Murrup welcomes incoming Chair

After six transformational years, Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt AO is stepping aside as Murrup’s Board Chair, to welcome Luke Searle into the role.

Professor Behrendt - an Eualayai/Gamillaroi woman - led the organisation during the challenges of COVID, as well as through a reimagining of the organisation’s service delivery model, reform of its systems, recognition of its status as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, and even a name change.

Murrup now delivers programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people from pre-birth to early-adulthood, to support them in their education journey and beyond, in four remote First Nations communities.

‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such a wonderful organisation during a period of such profound transformation,’ Professor Behrendt said.

‘I have been proud to lead a Board that has been passionate about expanding our impact, investing in Murrup’s infrastructure, and empowering First Nations communities through community-led programming and place-based decision-making.

‘I am pleased that I hand over the role of Chair to Luke Searle, who I know will continue the strong First Nations leadership on the Murrup Board.’

Mr Searle - a proud Awabakal man - joined the Board in June 2026 and has spent his career in frontline policing, community corrections, and Aboriginal justice advocacy. He currently specialises in investigating sensitive offences involving vulnerable people.

Mr Searle said his experience in the justice system had given him insight into what can happen when young people have unstable home environments, and lack access to education and employment, and positive peers and role models. So, he’s committed to supporting children and young people through programming that sets them up, and supports them, to thrive.

‘We’re never going to undo colonisation, so we have to support children and young people to walk in two worlds. This means giving them access to education and employment, as well as opportunities to stay strong in culture and connected with their communities,’ he said.

‘I believe that, given the right support and funding, Murrup can continue to deliver programs that are trusted, community-led and based on a self-determined model.

‘And I look forward to deepening the Board’s relationship with our partner communities, and continuing to build trust in our programs.’

Murrup CEO Shellee Strickland said she was grateful for Professor Behrendt’s leadership and welcomed Mr Searle’s vision for the organisation.

‘Murrup has matured in its programs and processes under Professor Behrendt’s leadership, including realising its status as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation,’ Ms Strickland said.

‘The team and I look forward to working with Mr Searle to build on these foundations and continue to deepen our impact in our four partner communities.’

Professor Behrendt will remain on the Board until the end of 2026 to support Mr Searle as incoming Chair and to ensure a smooth transition.