On the eve of National Reconciliation Week, a special ceremony at Flinders University’s new Station Plaza has highlighted an early and important cross-cultural collaboration forged more than two centuries ago.

Navigator and explorer Matthew Flinders reserved special praise for Kuringgai leader Bungaree who was a key part of the exploration party, calling him pivotal to the success of Flinders’ expedition – and now both men are remembered in fitting tribute at the new gateway to the University precinct.

Last week, Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling unveiled the life-size statue of Flinders which has been placed in its ‘forever’ home at Flinders’ Station Plaza, almost five years to the day after its original unveiling by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The bronze statue is an exact replica of a monument of the University’s namesake at London’s Euston Station.

In 2016, the statue was unveiled as part of the announcement of a rail link to Flinders University, but after the recent completion of the rail line, the statue was officially welcomed to its permanent location as part of celebrations launching Station Plaza.

The event also revealed a banner in honour of Bungaree, who was Flinders’ interpreter and guide, who he credited as “a brave and worthy man who saved the expedition multiple times”.

Professor Stirling says opening Station Plaza represents an important moment in the realisation of the University’s future vision.

“The $141m rail line is the catalyst for our visionary Flinders Village development and Station Plaza is the first capital infrastructure project in this major development that signifies the commencement of our ambitious growth agenda.

“It is the welcoming gateway from the station and will soon be enhanced by our our flagship Health and Medical Research Building which will provide world class research facilities for Flinders University’s growing health and medical research, plus support contemporary teaching for the next generation of health and medical practitioners.

“Site works are scheduled to commence by the end of this year. And rest assured, it won’t be long afterwards when work starts on student accommodation, and other amenities to support this blossoming precinct.

“In this way, Station Plaza is more than it may first seem; not just a welcoming gateway for students, staff, visitors and the community, but a symbolic first step in our journey towards realising our vision for a bold new era for our University where education, research, health and community combine in a transformative development that unlocks the potential for $1.1bn in economic activity in southern Adelaide,” Professor Stirling says.

The launch of Station Plaza was attended by South Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport the Hon. Corey Wingard, Opposition leader Peter Malinauskas, and the federal member for Boothby Nicolle Flint, among dignitaries.