Working at Bond

In the spirit of reconciliation, Bond University acknowledges the Kombumerri people, the traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which the university now stands. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

We embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture at every level of study, research activity, and work engagement, and strive to create a strong, vibrant and visible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on our campus. We aim to provide a culturally inclusive environment with equitable educational access and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our point of distinction is our superior student retention and progression, and excellent graduate outcomes compared to the national average.

Our Indigenous Workforce Strategy recognises the value of a strong, vibrant, visible and respected Indigenous community on campus.  In doing so, we aim to:

• Promote learning, knowledge and cultural capabilities within our whole University community
• Create a welcoming and respecting environment for new and current Indigenous staff
• Provide networks of support and mentorship for our Indigenous staff

Our Indigenous Staff Network is comprised of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees from across the University. The Network was established to bring an extra layer of support and to provide a place of collaboration and shared knowledge.

The Indigenous Staff Network is composed of the following members:

• Paul Martin
• Prof Keitha Dunstan
• Uncle John Graham
• Dr Oscar Davis
• Teresa Blair

In recognition of our drive to increase Indigenous participation and representation, Bond officially opened the Nyombil Centre in September 2012. The name ‘Nyombil’ promotes unity and was given to Bond University by an Aboriginal Elder.

Culturally speaking, the Centre promotes engagement by assisting students and the University to connect with the local Indigenous community. Our Elder in Residence is Uncle John Graham.

Meaning 'friend' in the Yugambeh language, the Jimbelung Room is a shared space in which our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and HDR students can gather to support and build stronger networks, both with each other and the wider Bond community.  Opened in October 2020 by the Vice Chancellor, the Jimbelung Room is located upstairs from the Nyombil Centre.

The mural painted for the room, titled 'Paradise', was a joint effort of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and staff, and represents the beautiful Gold Coast, its flora, and traditional foods.

Bond University is home to Australia’s largest private collection of Indigenous art on public display, with thanks to the generosity of Dr Patrick Corrigan (AM).

Dr Corrigan almost single-handedly created the Bond University Indigenous and non-Indigenous art collection through personal donations and procurement. As an avid collector, Dr Corrigan’s motivation for these works is that they be shared. Whilst many collectors prefer to house artworks in their homes, or even a storage facility, Dr Corrigan is adamant that his selected pieces provide enjoyment for a wide audience.

The Corrigan Walk was created to provide a tour of the Indigenous at held in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine. The Corrigan Walk tour is guided by a Bond staff member or student and takes approximately one hour. During the tour, guests learn the history of Indigenous art, interesting facts about the artists, and the stories behind the paintings.

Public tours are held once a semester, with staff, students and the general public welcome to attend.

Bond University treats all staff with the same level of consideration, empathy and duty of care, including those who may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex or questioning (LGBTIQ). We strive to provide an environment that is safe and supportive, and that has a genuine respect for individuality and diversity.

We provide support to LGBTIQ staff and students through the Bond University Ally Network, whose members act as a point of contact for staff and students to discuss LGBTIQ issues and concerns.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing an environment for all staff and students to participate in employment and study without obstacles. When requested, Bond University can make reasonable adjustments to work and/or the workplace to provide disability support and ensure staff with a disability or health condition are able to fulfil the requirements of a position.

We strive to empower women at Bond to connect and make a tangible difference by instilling a sense of compassion, care, community, and respect through the Bond University Women’s Network (BUWN). The Network is active and has made a strong contribution to the culture of bringing people together through various initiatives hosted throughout the year.