Dunghutti woman, Sam Fowler, was recently appointed as the Director of the Oorala Aboriginal Centre.
Sam first joined UNE, and Oorala, in 2017 as the Tutoring Program Coordinator before being appointed to the role of Student Engagement Manager in 2020. She has been in the role of Acting Director since January 2023.
Could you share a bit about your background and what led you to this position?
Through my personal experience I learnt that education and hard work are key to achieving anything. That lesson shaped my journey and ultimately brought me to where I am today. My connection with UNE began as a student, and like many of you, I developed a real passion for our university. After my studies, I moved to Melbourne, where I developed skills in project management, customer service, business, and leadership across diverse organisations. But UNE and Armidale always felt like home, and when I returned, I was eager to find a role at Oorala. It wasn’t an easy path—I didn’t get the first position I applied for—but I persevered and was eventually appointed as the Oorala Tutoring Program Coordinator. From there, I worked hard to build strong relationships with my team, people across the institution, and the local Aboriginal community. These connections have supported me as I transitioned into new roles, first as Student Engagement Manager and now as Director of Oorala. Having worked in different roles and with many people has shaped me into a more well-rounded and informed leader.
What do you see as the key opportunities for the Oorala Aboriginal Centre over the next few years?
Oorala has experienced a period of exciting change, with key staff stepping into leadership roles and new additions expected in early 2025. This presents a valuable opportunity to introduce fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the Centre, ensuring we continue to evolve and meet the needs of our students and community. At the same time, we are fortunate to have experienced leadership in place, providing stability and allowing us to build on lessons learned from past decisions. By balancing new energy with our collective experience, we are well-positioned to continue making impactful contributions.
What are the biggest challenges facing Indigenous students today, and how do you plan to support them in overcoming these?
One of the biggest challenges Indigenous students face is the cost of accessing higher education. For many, financial barriers can prevent them from accessing or completing their studies. At Oorala, we aim to address this by offering a variety of scholarships to support students in different stages of their journey. Another significant challenge is that many Indigenous students are still the first in their family to attend university. Without family members who’ve had that experience, navigating university life can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar. That’s why it’s so important for us at Oorala to employ a team with that lived experience—people who understand the unique challenges our students face because they’ve walked a similar path. We also encourage and support our staff to continue their own education later in life, so they can relate to students not just professionally but personally.
In addition to these challenges, we also prepare our students for the cultural load they are likely to carry in their communities. As Indigenous matters become more prominent in Australia, Indigenous people are often asked to contribute to the organisations they are a part of, whether that’s in the workplace or even in sporting and community groups. This added responsibility can be significant, so part of our role at Oorala is to equip students with the tools and resilience to manage these expectations while thriving in their chosen fields.
How has your cultural identity shaped your leadership style and approach to this role?
As an Aboriginal woman, connection with community has always been a central part of my life. I place great value on building strong relationships, both within the workplace and in the wider community. My cultural identity shapes my leadership style by fostering collaboration and support. Being the eldest child in my family has also influenced how I approach leadership, as I learned early on the importance of taking responsibility for a group and representing my family with pride.
A key part of my leadership is the value I place on listening to and learning from those around me—whether it’s Elders, family members, or other mentors. Their wisdom has shaped my approach and taught me the importance of humility and lifelong learning. I also hold high expectations for myself and the organisations I represent, pushing for better outcomes in everything we do. This drive for excellence, combined with the guidance I’ve received, allows me to lead with accountability, empathy, and a commitment to achieving meaningful results for our community.
What are your favourite things to do away from the office?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. I’m always looking for opportunities to head back home to Woolgoolga (Gumbaynggirr country) to relax and catch up with family and my school friends. It’s a great way to recharge. I also try to make time for self-care when I can, whether it’s getting a massage, a pedicure, or having my hair done. It helps me stay balanced and refreshed.