This week is Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. And for the Macquarie University community, it’s a great time to reflect on our progress in achieving better outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students.

In 2016 Walanga Muru, the University’s office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student engagement and strategy, launched Indigenous Strategy 2016 – 2025, Djurali (Evolve) to improve the recruitment, progression and success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff through a whole of university approach to Indigenous outcomes.

Since then, we’ve seen a record 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students graduate from Macquarie University. Scholarships have been key to this increase. At the April 2019 graduation ceremony, Madeline Morrison was one of 19 Aboriginal graduates. She was awarded a Master of Chiropractic after accessing support through the Dunmore Lang College Indigenous Incentive Scholarship. “This award was invaluable as I had the support of the College and resources of the University to allow me to put my best efforts into my studies,” she said.

Celebrating Reconciliation Week

There are a range of events and activities planned for Reconciliation Week at the University. By taking part, you can show your support for Reconciliation and help us continue achieving successful Indigenous outcomes at our University:

• Now until 30 May: Place your bid at the Indigenous Art Auction, online or at the MQ Reconciliation Fundraiser, to help raise funds for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student scholarships.
• 27 – 29 May: Visit the Aboriginal Market Stall at Wally’s Walk to purchase beautiful homewares, accessories and gifts made by Aboriginal peoples. All proceeds contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships.
• 28 May: The Department of Indigenous Studies and the Forum for Indigenous Research Excellence invite you to Macquarie University’s Inaugural Annual Reconciliation Week Address, with keynote speaker Nayuka Gorrie, a Gunai/Kurnai, Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta writer.
• 29 May: Walanga Muru invites you to a special presentation and Q and A session with Anthony Fraser, a leading voice in Indigenous education, about transforming the MQ curriculum to connect it with Indigenous knowledge and principles.
• May 30: Come along to the MQ Reconciliation Fundraiser, jointly hosted this year by the University and the Venture Café. The event raises funds for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships and celebrates the progress we’ve made toward the objectives of the Indigenous Strategy.
• Any time: Engage with Walanga Muru to find out how you and your team can contribute to Reconciliation and impact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes.

Show your support for Indigenous cultures and languages

Our university sits on the lands of the Dharug Nation. You can acknowledge the Dharug people and their ancestors by downloading this email banner, which has been created by the Department of Indigenous Studies and Dharug community members, to mark the International Year of Indigenous Languages.

 

 

 

You can hear more about how the University is helping students and staff better understand and appreciate the language and culture of the Dharug Nation, in a future issue of This Week.