MBA scholarships awarded to Indigenous leaders
In recognition of their exceptional leadership and contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Belinda Craig and Belinda Murdoch have both been awarded the Indigenous Australians Leading in Business MBA Scholarship valued at more than $60,000 each.
Designed to accelerate the progression of Indigenous Australians into high-level leadership positions within diverse Australian enterprises, the scholarship has a strong emphasis on developing essential personal and interpersonal skills for leadership in today’s global environment. It is valued at over $60,000 and covers up to 4 years of tuition fees to study the University of Sydney Business School part-time MBA.
Craig and Murdoch aspire to harness the skills and knowledge acquired through the part-time MBA program to devise innovative strategies for Indigenous engagement within corporate and educational settings.
Belinda Craig
Belinda Craig’s journey in the field of education spans over eighteen years at TAFE NSW, where she has been an advocate for Indigenous education and community empowerment. Her roles have included Head Teacher, Manager of Strategic Projects focusing on the Reconciliation Action Plan, and Aboriginal Education and Engagement Coordinator.
Each position has allowed her to drive strategic initiatives that enhance educational outcomes for Aboriginal students and promote a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures within the broader educational community.
Craig’s dedication to education and community empowerment is evident in her endeavors. Serving as the Senior Manager of Aboriginal Education and Engagement (SMAEE) for TAFE NSW, Sydney Region, she has played a pivotal role in tailoring and delivering Aboriginal programs for various stakeholders.
Actively engaging in committees and working groups, Craig contributes to the development and execution of strategies aimed at advancing the well-being and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Her dedication to advancing Aboriginal education and engagement is a testament to her commitment to her community and her passion for education as a transformative tool.
Through the part-time MBA I want to utilise the learned knowledge and skills to leverage and maximise the business, education, and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities and ensure that outcomes are viable, achievable, and successful.
Belinda Murdoch
Belinda Murdoch has navigated her career with a committed focus on Indigenous Engagement activities across multiple sectors. Currently serving as the Head of Indigenous Affairs at Laing O’Rourke, an international engineering and construction company, Murdoch has consistently facilitated meaningful change.
Through her professional journey, she has pursued her passion for creating inclusive opportunities, where she has delivered several initiatives to increase First Nations employment outcomes, business engagement, community engagement and supporting initiatives for co-developed placemaking and urban design opportunities.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Murdoch has received a series of remarkable achievements and awards that highlight her commitment and dedication to advancing Indigenous issues within the corporate sector.
Among these, she was awarded the Supplier Diversity Advocate Award from the Supply Nation Supplier Diversity Awards and the Infrastructure and Construction Woman of the Year award at the NSW ICC Infrastructure and Construction Awards.
With this scholarship, I hope to further enhance my ability to influence and drive positive change, leveraging my MBA studies to bring innovative solutions to the challenges faced by Indigenous Australians in the business sector.