Cara Cross
Dr Cara Cross is a published Aboriginal historian with a particular interest in Indigenous histories and scientific cultural knowledges.
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Dr Cara Cross is a proud Goori dubay/galbaan (woman) from the Worimi and Biripai nations of the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales living on unceded Darkinjung Nura, with family connections to the Gringai, Wonnarua and Yuin nations. Dr Cross is First Nations General Councillor with the History Council of NSW (HCNSW). As part of that work, Dr Cross assists the HCNSW to consolidate its work on First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) histories.
Dr Cross’ doctoral thesis, “Our Country, Our Healer”, awarded from University of Newcastle’s Wolllotuka Institute was praised as seminal work of the highest quality, contributing significantly to the discourse on Aboriginal deep history, agency, strength, resilience, and the fight for recognition of Aboriginal healers, cultural knowledge holders, sacred sites, and the healing properties of Country.
An Atlantic Fellow for Social Equity 2024, Dr Cross is focusing on the repatriation of cultural knowledges with the aim to empower Indigenous peoples to become more grounded in their culture, identity and cultural roles.
Dr Cross plays a pivotal role in advancing UNSW’s Indigenous Strategy, as Executive Officer, DVC Indigenous, by shaping innovative Indigenous education programs, community engagement and promoting research excellence.
Having served as Deputy CEO of Djurali Centre, Dr Cross is a founding and continuing member of Djurali’s Aboriginal Research Governance Board. Her contributions were recognised with an Excellence in Research Award and Honorable Mention for the Aboriginal Children’s Hearing Health Project at the annual MQ Academic Staff Awards. Additionally, the Legal Career Pathways Project, in partnership with MQ Law School, Legal Aid and TAFE NSW, was named a Finalist at the NSW Premier’s Awards in 2023. Dr Cross remains and Honorary Research Fellow with Macquarie University.