Students
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students come from all over Australia. Learn more about how we support each student’s academic, global, social and cultural experience at the University.
We recognise that reconciliation is central to our purpose.
We’re committed to fostering an environment where the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their fellow Australians is characterised by deep mutual respect, building positive change throughout our nation.
CONTENT WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website may contain the image, voice, or name of deceased persons. We apologise for any distress that may occur.
Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell's Acknowledgement of Country
Upcoming events
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Gathering the Seeds Symposium
3 April 2023 - 5 April 2023 -
Caring for Country: Deliberative policymaking
Wednesday 26 April 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm -
Fostering genuine intercultural engagement: Moving beyond the rhetoric
Monday 1 May 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm
Significant Dates
4 February | Anniversary of the Cummeragunja Walk-Off
12 February | Anniversary of the Freedom Ride
13 February | Anniversary of the National Apology
16 March | National Close the Gap Day (2023 date)
21 March | International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
26 May | National Day of Healing
27 May | Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum
27 May – 3 June | National Reconciliation Week
3 June | Mabo Day
1 July | Coming of the Light
2 – 9 July | National NAIDOC Week (2023 dates)
4 August | National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day
4 - 7 August | Garma Festival (2023 dates)
9 August | International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
23 August | Anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-Off
1 September | Indigenous Literacy Day
13 September | Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
10 December | Human Rights Day
Acknowledgement
The University of Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work, learn and live: the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples (Burnley, Fishermans Bend, Parkville, Southbank and Werribee campuses), the Yorta Yorta Nation (Dookie and Shepparton campuses), and the Dja Dja Wurrung people (Creswick campus).
The University also acknowledges and is grateful to the Traditional Owners, Elders and Knowledge Holders of all Indigenous nations and clans who have been instrumental in our reconciliation journey.
We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original owners and custodians of the lands and waterways across the Australian continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We also acknowledge their enduring cultural practices of caring for Country.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and future, and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the Academy. As a community of researchers, teachers, professional staff and students we are privileged to work and learn every day with Indigenous colleagues and partners.
About the artist and the artwork
Dixon Patten is a proud Yorta Yorta and Gunnai man who has family bloodlines from Dhudhuroa, Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa and Monaro. He has worked with the University on its Cultural Awareness Training program and other projects.
‘The artwork represents the journey taken by the University of Melbourne, working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, to develop this RAP. The pathway depicts life’s course and the waves represent the ripple effect that the RAP’s Signature Projects will have on students, staff and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous communities. The circles in the middle are our community – the motivation for, and guiding influence on, this RAP.’ - Dixon Patten, artist and designer – Bayila Creative