Respected African Australian community leader receives RMIT honorary doctorate

Respected African Australian community leader receives RMIT honorary doctorate

RMIT University has recognised widely respected community leader and mental health clinician Selba-Gondoza Luka OAM with an honorary doctorate.

Honorary doctorate receiving their testatmur at the Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony.Selba-Gondoza Luka OAM and Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO

Luka is the founder and CEO of Afri-Aus Care, an organisation dedicated to supporting African Australian and culturally and linguistically diverse communities across Melbourne.

Born in Malawi, she migrated to Australia and transformed her traumatic experiences of family violence, isolation and social stigma into a positive force for community empowerment.

Luka received the Doctor of Social Science honoris causa at the 2026 Doctoral Degrees Graduation Ceremony on 13 May.

In her acceptance speech, Luka called on her fellow graduates to use their hard-earned knowledge as a tool to uplift others.

“Education gave me an opportunity. Lived experience gave me empathy and purpose. I have learned that true impact happens when knowledge meets compassion, and when we design systems with people, not just for them,” she said.

“The world needs your voice, your courage, and your leadership. Stay grounded in your values. Remember, success is not just what you achieve, but how you uplift others. Your education is a tool, but your humanity is your greatest strength.”

Photo of Selba-Gondoza Luka.Selba-Gondoza Luka OAM. Image: supplied

Luka turned her own experience of migration, stigma and family violence into a lifeline for African diaspora communities across Melbourne.

After arriving in Australia without family or community support, she gained undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in mental health and went on to found Afri-Aus Care in 2013.

The organisation supports African communities in Melbourne, addressing mental health, youth offending, family violence and alcohol and other drugs, while fostering a rare, harmonious space that bridges cultural and religious divides.

She also established the Black Rhinos primary prevention program, which uses basketball to divert children and young people from crime and offending.

An independent evaluation by RMIT researchers found the junior basketball program delivers significant benefits for participants, their families and communities, including improved school engagement and a shift away from being viewed as ‘problematic’ in the classroom.

news-blackrhinos2-1220x732pxRMIT research found the community basketball program aimed at supporting young African-Australians improved community engagement and academic performance. Image: Sam Garang

Professor Robyn Martin, Associate Dean, Social Work & Human Services in RMIT’s School of Global Urban and Social Studies, said the honorary doctorate was a fitting recognition of Luka’s extraordinary contribution to social equity and community wellbeing.

“Selba is a remarkable community leader whose life's work embodies everything we strive for in equity-centred research by meeting communities where they are, building trust and co-designing solutions that genuinely transform lives,” she said.

“Our collaboration on the Black Rhinos Junior Basketball program exemplifies what’s possible when research and community work hand in hand: young African-Australians and their families experienced a real sense of belonging, greater school engagement and strengthened connections, because Selba insisted the community lead the way from day one.

“We couldn't be more proud to call Selba a partner and friend of RMIT.”

Luka is widely respected as a trusted advisor to ministers and senior government officials, and as an advocate helping migrants rebuild their lives and sense of belonging in Australia.

Her leadership within Victoria’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities has been recognised through awards such as the Rotary Phonse Tobin Award and the VMC Meritorious Service to the Community in the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence.

In 2021, she was awarded Citizen of the Year by the City of Greater Dandenong and was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in the Local Champion category.

 

Story: Aeden Ratcliffe

13 May 2026

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