Cheryl Kickett-Tucker

Biography

Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker AM is a distinguished Wadjuk Ballardong Yued Yok scholar, Traditional Owner, social scientist and children’s author. She is the inaugural Convenor of First Nations and Educational Research at Curtin University and an Adjunct Professor in Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University (USA). She also serves as Chair of Koya Aboriginal Corporation and as a Board Director of Netball Australia.

A leader in bridging academic knowledge with community priorities, Professor Kickett-Tucker champions culturally respectful, community-led approaches that empower Aboriginal people to define and lead their own futures. Her commitment to research translation ensures her work is rigorous, evidence-based and deeply impactful—informing policy, shaping practice and strengthening community wellbeing.

Her research expertise centres on Aboriginal identity, racial socialisation and self-esteem, including the development of culturally grounded instruments across the lifespan. She leads major initiatives such as Moombaki Cultural Learnings, Balanginy, and Weeip Maali Boodja, and contributes to national collaborations focused on Aboriginal youth wellbeing and mental health.

With more than 30 years’ experience in sport and youth development, Professor Kickett-Tucker has been widely recognised for her contributions, including being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and named Western Australia’s Local Hero.