Robyn Heckenberg is a Wiradjuri woman. Robyn has published in the area of Indigenous relationship to rivers and cultural practices regarding connection to Country and Waterways. She is a curator of several Indigenous exhibitions and creative director of projects which have produced dialogues regarding Indigenous artists relationships to Rivers. She has been a consultant on a variety of projects working for local government, community driven initiatives and Commonwealth funded projects. One highlight (Heckenberg, 2013) is The Wagirra Trail Project: A History of the Murray River: Report for Albury City Council, Gippsland Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies, Monash University and Albury City Council, Albury; and working in research consultancy as Creative Director in a collaborative management team of The Yindyamarra Sculptural Walk on the Wagirra Trail, Murray River Albury. Another highlight is gaining the Betty Watts Research Award for: Heckenberg, R. 2015, ‘Learning in Place, Cultural Mapping and Sustainable Values on the Millawa Billa (Murray River) in The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, Cambridge University Press;
Associate Professor Robyn Heckenberg is Dean of Learning and Teaching at Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University, and is a Wiradjuri woman.
Fields of Research (FoR)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Knowledge 30% 050201
Art Theory and Criticism 35% 190100
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies 35% 200201
Fields of Research (FoR)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Knowledge 30% 050201
Art Theory and Criticism 35% 190100
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies 35% 200201
Indigenous Education
Creative Education
Curriculum
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Knowledge
Art Theory and Criticism
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Studies
Consultation with Community.
Diversity Management
Other Foci:
history of the rivers; natural history; caring for Country
visual arts; cultural studies
Indigenous pedagogy; place pedagogy; global Indigenous networks and commonalities
Wiradjuri missions

OTHER DETAILS for Profile

Mary O’Dowd and Robyn Heckenberg 2020, ‘Decolonisation’ in the Conversation.
Tracey Bunda, Kathryn Gilbey, Robyn Heckenberg, Raelene Ward, and Aue te Ava. 2020, ‘We Speak: Indigenous Voices Redefine the Doctoral Experience’. In Trimmer, K., Hoven, D. and Keskitalo, D. (2020). (Editors). Indigenous Postgraduate Education: Intercultural Perspectives. Charlotte, Information Age Publishing Incorporated. A volume in Research in Multicultural Education and International Perspectives Series Editors: Fred Dervin, University of Helsinki, Finland; and Zehavit Gross, SOE, Bar Ilan University
Heckenberg, R. 2019, ‘The Strain to Hold Ground: Site-Based Conflict and an Indigenous Ideology of Water and Place’ in Collins, Pauline Igreja, Victor Danaher, Patrick Alan (Editors) 2019, The Nexus Among Place, Conflict and Communication in a Globalising World, Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore, 17-36.

Bunda, T., Heckenberg, R., Snepvangers, K., Phillips, L., Lasczik, A., Black, A.L. (2019)., STORYMAKING BELONGING in Art/Research International: A Transdisciplinary Journal/Making as method: Reimagining traditional and indigenous notions of craft in research practice, University of Alberta, Edmonton, vol. 4 no. 1. , 153-179.

Heckenberg, R. 2018, ‘Bunya Pine, Goanna and Star Clusters’ in de Bruin, Burnard, P. and Davis, S. 2018, Creativities in Arts and Education, Research and Practice: International Perspectives for the Future of Learning and Teaching, Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands. pp.67-84.
Heckenberg, R. 2018, Yindyamarra Bila Yiramal, Ngurambang Milawa Wirramarri, Maranggaal, spoken about the river with music by Zanari Records, kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland, Brisbane.
Heckenberg, R. 2017, ‘To Tread Lightly: Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and representation in a regional university’ in Kerby, M. C.(editor) Australian Art Education, Volume 38, Number 2., 291-303. Recipient of research publication award.
Akenson, D. and Heckenberg, R. 2017, Our Languages Matter Catalogue and exhibition essay, Artworx Gallery, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, 20 June- 19 July, 2017.
2017, ‘Thylacine’ Lino Cut in exhibition at “Yours. 70 years of Collecting”, Paul Ramsay galleries, Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), Friday 3rd February Monday- 17th April 2017.
Heckenberg, R. 2016, A conduit of cultural learning: holding, telling, remembering, TRANSFORMING EDUCATION RESEARCH, Australian Association of Research in Education (AARE) Conference.
