Professor Eddie Cubillo recognised for his exceptional contribution to education at the 2025 NAIDOC awards

Former Hub Director Professor Eddie Cubillo has been recognised for exceptional contributions to empowering First Nations peoples through education at the 2025 National NAIDOC Education Award in Boorloo (Perth) on July 5.

eddie accepting the 2025 NAIDOC education award 

Eddie is a Larrakia, Wadjigan, and Central Arrernte man from the Northern Territory and a leading advocate for Indigenous justice and education. Before he was Director of the Hub (2021-2025) he served in key roles including Anti-Discrimination Commissioner of the Northern Territory, Executive Officer of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS), and Director of Community Engagement for the Northern Territory Royal Commission.

“Throughout my career…I have been driven by one core principle: that education is power. But for it to be truly powerful, it must be honest. It must be brave. And it must centre Indigenous truth, history, and voice.” Eddie said in his acceptance speech.

The Education Award recognises exceptional individuals and groups in the education sector who have made a difference to the lives of students and communities. This award seeks to recognise individuals and groups who have made a demonstrable contribution to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“I have pushed for recognition of the critical role of Indigenous legal education, not as a niche, but as central to understanding the full scope of justice in this country.”

In his time at the Melbourne Law School as Director of the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub, Eddie worked with tireless dedication to challenge settler legal education. He spearheaded the De-colonising the Curriculum Committee and the development of two unique travelling law subjects that are immersive ‘On-Country’ learning experiences, delivered on site on a chosen First Nations Country: Access to Justice on Country and Indigenous Law in Aotearoa and Australia. Both subjects continue to be delivered with exceptionally high student feedback.

Eddie was also committed to mentoring First Nations students in their legal education journey. Now Director of the Mabo Centre, he continues to champion legal reform and self-determination.

Congratulations Eddie, the Hub is so proud to see you recognised for your incredible work.

eddie spoke to Wide Open Air about accepting his award earlier this week, you can listen here

Eddie’s full acceptance speech:

Thank you. I am deeply honoured to accept the National NAIDOC Education Award. I accept this award not only on my own behalf, but in recognition of the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have walked this path before me, and those who continue the vital work of empowering our communities through education and advocacy.

Throughout my career—whether as an academic, an advocate, or in my roles with the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub, the Royal Commission in the NT, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner or as the Director of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services—I have been driven by one core principle: that education is power. But for it to be truly powerful, it must be honest. It must be brave. And it must centre Indigenous truth, history, and voice. Education is not neutral. Too often, the systems we work within are imbued with settler colonial logics—logics that maintain exclusion, uphold systemic discrimination, and diminish Indigenous perspectives.

Whether in the law, in our institutions, or in the classroom, the erasure of our lived experience persists. That is why it has always been my mission to use education as a platform not only to teach, but to challenge: to challenge deeply ingrained myths about justice, to question the silencing of First Nations knowledge systems, and to demand accountability for the structural racism that still shapes our communities. During my time at the University of Melbourne Law School, I worked to confront the "noble savage" stereotype and expose how settler frameworks marginalise and sanitise Indigenous presence. I have advocated for our right to teach our law—our ways of resolving conflict, of healing, of holding responsibility.

I have pushed for recognition of the critical role of Indigenous legal education, not as a niche, but as central to understanding the full scope of justice in this country. But let me be clear: this recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to every student who has walked through our doors determined to speak their truth, to every community elder who has lent their wisdom, to every ally who has stood beside us. It belongs to the next generation, who deserve to inherit a system more just, more honest, and more inclusive than the one we have known.

I want to thank the NAIDOC Committee, the University of Melbourne, my colleagues and mentors, and most importantly, my community. You have all carried me, challenged me, and held me accountable. Let us remember: education is not just about knowledge—it is about responsibility. May we all continue to use it to elevate our people, honour our stories, and build a future where justice is not an aspiration, but a reality.