2009 Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture
The Challenge for Educational Research: Educating for Creativity and Difference
Drawing on her experience of Minimbah School in encouraging the richness of cultural diversity within the first years of early education.
Thursday 12 November 2009
Welcome to Country by Cyril Davis, a descendent of the Archibald family
Mrs Dianne Roberts OAM
With more than 35 years’ experience in Aboriginal education, the leadership and vision of Mrs Dianne Roberts have been instrumental in the success of the local Minimbah Aboriginal Pre-School & Primary School in Armidale.
Growing up on the Nulla Creek Mission, near Bellbrook in the Macleay Valley, from the age of 13 Dianne travelled a long distance from home to attend Kempsey High School. A student who loved reading, Dianne’s early experiences helped to shape her vision and commitment to the education of Aboriginal children and adults.
Commencing as a volunteer classroom assistant at Minimbah in 1970 when it was a pre-school, Mrs Roberts later became a teacher at the school while completing her qualifications in education. This path led to a career as Director and Principal of Minimbah's pre- and primary schools, where Dianne worked towards integrating mainstream education with the richness of Aboriginal cultural heritage to encourage a passion for learning. She continued her work with Minimbah as Pre-school Director from 2008 until August 2009.
Mrs Roberts has been involved in government and advisory working parties on policies in educational and community services, as well as being active in numerous Aboriginal community groups.
In 1983 Mrs Roberts received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of her dedication to Aboriginal children’s education. Her other awards include the JA Sutherland Award for Services to Education and the NSW Children’s Services Award. In 1998 Dianne also received the NAIDOC Award for Education Initiatives, Aboriginal community recognition at national level for her work in education. Mrs Roberts graduated from UNE with a Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) in 2006.
Venue: Oorala Aboriginal Centre
image: Vice-Chancellor CJ Hawkins and Mrs Dianne Roberts - 1992 Official Opening of the Oorala Centre
