Our Stories
Indigenous Governance Structure
Flinders University’s Indigenous governance structure was established to share accountability, transparent decision-making, and reporting across all levels of the institution.
As the University moved towards advancing its reconciliation journey, it was clear that existing reporting mechanisms were not sufficient to monitor commitments, track outcomes, or ensure Indigenous voices were central in shaping policy and practice. The governance framework was therefore intentionally designed to align with national expectations.
The University’s RAP Oversight Committee was established in 2020 as the key group responsible for monitoring the implementation of the RAP, ensuring that commitments translate into measurable action. Comprising of senior leadership and University stakeholders, its role includes reviewing progress, identifying systemic barriers, and advising on strategic priorities. This committee provides the overarching accountability structure that underpins all other Indigenous strategies and governance activities.
Complementing this is the Tarrkarri-ana Committee, established to meet ISSP compliance requirements and to monitor Indigenous Student Success Targets. Its membership is comprised of student success and support stakeholders across the University, and is responsible for oversight of Indigenous student outcomes, funding obligations, and the effectiveness of support strategies. The committee ensures that the university’s commitments to Indigenous student success are both compliant and coordinated.
ISSP and Indigenous Student Success Target reports are submitted to the Tarrkarri-ana Committee, Academic Senate and Education Committee, embedding Indigenous student outcomes within mainstream academic governance. Similarly, the Indigenous Research Strategy reports to the Research Committee, ensuring that Indigenous research priorities are recognised and monitored.
The Elders Committee plays a foundational role by providing cultural authority, guidance, and community accountability. Its advice informs RAP implementation, Indigenous research, curriculum development and student support initiatives. The Elders Committee’s insights are directed into university governance through regular reporting to Academic Senate. 18 Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
The University’s commitment to Indigenous employment is supported through the Indigenous Workforce Strategy, which reports to the Indigenous Workforce Strategy Committee. Chaired by the Vice President Corporate Services, this structure ensures that Indigenous employment initiatives are tracked and aligned with broader RAP goals. The strategy is also closely connected to the Tarrkarri-ana Committee, reflecting the shared alignment with ISSP grant funding.
Together, these committees form Flinders University’s Indigenous governance structure that ensures Indigenous priorities are embedded across the University’s academic, research, workforce, and student success areas. Each committee has a distinct mandate, but their reporting lines and shared responsibilities create a cohesive framework that supports transparency, cultural integrity and continuous improvement. This structure enables the university to monitor progress, respond to emerging needs, and uphold its commitments under the Reconciliation Action Plan with clarity and accountability.
The University’s commitment to Indigenous employment is supported through the Indigenous Workforce Strategy, which reports to the Indigenous Workforce Strategy Committee. Chaired by the Vice President Corporate Services, this structure ensures that Indigenous employment initiatives are tracked and aligned with broader RAP goals. The strategy is also closely connected to the Tarrkarri-ana Committee, reflecting the shared alignment with ISSP grant funding.
Together, these committees form Flinders University’s Indigenous governance structure that ensures Indigenous priorities are embedded across the University’s academic, research, workforce, and student success areas. Each committee has a distinct mandate, but their reporting lines and shared responsibilities create a cohesive framework that supports transparency, cultural integrity and continuous improvement. This structure enables the university to monitor progress, respond to emerging needs, and uphold its commitments under the Reconciliation Action Plan with clarity and accountability.
Elders On Campus Program
Flinders University has deepened its reconciliation journey through meaningful engagement, structural change, and cultural leadership through the establishment of an Elders on Campus program and the inaugural appointment of Senior Elder on Campus, Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien (Kaurna), Uncle Richard Fejo (Larrakia), and Aunty Pat Miller (Arrernte). The Elders’ cultural authority, wisdom, and leadership have guided the University in truth telling, cultural protocols and community engagement.
“I think the contribution that Elders brings to campus is very unique … it's very generous in terms of the information and the cultural experience that they share in their experiences and their cultural knowledge. It's very generous, we're very lucky to have the Elders here, they play a very important role in the university, and I just think it makes us more culturally mature as an organisation.”
The program is highly valued by staff and students, with the Elders being a vital conduit between the university and the broader community. The Elders on Campus program fosters a supportive environment and sense of belonging, and has a pivotal role in building shared understanding and respect of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.
The Elders on Campus program has provided a structure to providing governance, cultural authority, guidance, and relational leadership across the University. Building on this success, the university continues to build stronger relationships with cultural educators in Nhulunbuy, recognising the importance of place-based knowledge and the unique cultural context of East Arnhem Land. This expansion reflects a significant learning: reconciliation must be locally grounded and led by First Nations voices. Elders and cultural educators are pivotal in building trust, fostering two-way learning, and ensuring cultural safety for Indigenous students and staff. Their leadership strengthens our partnerships in communities, where sustained engagement and respect for local protocols are essential.