Heckenberg, R. 2016, ‘Indigenous Knowledge and Educating Managers for sustainable organisation,’, Practical Indigenous Wisdom: A Track in the Conference "Sustainability Rhetoric Fact and Fictions" in Habisch, A. and Schmidpeter, R. Cultural roots of sustainable management: Practical Wisdom and Corporate Social Responsibility, Springer International Publishing Switzerland; Springer Series Book.
Heckenberg, R. 2015, ‘Learning in Place, Cultural Mapping and Sustainable Values on the Millawa Billa (Murray River) in The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, Cambridge University Press; Winner of 2014 Betty Watts Research Award.
Heckenberg, R. 2015, Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, Murray River. The Wagirra Trail Report: Feedback Report for Albury City Council, Albury City Council, Albury. From community consultation and action research.
Heckenberg, R. and Gunstone, A. 2013, ‘Reflections on teaching a first-year Indigenous Australian studies subject’ in The International Education Journal: Comparative Perspectives, 2013, 12(1), 213-225.
Heckenberg, R. 2013, The Wagirra Trail Project: A History of the Murray River: Report for Albury City Council, Gippsland Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies, Monash University and Albury City Council, Albury. From community consultation and feedback.
Heckenberg, R. 2012, ‘I’ll Meet You at the Cross Roads’ in Gunstone, A. (editor) Reconciliation in Regional Australia, Australian Scholarly Publishing Pty Ltd, North Melbourne.
Heckenberg, R. 2012, ‘Regional Innovation for Koorie Pathways: Creating a Footprint’ in Gunstone, A. (editor) Reconciliation in Regional Australia, Australian Scholarly Publishing Pty Ltd, North Melbourne.
Heckenberg, R. 2012, ‘Indigenous arts: A Cultural Sustainability project’ in Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues. Accompanying photographs, 28-38.
Heckenberg, R. 2010, ‘Holding Heart: Aboriginal breathing space in research epistemology’ in International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 5 (9), 107-118.
Heckenberg, R. 2010, Positive Futures: Indigenous Cultural Sustainability: Consultation with the Aboriginal Community of the Albury Region, Gippsland Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies and OCLC Gippsland, Monash University; and Albury City Council, Albury.
Heckenberg, R. 2007-2009, Four Reports for DEEWR project title, ‘Koorie Footprints to Higher Education’, between 2007-2009, for initial implementation. Final report submitted May 2009, accompanying DEEWR Funding. The project gained further funding to continue. During 2009 findings were available on the national DEEWR website.
Heckenberg, R. 2009, ‘More than a whisper: the indelible beguiling of teaching off campus learners Indigenous Studies’ in Collected Wisdom: Off Campus Learning and Teaching Symposium. Publication with accompanying artwork as illustration.
Heckenberg, R. 2007, ‘Researchers, Journalists and Librarians: who owns the Knowledge’, Threshold, Monash University student paper, Monash University, Gippsland.
Heckenberg, R. 2006-2007, artwork as part of the MIX06 symposium and an article in publication for the Institute of Global Movement, with accompanying website. Cultural exchange between Monash University, Australia and University of Hartford, Connecticut.
Heckenberg, R. 2004, ‘I’m Doing This for My Grandmother, Lovie’, AARE Conference, University of Melbourne, AARE website for a copy. www.aare.edu.au
Heckenberg, R. 2004, ‘Running a Project in Indigenous Education’, AARE Conference proceedings, University of Melbourne, AARE website for a copy. www.aare.edu.au
Heckenberg, R, 2004, Learning Causes Change, Teaching aid and Kit: written report and accompanying kit, La Trobe University and NSW Dept. of Education, Albury-Wodonga.
Heckenberg, R. 2004, Identifying the Gaps and Overlaps in Family Violence Support Services in Victoria, ATSIC, Melbourne.
Heckenberg, R. 2003 From Stepping Stones to All Ya Clans: enterprise learning for Indigenous young people, 2003 Report for NSW Department of Education and Training, Albury and AECG NSW.
Heckenberg, 2001, ‘Talk'n' Country’, ARTicle Journal Autumn 2001, Art Education Victoria, Carlton, Victoria.
Farrell, M. and Heckenberg, R. 1998, ‘Emily Kame Kngwarreye Exhibition’ in Wurreker: Newcastle Aboriginal Support Group, August 1998, Newsletter 112 University of Newcastle, p.3, p.7.

