CDU sets a new Australian standard

CHARLES Darwin University is setting a new standard for Australian universities with its latest appointment.

Darwin-born Steven Larkin will be the highest-ranking indigenous person in an Australian university when he takes up the position of pro vice-chancellor of indigenous leadership in January next year.

"I'm still somewhat overwhelmed," he said.

"This appointment is history-making."

The position, which is intended to make the university's indigenous studies the best in the nation, is the first of its kind in Australia.

Mr Larkin will work to include indigenous perspectives into mainstream university business, build relationships with indigenous stakeholders and help to make CDU a leader in providing outcomes for indigenous students.

He said he hoped it would contribute to closing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, particularly in education.

"It's about saying the university is trying to ensure indigenous people have access to an education that equips them to deal with the world effectively," he said.

The position indicated CDU was embracing indigenous knowledge into a traditionally 'white' institution, Mr Larkin said.

"You can never have enough knowledge," he said.

He said the position could encourage other Australian universities to incorporate indigenous knowledge into their curricula.

Mr Larkin, 48, grew up in Darwin and left in 1993 to work in Canberra.

He said he was looking forward to returning home.