Indigenous Education and Research Centre New and current students Indigenous Student support staff and services
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Welcome to all new and returning students! We’re here to support you every step of the way - from the moment you start exploring your study options to graduation and beyond. With a wide range of services and facilities, we’re ready to provide you with the tools you need to reach your goals, no matter where you’re studying. At the Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) campus, the Nguma-bada (Cairns) campus, a regional study centre, or from home as an off-campus student, you’ll have access to academic support, career guidance, well-being resources, and more. From personalised tutoring sessions to workshops on time management, study skills, and exam preparation, we’re here to empower you on your path to success.
There is no question too big or too small; we are dedicated to supporting you, our future leaders! Many of these services, including our advisors, are funded through the Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP), ensuring they are free and accessible to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Support Staff
Indigenous Student Support Advisors
Our Indigenous Student Support Advisors are here to mentor and guide you. They will help you source further information such as:
- Accommodation options
- Managing finances (e.g., contacting Centrelink and applying for scholarships)
- Accessing campus services
- Working through stress and anxiety to maintain your health and wellbeing
Indigenous Academic Support Advisors
Our Indigenous Academic Support Advisors have an in-depth understanding of the challenges our students can face during their higher education studies. They will work with you to help you with:
- Academic coaching, such as supplementary tutorial assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at JCU
- Developing strategies for improvements in your studies
- Creating an effective study plan to keep your studies on track
Meet our staff
| Manola Chong |
![]() | Andrea Geary |
Kelly Atkinson | |
| Pamela Herlihen |
Pauline Thomas | |
Karen Ives | |
| Marita Miller |
| Janaya Barry |
| Melissa Mallie |
![]() | Mahalia Nelson |
Haryne Uta | |
| Dr. Kristi Giselsson Indigenous Academic Support Advisor, Cairns T: |
| Matthew Starr E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au |
| Gavin Miller E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au |
If you’re not sure who to contact, visit our contact us page and we will pair you with someone who can help.
Other JCU Support Services
JCU provides library support service to all JCU students that you can access as well to assist you with navigating JCU library resources and research. You can also schedule a meeting with a liaison librarian who can assist you with matters concerning the specific discipline you need help with.
The award winning JCU Learning Centre offers all JCU students online and face-to-face access to academic learning support. Access free workshops and short courses, download learning resources and get help with assignments, maths and statistics, exams and more through the website.
JCU also has study and information guides for you to look at. These cover general study guides for 2023 and 2024, as well as guides for your specific courses and areas of interest.
JCU has Accessibility Services available to all students. There are also student equity and wellbeing options for all students to access.
Have a question?
If you have any questions or would prefer to speak to the IERC first, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can assist you through any of these services.
Get in touch – We're here to help




