The Mabo Centre, an Indigenous-led research centre and partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council (NNTC), is pleased to announce the appointment of Enterprise Professor Rodney Carter to the role of Interim Centre Director.
Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta man Prof. Carter is a community leader and advocate for Indigenous rights and recognition. He joins the Mabo Centre after serving as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) and Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd for close to a decade.
“This is a critical time when Traditional Owners are seeking to negotiate local treaty with the state government. Indigenous peoples have cared for Country for millennia, and we should be able to share in the benefits,” said Prof. Carter. “The advancement of land and sea rights for economic gain provides opportunity for us to get back on equal footing and create better futures for our children.”
Prof. Carter brings a wealth of experience to the role of Interim Centre Director. A key member of the sustainable development and effective management of Dja Dja Wurrung Cultural Heritage, Prof. Carter’s involvement in negotiating the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples’ native title settlement has led to greater recognition of cultural rights and increased decision-making powers around land use and access.
During his time as CEO of DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung people became the first Traditional Owner group to register their intent to negotiate a Traditional Owner Treaty, highlighting Prof. Carter’s commitment to advocating for Traditional Owners and their communities to access the economic, cultural and social benefits from their traditional lands and waters.
“Prof. Carter’s appointment is a major step forward. It promises to enable us to achieve critical goals for Traditional Owners and Native Title groups seeking economic development opportunities,” said Centre Co-Chair Professor Marcia Langton. “Getting the policy framework right for Aboriginal wealth creation is a must, and Prof Carter’s leadership will make this possible. I join the other members of our Advisory Group and the University community in congratulating Prof. Carter on his appointment.”
Centre Co-Chair and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne, Paul Kofman, also expressed his delight in welcoming Prof. Carter to lead the Mabo Centre through its next phase, which builds on the foundations laid by Centre Director Dr Eddie Cubillo (currently on sabbatical). Dr Cubillo’s knowledge, expertise, and staunch approach to Indigenous rights and recognition during the Centre’s formative period have shaped its direction in strengthening Indigenous economic development through land and sea rights.
Prof. Carter will also be instrumental in honouring the legacy of Indigenous land rights activist and Centre namesake Eddie Koiki Mabo.
“It’s a privilege to carry forward the work of Eddie Koiki Mabo. Through the Mabo Centre, we continue his legacy and that of countless community leaders and Elders who have fought for land and sea justice and Indigenous rights through the decades,” he said.
Contact: Mabo Centre Communications Manager, beth.cesarin@unimelb.edu.au
January 29, 2026