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Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Southern Cross University

Colourful artwork with NAIDOC logo and text: Keep the fire burning. Blak, loud and proud 7-14 July 2024

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Published
7 July 2024

National NAIDOC Week, celebrated across Australia in the first week of July each year, honours the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year's theme, "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud," highlights the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture.

Southern Cross University invites all staff, students, and the community to join in celebrating NAIDOC at the Gold Coast, Lismore, and Coffs Harbour campus locations. The community day includes performances by Dean Brady across the three campuses, along with cultural performances and various workshops and activities. Additionally, the NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition will be held in the library from 2 July to 9 August at all three main campus locations.

  • Gold Coast Campus: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 11am – 2pm, Quadrangle
  • Lismore Campus: Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 11am – 2pm, Goodman Plaza
  • Coffs Harbour Campus: Thursday, July 11, 2024, 11am – 2pm, Gathering Space

RSVP for catering: Please fill out this form at your earliest convenience.

Read our latest stories and watch a video below about studying Indigenous Knowledge at Southern Cross University.

Nicole Tujague PhD holds her Chancellor's Medal

Inspiring PhD studies and a legacy of shared Indigenous Knowledge

Dr Nicole Tujague, a Southern Cross University alumna and recipient of the Chancellor's Medal, has significantly influenced Indigenous community engagement through her acclaimed research. Growing up in remote Indigenous communities, she transitioned from a corporate career to focus on Indigenous health and wellbeing. Nicole pursued a PhD to address culturally unsafe practices in evaluations of Indigenous projects. Her work has emphasised the importance of trauma-informed evaluation methods and Indigenous values.

Read her story here

Study Indigenous Knowledge at Southern Cross University

the actions we take today impact on all our tomorrows

at Southern Cross University we understand that indigenous knowledge is always

current from the study of climate change to health

care to communication our learnings from the past are interwoven in the present and the future as one we are Guided by Millennia of

learning insights from the yarning circle make our classrooms better

understanding the connection to country makes Our Land Management science

stronger that's why we offer a University degree that calls on generations of knowledge to strive for a better tomorrow

for a better tomorrow Southern Cross University indigenous knowledge degrees transforming tomorrow

Darlene Rotumah stands among trees

Darlene uncovers stories of hope and hardship among proud Indigenous health workers

Dr Darlene Rotumah, a recipient of the Southern Cross University Chancellor’s Medal, has made significant strides in building a culturally-informed health workforce through her PhD studies at Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples. Growing up in Fingal Head, known as ‘Booninybah’ to the Bundjalung people, Darlene's journey from factory work to academia was driven by her desire to be a role model for her children. Her research focuses on the challenges faced by Indigenous health workers in the mainstream health system, highlighting the importance of culturally safe practices. Despite systemic challenges, Darlene's work underscores the resilience and pride of Indigenous health workers and aims to improve understanding and support within the health sector.

Read her story here

Dr Kylie Day, Dr Jenelle Benson and Aimee Andersen from the Centre of Teaching and Learning

Weaving Together Cultural Connection Through String-Making

On the latest SCU Buzz podcast episode, Dr Kylie Day and Aimee Andersen discussed their research into the sustainable construction of traditional fishing nets. The project, "Stories behind the fishing net – sitting with the Aunties," is funded by Southern Cross University’s Centre for Children and Young People, and aims to revitalise this cultural practice while making cultural connections.

Listen to the full episode on SoundCloud, or search for SCU Buzz wherever you get your podcasts. 

Watch in language

An Aboriginal elder talking to two students in a classroom setting

A man walking across a beach

A starry sky with figures in silhouette

Media contact

content@scu.edu.au