On Friday 25 March, we will mark 56 years since Flinders University was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

For more than half a century, Flinders University has earned a reputation as the home of change – a place that was born to be different, to challenge the status quo and to shake up the way the world operates.

Flinders University was named after the intrepid navigator Captain Matthew Flinders, respected as a great adventurer who embraced and courageously investigated the unknown, becoming an inspiration to so many through the years.

We share much more than a name with Flinders. We share his ambition and commitment to make a difference in the lives of those around us, and our courage and sense of adventure defines us.

The Flinders community – which includes 26 Fulbright Scholars, five Rhodes Scholars, one Australian of the Year and a member of the Logies Hall of Fame – comprises outstanding academics, researchers, professionals, graduates and students who have had a profound and longstanding influence at a local, national and global scale.

The past two years have been especially challenging as we grappled with a global pandemic, along with the ongoing impact of climate change and coming to terms with ongoing political and social tensions around the world. In such difficult times, it has been necessary for the strong to stand up and lead – and this is where the Flinders community has shone brightly.

The determination of the Flinders community to continually adapt and overcome challenges, together with our commitment to evolution and improvement, provide a key point of difference that sets us apart – and this reputation continues to grow.

As we fearlessly look towards the future, Flinders University is determined to thrive. Together, we will embrace and encourage change, that reinforces Flinders’ reputation as the home of discovery, creation, innovation and change.

To all of Flinders University’s staff, students, alumni and members of our broader community – happy birthday, and here’s to the successful years that lay ahead.