Conference Participation and Symposium presentations
Heckenberg, R. INDIGENOUS RESEARCH: ART PRACTICE IN AN OUTBACK COMMUNITY: Practical wisdom: Indigenous ways of being and doing, 2020. In Post Colonial Identities session at Eighteenth Annual Hawaii International Conference on Arts & Humanities, 9-11th of January, 2020. Honolulu, Hawaii. Mid-Pacific Conference Center of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Heckenberg, R. 2019, The meaning and purpose of Aboriginal community art and cultural expression in postcolonial contexts, Hawaiian International Conference on Arts and Humanities, University of Louisville, Center of Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods, Honolulu.
Heckenberg, R. 2018 ‘Yindyamarra Bila Yiramal, Ngurambang Milawa Wirramarri, Maranggaal’ (accompanied by Zanari Records) in anywhere festival: Stories of Belonging: Sisters Holding Space, kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland; other performers include Tracey Bunda, Ngioka Bunda-Heath, Ajelena Parfitt, Ali Black, Lexi Lasczik, Louise Phillips, Joshua Twee, Carly Sheppard, Alice Owen, Deena Borland-Sentinella.18th and 20th of May 2018.

Heckenberg, R. 2018, Conference Paper: ‘Inter-Relatedness of Being: The Spiritual Power of the Natural World to Support Human Emotion and Resilience’, The ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions (Europe, 1100-1800) presents: The Future of Emotions: Conversations Without Borders, Third International Conference, UWA, 14-15 June 2018.

Heckenberg, R. 2017, Conference Panel Paper: ‘Liberating Stories of Mission Life: The Australian Aboriginal Narratives’, Inaugural Conference of the Society for the History of Emotions, ‘Emotions of Cultures/Cultures of Emotions: Comparative Perspectives’, UWA, 11–13 December 2017.

Heckenberg, R. and Akenson, D. 2017 ‘Address and Floor talk’, NAIDOC Exhibition at Artworx with theme Our Languages Matter; also included an interview by Radio National of David and Robyn.

Robyn Ewing, Robyn Heckenberg, May Ann Hunter and Erica McWilliam, Panellists for Creative Education and Research Summit, Respondents to Keynotes: Ass.Prof. Anne Harris, Monash University; Professor Pam Bunard, Cambridge University; and Professor Pat Thomson, University of Nottingham at Arts Education Practice and Research Summit at ACMI, Melbourne, 27November, 2016. Sponsors, AARE, Monash University and Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Federation Square, Melbourne.
Heckenberg, R. 2016, A conduit of cultural learning: holding, telling, remembering, TRANSFORMING EDUCATION RESEARCH, Australian Association of Research in Education (AARE) International Conference at Melbourne Cricket Ground. 27 November- 1 December, 2016. Paper for publication
Heckenberg, R. 2016, Reading Country: sustainability or human rights? PGCER Group 18th Research Symposium, University of Southern Queensland Springfield, Qld. Friday, 18 November, 2016.
Professor Lara Medina, Professor Tracey Bunda, Professor Yreina D. Cervantez, Chris Kelly and Martha Martinez, Robyn Heckenberg, 2016, THE PANEL: A Cross Cultural and Intergenerational Dialogue, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld. Tuesday 28 June, 2016. Hosted by Kathryn Gilbey.
Heckenberg, R. and Heckenberg, S. Protecting Indigenous knowledges through oral histories and culturally safe research practices: two intergenerational models, PGCER Group 17 Research Symposium, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld. Friday 10 June, 2016.
Heckenberg, R. 2016, ‘Depictions of Aboriginality in colonial Australia: reflections of colonial wit in European colonial art and writing, compared with Aboriginal feeling resonating in Aboriginal colonial creative practice’ in 2016 Shaping the Modern Program Collaboratory: Emotions, Materiality and Transformations in the Colonial Contact Zone, University of Western Australia.
Heckenberg, R. and Heckenberg, S. 2015, ‘Indigenous Methodology: Intergenerational response to Story: the Old and New,’ Hawaii International Conference on Education, co- sponsored by University of Louisville, California State, Drexel University, Pepperdine University, New Horizons in Education. Continuing new research between two generations of Wiradjuri researchers.
