at the Distinguished Alumni Awardsin November 2024.

Read more about Talisha King
  • 2023 Recipient Lesley Salem AM

    Lesley Salem AM听- Graduate Certificate in Nursing Science (Aph) 2002,听Master in Nursing Science 2008

    A Wonnarua woman, artist, author, and nurse practitioner with over 20 years鈥 experience in remote and rural nursing. In recognition of her service to nursing practice and her dedication to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

  • 2022 Recipient Tiahni Adamson

    Recipient of the Tirkapena Indigenous Award 2022,听Tiahni Adamson, a Torres Strait Islander woman descended from the Kauareg Nations of Thursday Island, is a passionate wildlife conservation biologist. Ms Adamson is focused on sustainable aquaculture production as the Lead Community Engagement Officer at CH4Global.

  • 2021 Recipient Dr Jared Thomas

    Dr Jared Thomas, a Nukunu man from the Southern Flinders Ranges, is a curator, arts administrator, international award-winning author and change maker.听
    Read more

  • 2019 Recipient Dr Claudia Paul

    Dr Claudia Paul, a Wiradjuri woman from Broken Hill, has achieved a lot in her 26 years, but her goals are even more impressive.
    Read more

  • 2017 Recipient Dr Kali Hayward

    Dr Kali Hayward - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (2005)

    A general practitioner for an Aboriginal medical service, a medical educator and the President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors鈥 Association. In recognition of her achievements since graduation through which she has become a leader in the community.

  • Past recipients list

Further information

For more information about the Tirkapena Indigenous Award, please see the听Distinguished Alumni Awards Rules听or contact the Alumni Relations team at听alumni@adelaide.edu.au听or +61 8 8313 5800.