Shirley Matthews Scholarships
– Making a difference to students lives
The Late Shirley Matthews studied a Diploma of Social Administration at Flinders University in the 1970s, Shirley was a social worker for much of her life. She later returned to Flinders to study a Bachelor of Arts with Honours graduating in 1999.
With a major in archaeological science and a passion for local history, Shirley produced a thesis titled, The North Arm Ships’ Graveyard, Port Adelaide, South Australia: some historical perspectives of the ships and associated maritime activity and an examination of the artefact assemblage.
Shirley’s generous bequest has provided an opportunity for the University to demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation and the importance of coming together to embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ceremony. The Shirley Matthews Indigenous Education and Research Fund has been established within Flinders University’s Karmel Endowment Fund.
News and Stories
First Nations Researchers Collective (FNRC)
The First Nations Researchers Collective at Flinders University (established in December 2021) emerged from an iterative co-design process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement, and Research Development and Support. The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) sponsors the Collective.
The First Nations Researchers Collective is now underpinned by the Indigenous Research Strategy. The Collective contributes to Priority 1: Indigenous Research Excellence, Capacity and Leadership.
This co-design approach is critical to the success of the program: It ensures the Indigenous Researcher Collective is shaped by Indigenous voices.
This First Nations Researcher Collective is aligned with the Flinders University Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 – 2025 (Action 10). The Collective is also reflected in, and links to the work of, the Indigenous Research Strategy.
Health, Medical & Research Building (HMRB)
In consultation with Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien and members of the Cultural Narrative and Indigenous Art Advisory Panel, the HMRB has been designed to reflect Rainbow Yarta (rainbow country) – the multicoloured sand dunes of Kaurna country.
Informed by the Cultural Narrative and Indigenous Art Advisory Panel, the Health and Medical Research Building was designed to integrate into the surrounding landscape and recognise the cultural significance of the site on which the Bedford Park campus is located.
Inspired by its place on Rainbow Country, the HMRB’s design honours what was there before and what will always be present. Linking to the natural pigments of the Kaurna Yarta coastline, the HMRB features earth tones throughout, to mirror the sedimentary layers of local land, while its ochre-coloured façade draws attention to significant Indigenous landmarks.
With an emphasis on combined knowledge to improve health and wellbeing for all, the HMRB acknowledges Indigenous experience and learnings in commissioned artwork and design both inside and out. A Kaurna Kuri design by artist James Tylor, which features on the façade and internally, represents the points where two or more songlines converge and where different knowledges meet in one place. This includes the medical practices that First Nations peoples have learned and used for tens of thousands of years and is also demonstrated in the traditional Indigenous medicine garden that forms a key part of HMRB’s landscaping.
A centrepiece in the foyer of the HMRB hangs renowned Ngarrindjeri weaver Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie’s Yamalaitji ngurikawi wurri (First Blossom acacia seed) in collaboration with Adelaide-based artist and designer Karl Meyer.
Yamalaitji not only honours the past but also invites contemplation on the invaluable contribution of First Nations knowledges to our collective understanding of health and healing today. (Opening HMRB 2024, Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie)
SAGE Athena Swan Cygnet Awards
Flinders University is recognised as a national leader in supporting Indigenous workforce talent and prioritising the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in higher education, receiving two prestigious SAGE Athena Swan Cygnet Awards.
These awards were for our unwavering commitment to reducing barriers and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. These awards acknowledge Flinders’ efforts to foster an inclusive environment—supporting Indigenous workforce attraction and retention and increasing engagement and participation of First Nations students in higher education. Flinders is the first university in South Australia to achieve this accolade from SAGE (Science in Australia Gender Equity), which recognises actions taken by institutions to improve equity, diversity and inclusion.
Indigenous Workforce Strategy (IWS)
The Indigenous Workforce Strategy 2026 – 2030 builds on the University’s previous Indigenous Workforce Strategies. It extends the work of these past strategies and focuses on broader engagement and commitment for long term Indigenous employment success and sustainability.
Flinders will achieve its 3% target for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment through five priority areas:
Flinders University champions diverse and culturally informed recruitment approaches that recognise Indigenous knowledges, lived experience, and transferrable skillsets, ensuring inclusive and sustainable career opportunities.
Employment opportunities and entry pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be expanded across all levels of the institution.
Flinders University remains committed to being a safe and affirming workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff can thrive.
Flinders will continue to value the deep cultural connections, lived experiences, and community responsibilities, carried by Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff whose cultural authority enriches our work. As the University’s Indigenous strategies affirm, these knowledges will be embedded in curriculum, research priorities, governance, and decision‑making.
A commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership development will be demonstrated through the identification of clear pathways and succession planning into senior academic and professional leadership positions across Colleges and Portfolios. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff will be encouraged to participate in the University’s professional leadership development programs.
Indigenous Workforce Strategy 2026 - 2030 | Flinders University - Flinders University
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