CQUni’s newly-appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Engagement and BHP Chair in Indigenous Engagement Adrian Miller is a self-proclaimed geek. The Lord of the Rings enthusiast was born in Mareeba and raised in Innisfail and has family spread across North Queensland. After working at Charles Darwin University for the past year as PVC of Indigenous Leadership, Professor Miller recently relocated to Townsville with wife Selina and their two daughters (21 and 19). He’s passionate about making a difference and looks forward to influencing positive change in Indigenous education and research.
What is your favourite film or book of all time?
My favourite films and books are The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by JRR Tolkin and film adaptations by Peter Jackson – geeky I know. I also visited the famous Eagle and Child pub in Oxford where Tolkin and Lewis met together and no doubt talked about their literary works – also very geeky.
What was a recent highlight in your life?
I travelled on a road trip with family and friends to Uluru – a very powerful experience. We used free camp sites and broke-in our new camper trailer – I’m still getting rid of the Simpson Desert dust.
What is the best thing about being at CQUni?
Being able to be in this position of PVC Indigenous Engagement and be back in North Queensland close to family and friends. I’m also enjoying a new way of working across multiple campuses with colleagues across Australia.
Jamie Oliver is coming for dinner – What do you make him?
My coconut curry chicken!!!
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Hang out and enjoy the company of my family – I like camping too.
What is a motto or phrase that you live by?
In my language, Dyirbal, ŋali ŋinda ŋambayiriɲu, which means “You and I are thinking” of solutions together.
What do you love most about your role?
The enormous potential to make a difference.
If you were down to your last $10, what would you buy?
Flowers for my wife Selina and a lamington if there’s any change.
What is your favourite karaoke song and why?
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel, but I’m not sure if it’s a commonly known karaoke song. With simple lyrics and beat you can’t go wrong.
Which major sporting event would you most like to see live?
State of Origin in Queensland.