Heckenberg, R. 2015, ‘A Discourse in Indigenous art practice: bridging the geographical spaces between ourselves and bridging the gap between cultures’, Hawaiian International Conference on Arts and Humanities, University of Louisville, Center of Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods. New research which is deciphering the scope of the exhibition work between Pacifica, Wiradjuri, Gunnai, Flinders Ranges and invited non-Indigenous artists in the exhibition When All the Rivers Run, 2014.
Heckenberg, R. 2014, ‘Cultural Interfaces: Cultural Mapping and Learning in Place: Sustainable Values, AARE-NZARE Conference Brisbane, QUT, Kelvin Grove. Based on community project, The Yindyamarra Sculptural Trail, Murray River. Appeared in AIEJ, 2015.
Heckenberg, R. 2014, ‘Engaging with the Indigenous Community’, Keeping it Real Conference, Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury, 21-22 August, 2014. Other paper presented was with NSW State Library, Indigenous Library staff. This symposium was to support the knowledges necessary for those involved in local collections and community based projects.
Heckenberg, R. and Heckenberg, S. 2014, ‘Protecting Indigenous knowledges through oral histories and culturally safe research practices: two intergenerational models’, World Indigenous Peoples Conference in Education (WIPC:E), Kapiolani College, University of Hawaii, Oahu. New research between two generations of Wiradjuri researchers.
Heckenberg, R. 2014, ‘Australian Indigenous Art History and Cross-Cultural Awareness’ Hawaiian International Conference on Arts and Humanities, Honolulu, presented by Center for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, University of Louisville.
Heckenberg, R. 2014, ‘A Pedagogy of Place: Learning from Walking the River’, Hawaiian International Conference on Education, Honolulu, sponsored by University of Louisville, California State University, Pepperdine University, New Horizons in Education. Paper in response to government report.
Heckenberg, R. 2013, ‘Sustainable Futures through Practical Solutions’, Theme: The Sustainability Rhetoric Fact and Fictions, Massey College of Business Sustainability Conference, Albany, Auckland. This paper was in a stream of Indigenous presenters and like- minded people, now in print.
Heckenberg, R. 2013, ‘Cultural Interfaces: cultural mapping and planning as a strategic model for economic sustainability and skill sharing’, SMART, SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE, Conference Researching the European Union from Australia and New Zealand, ANU Centre for European Studies, Australian National University. The idea of this paper was to seek collaboration with cultural brokers in Europe, especially on the rivers.
Heckenberg, R. 2012, ‘Representations of Totemism and Kinship in Australian Aboriginal Art’, Hawaiian International Conference on Arts and Humanities, University of Louisville, Center for Sustainable Neighbourhoods.
Heckenberg, R. 2012, ‘Negotiating the Curriculum: Working with what we have’, Hawaiian International Conference on Education, Honolulu, University of Louisville, California State University, Pepperdine University, New Horizons in Education. Outcomes of work with school “talks”; excellent discussions on commonalities between Indigenous people globally: later informed curriculum development in Issues in Aboriginal Education.
Heckenberg, R. 2011, ‘Traditional knowledge, cultural flow and creative practice with Aboriginal river people’, Hawaiian International Conference on Art and the Humanities, Honolulu, University of Louisville.
Heckenberg, R. 2011, ‘The Relevance of Culture for Education and Sustainable Outcomes in a Regional Aboriginal Community: Our Own Pedagogy; Our Own Research, REIN Conference: Research in Educational Issues: Education for Regional Sustainability, Gippsland Centre of Art and Design, Gippsland Campus, Monash University; later informed article in book chapter.
Heckenberg, 2011, ‘A Place of their own’, 2011 Deadly in Gippsland Conference, Indigenous Conference, Sale. This was an important presentation as it gave the Gippsland Indigenous community first-hand knowledge of what is taught to trainee teachers who are studying Indigenous Studies.
Heckenberg, R. 2010, ‘Custodianship of Country: Native Title Rights and Spiritual Connection, Hawaiian International Conference on Art and the Humanities, Honolulu, University of Louisville. Self-published at the conference.
Heckenberg, R. 2009, Summation at Launch of Educate09, 2009 panel member, Monash University, Gippsland.
Heckenberg, R. 2009, ‘When all the Rivers Run’, Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities, Honolulu, presented by University of Louisville. This paper helped formulate and gestate ideas which later became an exhibition in 2014.
Heckenberg, R. 2009, ‘Inspiration or Intellect: Research dilemmas’, Monash University Faculty of Art and Design Research Forum 2009, Caulfield; part of PhD symposium series.
