National Reconciliation Week at Flinders University

Flinders University’s collective vision is to foster an environment that recognises and embraces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledges and cultures. This vision for reconciliation is grounded in the concepts of togetherness, reciprocity, and respect.

The path to reconciliation is a whole-of-University responsibility and as such, we are pleased to be celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW) #NRW2025 which runs annually from 27 May – 3 June. These dates mark two milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the historic 1992 Mabo decision, respectively.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future and calls for all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

To commemorate National Reconciliation Week, a series of events will be hosted across several campuses. We’re inviting our community to join us to mark these significant milestones and to be a part of the next big steps in our nation’s reconciliation journey.

There are also wide range of community events that celebrate National Reconciliation Week, check out the local council events pages for Mitcham, Marion and Onkaparinga or view Reconciliation Australia's Event Calendar here.

Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, these are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We honour their Elders past, present and emerging.

Events

2025 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Conference

Held from Wednesday 21 May to Friday 23 May, the 2025 RAP Conference provides a platform for staff and students to engage in a variety of cultural activities and discussions centred around the University’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The conference features interactive workshops, hands-on experiences, and cultural celebrations that will bring people together and celebrate our shared commitment of an inclusive and respectful community.

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Yungkurrinthi Community BBQ

Date: Friday 23 May
Time: 3pm
Location: Inparrila, Bedford Park

Join us in Inparrila for the Yungkurrinthi Community BBQ.

Special performance by the award winning and highly regarded, Iwiri Choir.

Smoking Ceremony performed by Petiola Wilson and a welcome address by PVC(I), Prof Simone Ulalka Tur.

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2025 Lowitja O'Donoghue Oration

Date: Wednesday 28 May
Time: 16:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Elder Hall, Adelaide

The Don Dunstan Foundation is honoured to present this significant Reconciliation Week event dedicated to the legacy of the late Dr. Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG.

This oration serves as a platform to highlight critical issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, continuing Dr O'Donoghue's lifetime of work pursuing social justice and equality. This year, Romlie Mokak will deliver the address, reflecting on pressing challenges and inspiring action for positive change.

The Don Dunstan Foundation is honoured to present this significant event dedicated to the legacy of the late Dr. Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG. Dr. O'Donoghue, a distinguished Yankunytjatjara woman, dedicated her life to advocating for the welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, leaving an indelible mark on Australia's social landscape.

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Student Celebration

Bedford Park Campus
Date: Wednesday 28 May & Thursday 29 May
Time: 11am - 2pm
Location: Ground Floor, Student Hub, Bedford Park

Tonsley Campus
Date: Wednesday 28 May
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Location: Level 1, Hub & Student Lounge, Tonsley

Sturt Campus
Date: Thursday 29 May
Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm
Location: Courtyard, Sturt Precint

There is a variety of fun activities to celebrate NRW including:

- A range of arts and crafts activities including weaving, painting and jewellery making.

- FREE donuts to support the Tjindu Foundation, a not-for-profit delivering education, and cultural engagement programs for Aboriginal children and young people in SA.

Brought to you by the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement (OISE) and the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA).

Journey into the Heart of Knowledge

Date: Tuesday 3 June
Time: 11am
Location: The Plaza, Bedford Park

The Library is honoured to launch and unveil Journey into the Heart of Knowledge, a stunning artwork created by Lawson ‘Wukawe’ Dodd, a proud Kaurna, Narungga, and Ngarrindjeri man, and Flinders Alumni. This event will commence with a Smoking Ceremony performed by Cliffy 'Tangku Munaitya' Wilson, a proud Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, Ngadjuri, and Arrente man.

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City Campus NRW Workshops

To commemorate Reconciliation Week at Flinders City Campus, we invite you to participate in a series of engaging masterclasses at the L1 Welcome Hub. These sessions will take place daily throughout the week, with limited spaces available for both staff and students.

Location: Level 1, Welcome Hub, City Campus

Date: Tuesday, 27 May
Time: 5pm - 9pm
Enjoy an Australian movie night with complimentary popcorn. Book your tickets now. This movie will be presented in conjunction with FUSA and Film Society.

Date: Wednesday, 28 May
Time: 11am - 1pm
Share your thoughts on what Bridging Now to Next means to you and receive a free Bush Tucker ice cream—while stocks last. Pop down to L1 to partake, or at our library on L4.

Date: Thursday, 29 May
Time: 9am - 10:30am
Take part in a weaving workshop with Southern Cultural Immersion. Limited tickets available for staff and students. With special thanks to Student Services and FUSA.

Date: Friday, 30 May
Time: 10am - 4pm
Explore your creativity at the L1 Welcome Hub, where you can paint native animal figures or bring artworks to life with colour. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the spirit of National Reconciliation Week. Craft at your own pace throughout the day and celebrate the beauty of connection through art.

* Ticketed attendees only.

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FUMA Exhibition -Crosscurrents

Date: 12 May – 5 September 2025
Time: Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm
Thursday until 7pm
Closed weekends and public holidays

Location: Flinders University Museum of Art, Ground Floor, Social Sciences North Building.

Crosscurrents presents newly commissioned works by Brad Darkson, Chris De Rosa, Honor Freeman, Michael Kutschbach, Sonya Rankine, and Mary-Jean Richardson—Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists whose practices are deeply connected to the coastal edges of Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna, and Narungga waters. Reflecting on the layered histories and uncertain futures of these places, the exhibition explores human relationships with Sea Country, ecological fragility, and everyday rituals of coastal life. Coinciding with recent algae blooms along South Australia’s coast, Crosscurrents urges audiences to consider our shared responsibility to care for the environment—and for one another.

Crosscurrents is a FUMA exhibition curated by Dr Belinda Howden. It is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, and the Government of South Australia through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

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Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement

Yungkurrinthi Student Engagement (YSE) provides student support and pastoral care services to Indigenous students at Flinders University.

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Flinders Indigenous Scholarships

These scholarships provide grants of up to $5,000 to make a real difference to the lives of Indigenous students by helping students meet study related costs including essential study resources, textbooks, accommodation and daily travel.

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