Departmental Affiliations
Center & Institute Affiliations
Research Interests
As a Wiradjuri woman and an academic in Indigenous health, my research and teaching are deeply rooted in the principles of cultural safety and responsiveness, relational accountability, and systemic transformation. With over 30 years of experience in the health sector, I have led transformative change for Indigenous Peoples and underserved populations particularly within the pharmacy profession by challenging structural inequities and embedding Indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream practices.
My research interrogates the systems that perpetuate exclusion and seeks to reimagine healthcare through Indigenous-led frameworks. I focus on identity safety, cultural matching, and the development of culturally responsive training programs. Through collaborative inquiry and global partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, communities, and professional bodies, I aim to refine models of relational accountability and advance culturally safe education across disciplines.
With 25 years of experience in the education sector, I have led curriculum reform and innovation that centers Indigenous ways of knowing and being. I bring demonstrated expertise in mentoring, leadership development, and inclusive education working with and for Indigenous communities to foster systemic reform. My teaching philosophy is grounded in transformative learning, where students are empowered to become agents of change through critical reflection, relational engagement, and community accountability.
I envision a future where cultural safety is not an adjunct but a foundational principle in healthcare and education. Through research, teaching, and advocacy, I remain committed to creating inclusive, accountable, and just institutions that uplift Indigenous voices and empower communities.
Keywords (for sorting)
- Indigenous Health
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
- Health Equity
- Relational Accountability
- Cultural Safety and responsiveness
- Global Indigenous Collaboration
Experiences & Accomplishments
Faye McMillan is a proud Wiradjuri yinaa (woman) originally from Trangie, New South Wales, Australia. She is a trailblazer in Indigenous health, recognized as the first Indigenous Australian to earn a Western degree in pharmacy. With over three decades of experience across health care and higher education, Faye brings deep expertise, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing Indigenous health equity.
Before joining the Center for Indigenous Health, Faye held influential roles including Girra Maa Indigenous Health Discipline Lead at the University of Technology Sydney’s School of Public Health and served nationally as both the Deputy and Acting National Rural Health Commissioner. She continues to contribute to the profession through her work with the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC), where she is a member and chairs the APC Indigenous Health Strategy Group.
Faye holds a Doctor of Health Science, a Master of Indigenous Health, a Master of Social Change and Leadership, and a Bachelor of Pharmacy. Her academic and professional journey reflects a lifelong dedication to creating inclusive, culturally safe health systems and educational spaces.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Faye is a proud mum, sister, daughter, aunt, niece, and friend roles that ground her work and inspire her advocacy.
Honors & Awards
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
The Member of the Order of Australia (AM) is one of the highest civilian honors in Australia. It recognizes individuals for: "Service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group."
This award is part of the Order of Australia, established in 1975 to acknowledge outstanding achievement and service. The AM is typically awarded for sustained contributions that have had a significant impact on a community, profession, or cause.
In 2021 I was awarded an AM for: Significant service to Indigenous mental health and tertiary education.
This honor is a formal recognition by the Australian Government. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters AM.
The Faye McMillan Conference Scholarship (2023-24-25)
Scholarship awarded to Indigenous pharmacists or pharmacy students to undertake professional development and networking the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
This scholarship named in my honor was established by the PSA after winning the 2022 Pharmacist of the Year. It is in recognition of the commitment to ongoing relationships of Indigenous people and the pharmacy profession.
Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia 2023
Fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is a prestigious achievement. PSA members who have demonstrated significant achievement in pharmacy practice or provided an outstanding contribution to the profession for an extended period of time.
University of Wollongong Alumni Award for Professional Excellence 2023
Alumni Award for Professional Excellence recognizes graduates who have achieved outstanding success and made significant contributions within their chosen profession, demonstrating leadership and positive impact on their field and society. It's a prestigious award given to individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their careers and serve as an inspiration to others.
Australian Pharmacist of the Year 2022
Named the 2022 Australian Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
Who’s Who of Australian Women 2022 & 2017 editions.
Recognized for contributions to Indigenous health, pharmacy, and education. but also her deep commitment to community, mentorship, and transformative leadership.
NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year 2019
A dedicated pillar of her community, the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year is a role model who promotes economic, cultural and/or social opportunities for Aboriginal people in NSW.
Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards 2014
Recognized in the Local/Regional Community category, this category celebrates women who have made significant contributions to their communities, often through grassroots leadership, advocacy, and service.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA) 2011
Named within 100 Indigenous women who contributed to and achieved change for our (Indigenous) people and communities in the past 100 years
Awards
Harkness Senior Fellow: Senior Fellows continue to make valuable contributions to health policy and practice both at home and in the United States. Senior Fellows also become part of a strong international network of health policy researchers and practitioners, enjoying continued opportunities to engage with the Commonwealth Fund.
Lifelong Atlantic Fellow: The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program will develop up to 500 Atlantic Fellows associated with the Atlantic Institute as members of a lifelong, global community. The Institute serves as a convening and knowledge-sharing hub for the global network of Fellows. Based at Rhodes House, Oxford, U.K., the Institute is hosted by the Rhodes Trust and offers resources and opportunities for Fellows and program staff to connect, learn and work together.
Senior Fellow, Advance Higher Education (SFHEA) Senior Fellows demonstrate a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning. An experienced member of staff able to demonstrate impact and influence on other colleagues through, for example, responsibility for leading, managing or organizing programs, subjects and/or disciplinary areas.