Reconciliation at Flinders

The path to reconciliation is a whole-of-University responsibility and as such, we are pleased to be celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW) #NRW2025 which runs annually from 27 May – 3 June. These dates mark two milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the historic 1992 Mabo decision, respectively.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025,  Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future and calls for all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

To commemorate National Reconciliation Week, a series of events will be hosted across several campuses. We’re inviting our community to join us to mark these significant milestones and to be a part of the next big steps in our nation’s reconciliation journey.

Reconciliation at the Library

The Library is commemorating Reconciliation Week with displays that reflect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Visit the displays at Central, Sturt, Medical, Tonsley, and City Campus libraries to take a moment to reflect on what Bridging Now to Next means to you.

Student Celebration

A variety of fun activities will be held at Bedford Park, Tonsley and Sturt to celebrate NRW, including arts and crafts activities, including weaving, painting and jewellery making and FREE donuts for students, in support of the Tjindu Foundation, a not-for-profit delivering education, and cultural engagement programs for Aboriginal children and young people in SA. Brought to you by the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement (OISE) and the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA).

  • Bedford Park Campus
    • Date: Wednesday 28 May & Thursday 29 May
    • Time: 11am – 2pm
    • Location: Ground Floor, Student Hub, Bedford Park
  • Tonsley Campus
    • Date: Wednesday 28 May
    • Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
    • Location: Level 1, Hub & Student Lounge, Tonsley
  • Sturt Campus
    • Date: Thursday 29 May
    • Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
    • Location: Courtyard, Sturt Precinct

City Campus NRW Workshops

To commemorate Reconciliation Week at Flinders City Campus, we invite you to participate in a series of engaging masterclasses at the L1 Welcome Hub. These sessions will take place daily throughout the week, with limited spaces available for both staff and students.

  • Australian movie night
    • Date: Tuesday, 27 May
    • Time: 5pm – 9pm
    • Enjoy an Australian movie night with complimentary popcorn. Book your tickets now. This movie will be presented in conjunction with FUSA and Film Society.
  • Free Bush Tucker ice cream
    • Date: Wednesday, 28 May
    • Time: 11am – 1pm
    • Share your thoughts on what Bridging Now to Next means to you and receive a free Bush Tucker ice cream—while stocks last. Pop down to L1 to partake, or at our library on L4.
  • Weaving workshop
    • Date: Thursday, 29 May
    • Time: 9am – 10:30am
    • Take part in a weaving workshop with Southern Cultural Immersion. Limited tickets available for staff and students. With special thanks to Student Services and FUSA.
  • Native animal figure painting
    • Date: Friday, 30 May
    • Time: 10am – 4pm
    • Explore your creativity at the L1 Welcome Hub, where you can paint native animal figures or bring artworks to life with colour. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the spirit of National Reconciliation Week. Craft at your own pace throughout the day and celebrate the beauty of connection through art.

Ticketed attendees only.

Register now!

2025 Lowitja O’Donoghue Oration

The Don Dunstan Foundation is honoured to present this significant Reconciliation Week event dedicated to the legacy of the late Dr. Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG.

This oration serves as a platform to highlight critical issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, continuing Dr O’Donoghue’s lifetime of work pursuing social justice and equality. This year, Romlie Mokak will deliver the address, reflecting on pressing challenges and inspiring action for positive change.

  • Date: Wednesday 28 May 
  • Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Location: Elder Hall, Adelaide

The Don Dunstan Foundation is honoured to present this significant event dedicated to the legacy of the late Dr. Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG. Dr. O’Donoghue, a distinguished Yankunytjatjara woman, dedicated her life to advocating for the welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, leaving an indelible mark on Australia’s social landscape.

Get your tickets here!

Journey into the Heart of Knowledge

The Library is honoured to launch and unveil Journey into the Heart of Knowledge, a stunning artwork created by Lawson ‘Wukawe’ Dodd, a proud Kaurna, Narungga, and Ngarrindjeri man, and Flinders Alumni. This event will commence with a Smoking Ceremony performed by Cliffy ‘Tangku Munaitya’ Wilson, a proud Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, Ngadjuri, and Arrente man.

  • Date: Tuesday 3 June
  • Time: 11am
  • Location: The Plaza, Bedford Park

FUMA Exhibition – Crosscurrents

Crosscurrents presents newly commissioned works by Brad Darkson, Chris De Rosa, Honor Freeman, Michael Kutschbach, Sonya Rankine, and Mary-Jean Richardson—Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists whose practices are deeply connected to the coastal edges of Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna, and Narungga waters. Reflecting on the layered histories and uncertain futures of these places, the exhibition explores human relationships with Sea Country, ecological fragility, and everyday rituals of coastal life. Coinciding with recent algae blooms along South Australia’s coast, Crosscurrents urges audiences to consider our shared responsibility to care for the environment—and for one another.

Crosscurrents is a FUMA exhibition curated by Dr Belinda Howden.  It is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, and the Government of South Australia through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

  • Date: 12 May – 5 September 2025
  • Time
    • Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm
    • Thursday until 7pm
    • Closed weekends and public holidays
  • Location: Flinders University Museum of Art, Ground Floor, Social Sciences North Building.
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