Heckenberg, R. 2009, Monash University and Koorie Footprints to Higher Education, Deadly in Gippsland Conference (DIG) 2009, San Remo; presented with Kylie Clarke (Koorie Resource Officer). Informing the community of our pathways project.
Heckenberg, R. 2008, ‘Making Sense of Mobile Phone Cameras’, Art Education Victoria Conference for 2008, South Oakleigh Secondary College, South Oakleigh, Melbourne. Self- published at the conference.
Heckenberg, R. 2008, ‘Indigenous ways of seeing: Colonised view of Art History’, Art Association of Australia and New Zealand Conference for 2008, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane.
Heckenberg, R. 2008, ‘Kevin Gilbert and Gordon Bennett: reflections from the same Vista’, Rhizomes Conference on Violence and Language, University of Queensland, Brisbane.
Heckenberg, R. 2008, ‘Koorie Footprints to Higher Education’, AARE Conference 2008, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. Informing the education community about our pathways programme and later used in interim report.
Heckenberg, R. 2008, ‘More than a whisper: the incredible beguiling of teaching off campus learners Indigenous studies’, published in Collected Wisdom: Off Campus Learning and Teaching Symposium, papers and posters.
Heckenberg, R. 2007, ‘Making Our own Koorie Footprint’, proceedings of Indigenous Studies Conference, University of Tasmania, Hobart. Initial discussion of pathways programme to education community.
Heckenberg, R. 2007, ‘Leadership, Malaise and Action: Leading solutions’, presented at Australian Academy of Research in Education Conference (AARE) Conference, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle.
Heckenberg, 2007, ‘Practice what you preach: How can leadership roles by Indigenous educators encourage positive outcomes for our Future teachers’, paper presented at AARE Conference of 2007, Notre Dame University, Fremantle.
Heckenberg, R. 2006, ‘An Art Theory Lesson as an Enquiry into Indigenous studies, or an Indigenous studies lesson as Art history’, AEA / AEV: Art Education Australia/Art Education Victoria Conference: 2006 Art: Setting the Standard(s), Monash University Faculty of Art and Design, Caulfield.
Heckenberg, R. 2006, ‘With an Art to Engagement’, Australian Academy of Research in Education Conference (AARE) for 2006, University of South Australia, Adelaide.
Heckenberg, R. 2005, ‘Intersecting pathways and Bridge-building’, AARE Conference, University of Western Sydney, Parramatta.
Heckenberg, R. 2004, ‘I’m Doing this for My Grandmother Lovie’, AARE Conference, University of Melbourne 2004. Part of Symposium with Ochre Napaltjarri Doyle, ‘Bandaids and Butchered Utopias’.
Heckenberg, R. 2004, ‘Running a Project in Indigenous Education’, 2004, AARE Conference, University of Melbourne.
Heckenberg, R. 2004, Reconciliation address and Flag raising, QEII Square, Albury, NSW.
Heckenberg, R. 2002, Writer of Story/narration of the ‘Coming of Fire’, Indigenous Welcome at 2002 Groundswell National Regional Arts Council Conference, Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury, NSW in collaboration with Fruit Fly Circus and Yalmambirra.
Heckenberg, R. 2002, ‘Our Learning Journey’, paper for student conference, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, Batchelor.
Heckenberg, R. 2002, ‘Reconciliation Education’, AARE Conference, University of Queensland, Brisbane. Discussion on modes of delivery for feedback.
Heckenberg, R. 2002, ‘Research in an Aboriginal Context’, AARE Conference, University of Queensland, Brisbane.
Heckenberg, R. 2001, ‘Talk'n Country’, presented at 2001 Art Education Victoria (AEV) Conference, Melbourne Grammar School, Melbourne.
Heckenberg, R. 2001, ‘Dot to Dot and Copyright’, presented at 2001 Art Education Victoria (AEV) Conference, Melbourne Grammar School, Melbourne. Informed by TAFE teaching.
Grants and Attracting Funding 2004-2019
• 2018-2019, Paroo Shire Council and Cunnamulla Aboriginal Health Service, $20,000 for workshops at Strong Families Strong Communities project, Cunnamulla, Warrego river.
