Stories

Stories

By embedding Indigenous cultures and knowledges in our learning and teaching, research and engagement initiatives, we promote an understanding of, and respect for, the traditions and perspectives of the many nations and language groups that make up Indigenous Australia.  In this context,  stories emerge which provide a glimpse of the achievements, discoveries and spirit that exist within our University community.

Dr Joe Greet

Ecologist Dr Joe Greet receives Australian Academy of Science Award

Ecologist Dr Joe Greet has received the Australian Academy of Science Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award for his research developing a Traditional Owner-led billabong health assessment framework for Australian wetlands.

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Meet VCA graduate Amina Briggs

Amina Briggs is a Boonwurrung Erub artist and recent graduate of the Master of Contemporary Art at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). Since graduating in 2023, Amina has made considerable waves with her designs featuring on city trams, her paintings adorning Melbourne’s cityscape, and her digital art projects bridging tradition and innovation. We talked with Amina about her study experience, future aspirations, and insights for aspiring artists.

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Amina Briggs painting a large art canvas

Indigenous History of the University of Melbourne

In November 2019, the University held a research colloquium on Place and Indigenous cultural recognition. An outcome of the Colloquium was an acknowledgement that the University’s histories are contested and the need to formally acknowledge our institutional and colonial past and our complicity with respect to eugenics and scientific racism. On this basis and in order to meet our Advancing Melbourne and elevate Reconciliation Action Plan commitments with respect to Place, the University commissioned an Indigenous led research project to properly articulate that contested history. The University has produced a three part series, on key learnings from the Indigenous History of the University of Melbourne Research project and the practical applications that can lead to transformative change at this institution.

Indigenous Australia and the University of Melbourne: A truth-telling of our shared history (2021)

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Truth-telling and Place: Contested Histories of the University of Melbourne (2022)

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Giving Voice to Contested Histories: Implications of the University's Truth-telling Project (2023)

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Identity Bricks

Integrated into the structural columns of Building 189, the Identity Bricks serve as a creative recognition of this site as an Indigenous place with a continuing and diverse Indigenous presence.

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