Indigenous Student support staff and services

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.

IERC Nguma-bada campus

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
Support at lunch

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

Manola Chong
Head, Indigenous Learning Support Services, Townsville

E: manola.chong@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 5212

Andrea Geary

Andrea Geary
Manager, Indigenous Student Support Programs, Townsville

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 5343

Kelly Atkinson

Kelly Atkinson
Indigenous Academic Support Advisor, Townsville

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 3832

Pamela Herlihan

Pamela Herlihen
Indigenous Academic Support Advisor, Townsville

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 3804

Pauline Thomas

Pauline Thomas
Indigenous Academic Support Advisor, Townsville

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 5366

Karen Ives

Karen Ives
Indigenous Student Support Advisor, Townsville

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 5791

Marita Miller 

Marita Miller
Indigenous Student Support Advisor, Townsville

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 5875

Janaya Barry 

Janaya Barry
Indigenous Student Support Advisor, Townsville

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4781 5594

Melissa Mallie

Melissa Mallie
Manager, Indigenous Student Support Programs, Cairns

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4232  1030

Mahalia Nelson

Mahalia Nelson
Indigenous Academic Support Advisor, Cairns

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4232 1469

Haryne Uta 

Haryne Uta
Indigenous Academic Support Advisor, Cairns

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4232 1122

Dr. Kristi 

Dr. Kristi Giselsson

Indigenous Academic Support Advisor, Cairns

T: (07) 4232 1482
Matthew Starr 

Matthew Starr
Indigenous Student Support Advisor, Cairns

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4232 1217

Gavin Miller 

Gavin Miller
Indigenous Student Support Advisor, Cairns

E: ierc.studentsupport@jcu.edu.au
T: (07) 4232 1038

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

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