Emeritus Prof. Michael McDaniel AO is a Wiradjuri man who has significantly contributed to the Australian cultural and education sectors and community over more than three decades.
[1][2] McDaniel is the former chair of Bangarra Dance Theatre, current Special Advisor (Indigenous Priorities) at the University of Technology Sydney, and chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art's Indigenous Advisory Group.
[1] McDaniel grew up in the town of Forbes as a member of the Kalari Clan in the Wiradjuri Nation in Central New South Wales, Australia.
[1] In 2024, the University of Technology Sydney released the winning design for the bespoke from scratch new National First Nations 250-bed College that will be located on the university's Ultimo campus and was created as part of McDaniel's vision while Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement).
[5] McDaniel makes badhang wilay (possum-skin cloaks) to continue the practice of his ancestors.