The inaugural Flinders University Indigenous Staff Forum was a huge success, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff from across Flinders campuses visiting Bedford Park on November 1 to network, establish connections, and share information, experiences and opportunities in an open and inclusive space.

Almost 50 staff from Adelaide, Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs, Katherine and Renmark took part in the Forum, which began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony at the Yungkurrinthi Inparrila cultural space, before events continued in the Alere Function Centre.

A highlight of the day was the “On the Couch with the Elders” session, facilitated by Professor Simone Ulalka Tur, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous). It featured five invited Elders, including two Senior Elders on Campus, to talk about their roles at Flinders University. The Elders generously shared their knowledge and wisdom on a variety of topics, including leadership, wellbeing and the importance of connection and belonging.

“It was wonderful that so many staff were able to come together in a culturally safe and supportive environment to meet each other, many for the first time, and to share with each other on matters that are important to us. Feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive and I look forward to building on this Forum and growing the Indigenous staff network at Flinders University,” says Cindy D’Angelo, Indigenous Employment Coordinator.

The Indigenous Staff Forum supports the goals and objectives of the Flinders University Indigenous Employment Strategy 2022-2025.