It's been a tumultuous 12 months at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and there's more challenging news with the departure this week of another senior staff member, recognised widely as one of the uni's rising stars.
A UOW graduate, Jaymee Beveridge arrived on campus as a young single mother undergraduate and this experience led her to understand the transformative power of higher education for Aboriginal people and communities, and the importance of strong and culturally appropriate supports. This passion drove her to return eight years ago to take up the appointment as executive director at the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.
Having achieved so much, in July 2023 she was appointed to a new UOW executive role as Vice-President Indigenous Strategy and Engagement.
A proud Aboriginal woman with family ties to the Torres Strait Islands, at the time of her appointment UOW said Jaymee "brings immense experience, knowledge and perspective to the newly created role that will be instrumental in enabling her to build on her work guiding and championing the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students and staff".
I met Jaymee just a few weeks before her big promotion. Our paths had crossed previously when I was part of a small team championing vaccinations in the Illawarra at the height of the COVID pandemic. Jaymee willingly threw her support behind the campaign, especially to encourage the vulnerable local Aboriginal community to get vaccinated.
Getting behind The Voice referendum
In May 2023, I requested a meeting with Jaymee, concerned that there seemed to be no positive action in the Illawarra, as the referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament grew closer. We needed, I felt, to lift community voices her in support of The Voice.
Jaymee didn't hesitate to get on board and that very day she booked the Hope Theatre for the launch on Sunday, 2 July 2023, appointed a member of her team to be my 'go-to person', we agreed on who should speak and a publicity strategy. Just a few weeks later 400 people filled the theatre for the launch and while nationally the Yes vote wasn't successful, in Wollongong it was. And, in no small part, that was thanks to Jaymee Beveridge who I now proudly call a friend.
Jaymee's legacy at UOW is enormous. At Woolyungah she transformed a team that was struggling when she arrived into a high-achieving, culturally safe place for students, staff and the local community.
Leaving behind a huge legacy
Under Jaymee's leadership UOW has increased funding under the Indigenous Student Success Program year on year, increased donor funding, secured additional revenue from sources that have a positive impact on future students and the larger Aboriginal community and developed solid industry partnerships that see UOW students flourish beyond their academic journey.
In short, Jaymee has provided strong, respected and highly valued leadership, both for Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and students on campus.
Among her many achievements, Jaymee and her team organised and delivered a hugely successful National Indigenous University Games in 2024, as well as a powerful Allies Summit in August last year to celebrate the formation of a local Friends of Woolyungah group of mainly non-Indigenous locals.
"Under her leadership, UOW launched the HART [Healing and Recognition Track] plan which continues to guide the university's approach to healing, reconciliation and Indigenous advancement," UOW said in a farewell tribute.
"Jaymee has been a passionate advocate for change, Aboriginal advancement and truth-telling, and leaves a strong foundation for the work ahead."
Integrity is her greatest strength
Those who know Jaymee best say her integrity is her greatest strength and beyond question. Jaymee knows that all it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing. In terms of her staff, it has always been a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Jaymee inspired and stood shoulder to shoulder as her team continues to deliver quality outcomes as a close-knit collective.
Jaymee set high standards for everyone, including herself, because she knew that’s what our Aboriginal students and community deserved; helping students and staff follow and achieve their dreams.
Jaymee said breaking the news of her leaving to the Woolyungah team last week was one of the hardest things she'd had to do.
"I'm so sad to be going, but very, very proud of what we've achieved together. It is a really amazing team."
Jaymee's last day with UOW will be Friday, September 5. In a few weeks she will start her new senior executive role with Transport for NSW, overseeing Aboriginal Outcomes state-wide.
Jaymee humbly said "I know nothing about transport but as a life-long learner I'm really excited about taking on the new role and am determined to continue to make positive impact."
About the writer
Jeremy Lasek volunteered on the local Voice campaign and is a Friend of Woolyungah.
