Margaret Valadian AO MBE:
UQ's final grotesque celebrates a true pioneer
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of a deceased person.
The Great Court was originally built to house 50 ‘grotesque’ statues, but one space has remained vacant since 1993. Now, UQ is unveiling the 50th and final grotesque, and the subject is Margaret Valadian AO MBE.
As the first Indigenous female to graduate from both an Australian and international university, Valadian was destined to create change.
Born in Darwin in 1936, Valadian completed her high school Intermediate Certificate and then spent several years in welfare and other care roles in Queensland and the Northern Territory. It was not until being awarded one of the first Abschol scholarships in her mid-20s that her dream of attending university was realised. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Studies from The University of Queensland in 1966, the first Indigenous woman to do so.
Valadian pictured at her 1966 graduation from UQ.
Valadian pictured at her 1966 graduation from UQ.
Tertiary study confirmed for her that the best way to advance the Indigenous experience was through education. She then devoted her life to the cause, becoming a vocal advocate, teacher and role model for her community, as well as an accomplished scholar (she later completed a Master of Education at the University of Hawai’i in 1969 and a Master of Social Welfare at the State University of New York in 1973).
An eloquent speaker, Valadian participated in National Union of Australian University Students events; spoke at conferences, university orations and at the National Press Club many times; and even appeared on the ABC’s Four Corners program in 1967.
ABC Four Corners interviews Valadian in 1967.
During the 1960s and '70s, Valadian undertook roles in research, administration and social planning consultancy, including a stint as Chair of the Aboriginal Art Advisory Council. Observing the gaps in Australia’s resources for delivering quality education, in 1976 she founded the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher Aides Development Program. Then in 1978, she co-founded the Aboriginal Training and Cultural Institute in Sydney.
Between 1984 and 1988, Valadian was also a member of the Council of the Sydney College of the Arts, member of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal, Visiting Professor in Rural Education at the University of Alaska, and Deputy Chair of the NSW Board of Adult Education. In 1990, she joined the Centre of Indigenous Development Education and Research at the University of Wollongong.
Valadian’s life achievements were widely acknowledged, resulting in many awards. In 1976, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for service to Aboriginal welfare and in 1986 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the community, particularly in the field of Aboriginal education and culture. In 1995, Valadian was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Macquarie University. She was also named as the UQ Alumnus of the Year in 1996 and she received a Centenary Medal in 2001.
University Sculptor Rhyl Hinwood AM CF was inspired by images of Valadian and her achievements, including the Officer of the Order of Australia insignia, while carving the grotesque.
University Sculptor Rhyl Hinwood AM CF was inspired by images of Valadian and her achievements, including the Officer of the Order of Australia insignia, while carving the grotesque.
Valadian died on 23 December 2023, aged 87. She dedicated her life to her academic and professional pursuits, advocating for Indigenous education and promoting educational access to those in rural communities. She was a true role model.
Professor Bronwyn Fredericks and Professor Tracey Bunda reflect on Valadian's legacy and impact.
To honour her legacy, Valadian was chosen as the 50th and final subject of UQ's ‘grotesque’ sculptures carved into the iconic sandstone of UQ St Lucia’s Great Court.
An eloquent speaker, Valadian participated in National Union of Australian University Students events; spoke at conferences, university orations and at the National Press Club many times; and even appeared on the ABC’s Four Corners program in 1967.
ABC 'Four Corners' interviews Valadian in 1967
During the 1960s and 70s, Valadian undertook roles in research, administration and social planning consultancy, including a stint as Chair of the Aboriginal Art Advisory Council. Observing the gaps in Australia’s resources for delivering quality education, in 1976, she founded the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher Aides Development Program. Then in 1978, she co-founded the Aboriginal Training and Cultural Institute in Sydney.
Between 1984 and 1988, Valadian was also a member of the Council of the Sydney College of the Arts, member of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal, visiting professor in rural education at the University of Alaska, and Deputy Chair of the NSW Board of Adult Education. In 1990, she joined the Centre of Indigenous Development Education and Research at the University of Wollongong.
Valadian’s life achievements were widely acknowledged, resulting in many awards. In 1976, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for service to Aboriginal welfare and in 1986 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the community, particularly in the field of Aboriginal education and culture. In 1995, Valadian was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Macquarie University. She was also named as the UQ Alumnus of the Year in 1996 and she received a Centenary Medal in 2001.
Valadian died on 23 December 2023, aged 87. She dedicated her life to her academic and professional pursuits, advocating for Indigenous education and promoting educational access to those in rural communities. She was a true role model.
Professor Bronwyn Fredericks and Professor Tracey Bunda reflect on Valadian's legacy and impact.
To honour her legacy, Valadian was chosen as the 50th and final subject of UQ's ‘grotesque’ sculptures carved into the iconic sandstone of UQ St Lucia’s Great Court.
Jasmine and Scekar Valadian at the unveiling of the final grotesque of their Aunty, Margaret Valadian.
Jasmine and Scekar Valadian at the unveiling of the final grotesque of their Aunty, Margaret Valadian.
The final grotesque of Valadian has now been installed in the Great Court.
The final grotesque of Valadian has now been installed in the Great Court.
Jasmine and Scekar Valadian with Rhyl Hinwood at the unveiling of the final grotesque of their Aunty, Margaret Valadian.
Jasmine and Scekar Valadian with Rhyl Hinwood at the unveiling of the final grotesque of their Aunty, Margaret Valadian.
The final grotesque of Valadian in her academic gown and bonnet, pushing open a door.
The final grotesque of Valadian in her academic gown and bonnet, pushing open a door.
Prior to the official unveiling, the final grotesque was hidden by a black veil.
Prior to the official unveiling, the final grotesque was hidden by a black veil.
Jasmine and Scekar Valadian speaking at the official unveiling event in the Great Court.
Jasmine and Scekar Valadian speaking at the official unveiling event in the Great Court.
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