Elder in Residence

Monash University is proud of its Elder in Residence Program. The Elder in Residence is based within the William Cooper Institute of the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous).

The Elder in Residence provides cultural advice to students, staff and the broader University community. The Elder in Residence also engages across the University to promote Indigenous culture and protocols including the delivery of Acknowledgement to Country at key events. They’re also sought to provide guest lectures and attend important ceremonial obligations within the University community.

Our current Elder in Residence, Uncle Ricky Baldwin is a proud Gunai Kurnai man from Lake Tyers in Victoria. A respected community leader, mentor and cultural educator, Ricky has dedicated his life to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through sport, leadership and cultural connection.

A former elite basketballer who competed at national level, Ricky transitioned into coaching and leadership, including guiding the Australian Indigenous Women's Basketball team to gold at the first international Indigenous tournament in 2019. He is the Founder and CEO of Koorie Academy Basketball, a not for profit organisation in Naarm/Melbourne that creates opportunities for young people to build confidence, pride and connection to culture through sport.

Ricky has been recognised with numerous honours, including induction into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll (2025), Victorian NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year (2024), and Knox Council Citizen of the Year (2023). He also serves on the National Basketball League First Nations Advisory Committee and is an Elder in Residence with the Bunnings National Future Leaders Program.

In August 2025, Ricky commenced as Elder in Residence at the William Cooper Institute, where he continues to guide and support the next generation of leaders.