• 2018, Research Award for Journal Article, USQ. $500
• 2018, Teaching Citation, USQ. $1000
• 2016, $3,000, for research as an Associate Investigator with Centre for the History of Emotions project, UWA;
• 2015, $3,000, Facilitating feedback workshops for Wiradjuri artists and Yindyamarra team (environmental scientists, engineers, construction workers, Wagirra team, artists, and other team members, community development team), Wonga Wetlands, Albury City, consultation and report of Yindyamarra Sculptural Walk on public art;
• 2014, $20,000, Robyn Heckenberg and Bianca Acimovic, collaborative grant writing, received $20,000 from Aboriginal Regional Arts Grant for Albury City and Hothouse Theatre initiative: workshops ‘We are Wiradjuri’ with international artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey;
• 2013-2014, $20,000, The Wagirra Trail Project, Community Consultation and Report that evokes and discusses community perspectives of connection to the Murray River through story, and local history (Albury City Council);
• 2014, $20,000, Creative Director, The Wagirra Yindyamarra Sculptural Walk, Wagirra Trail: A Wiradjuri Experience, Albury; $25,000. Launch on 5th and 6th of December, 2014;
• 2014, $3,600, Albury City Council, 2014, Albury-Wodonga region, cultural advisor/retainer: advisor for cultural issues and gallery projects, Albury City Council;
• 2012, $300,000, Koori Young Achievers Initiative (Monash University), extension of Koorie Footprints to Higher Education; $300,000, part of $1,700,00 shared with Faculty of Science, Gippsland. Commonwealth funding;
• 2009-2010, $9,000, Indigenous Cultural Sustainability Project: Contract Research, (Albury City Council);
• 2007-2009, $67,500, Koorie Footprints to Higher Education – Koori pathways programme including art practice, music workshops, science camp and attendance at on and off campus activities, (DEST/DEEWR Commonwealth funding); $67,500;
• 2008, $5,000, Gippsland Campus Bursary (Monash University); $5000;
• 2006, $5,000, Teacher Led Grant, (Faculty of Arts, Monash University); $5,000;
• 2005-2006, $56,000, Victorian Indigenous Art in a Globalised Scene (Institute of Global Movement), In conjunction with Nelson, R.; Russell, L.; Kennedy, R.; Adams, J.
• 2004, $15,000 ATSIC Community Consultations and Report: Aboriginal Family Violence Services, Gaps and Overlaps; working for Feathertop Educational Services and Publishing as sole trader.
Member of:
Centre for the History of Emotions and Society for the History of Emotions.
Australian Association of Research in Education.
Queensland Art Teachers Association
Art Education Australia
PGECR group University of Southern Queensland
Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC): Indigenous Reader.

Awards
• 2019, AUUT Nomination from University of Southern Queensland
• 2019, Letter of Recognition Quality Teaching, Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts, University of Southern Queensland.
• 2018, Teaching Award, Faculty of Business, Education Law and Arts, University of Southern Queensland. $1000
• 2018, Research Award at USQ for published Journal Article Heckenberg, R. 2017, ‘To Tread Lightly: Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and representation in a regional university’ in Kerby, M. C.(editor) Australian Art Education, Volume 38, Number 2., pp.291-303 $500
• 2014, Betty Watts Award recipient for Indigenous research from the Australian Association of Research in Education [AARE]; National Award; presented at AARE conference, Brisbane.
• 2009, Level of Excellence in Evaluation for Australian Indigenous Art and Design subject, Caulfield, Gippsland and Distance education: in the top 75 of 3563 units taught in semester 2, 2008, Monash University.
• 2008, Highlight: Wurreker Award Recipient for University Pathways, program Koorie Footprints to Higher Education, held by the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI), at Victorian Advancement League; State Award.
• 2012, 2009, and 2008, Wurreker Award Finalist, for Koorie Footprints to Higher Education, held by VAEAI at Victorian Advancement League, Thornbury; State Finalist.
• 2008, PVC Bursary, Monash University Gippsland, $5,000.
• 2007, Dean’s Commendation of Excellence in Teaching in Australian Indigenous Literature (AIS2035/AIS3035), 3rd April, Monash University.
• 2007, Semester 2, Vice-Chancellor’s Equity and Diversity Award for significant contribution to the enhancement of equity and diversity principles at Monash University.
• 2007, Semester 1, Faculty of Arts Dean’s Teaching Award for excellence in teaching and enhancing the student experience, Monash University.
• 2007, Finalist in Disability Awards, Gippsland Campus, Monash University.