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The director of the Australian literature and storytelling history database has been appointed as the first Reconciliation Action Coordinator for Â鶹ÊÓƵ of Queensland’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

, who is also a Â鶹ÊÓƵ Research Fellow in the School of Communication and Arts, said she would bring her passion for engagement, and teaching and learning to the new role.

“It’s an honour to be participating in progressing Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s , using the existing projects and activities within HASS as a springboard,” Ms Kilner said.

“I am excited about seeing the growth of connectivity between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians through acts of reconciliation and understanding.

“I see this position of Reconciliation Action Coordinator as a trailblazing one and I hope it will proliferate throughout the University.

“I’m looking forward to working with others across the University as we deliver the actions and plans within the RAP.”

Ms Kilner has been coordinating AustLit’s project – a unique authority on writing and storytelling in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures ­– since it was established in 2006.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Humanities and Social Sciences Executive Dean Professor Heather Zwicker has worked with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit to create and champion the valuable position.

“Reconciliation and other forms of decolonisation are important for the future of the humanities and social sciences at Â鶹ÊÓƵ,” Professor Zwicker said.

“In light of the current environment, and especially with Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s first Reconciliation Action Plan launched late last year, we need to devote even more energy to the Indigenous portfolio.

Kerry will be developing effective representation for Indigenous engagement across the Faculty, as well as implement our contribution to Â鶹ÊÓƵ RAP.”

In 2018 Â鶹ÊÓƵ launched its inaugural RAP which acknowledged the University’s commitment to the building of respectful relationships and opportunities between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples.

Media: Kristen Johnston, k.johnston@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 1633; Communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 7887.