A Vision for Reconciliation

The University of Wollongong, its Council and community acknowledge that for countless years Aboriginal people have lived in harmony with the lands on which our campuses and education centres now sit. The University acknowledges that its campuses and centres are located on the traditional lands of the Wadi Wadi, Wandandian, Walbunga, Djirrangani, Gandangara and Gadigal peoples. These groups share kinship across several Nations and language groups including Yuin, Dharawal and Eora, and are recognised as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands.

We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a unique culture with a deep and abiding relationship to Country, and that developing a universal respect for Country lies at the heart of reconciliation. We acknowledge that with the imposition of the colonial state, continued under the Commonwealth of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have suffered great injustice, with loss to their land, languages, culture, heritage and community. We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have demonstrated great resilience but continue to experience disadvantage, disrespect and lack of understanding in their daily lives, which must be addressed for reconciliation to be advanced.

We commit ourselves to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to implement practical measures which will:

• Value the knowledge and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people past and present in all matters, especially those affecting Country;
• Develop an organisational culture which values and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture;
• Promote respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and acceptance of cultural diversity within the University and the wider community by developing cultural competence of staff and students;
• Ensure that all University relationships involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members are based on the principles of social justice and equal partnership;
• Ensure that knowledge of the experiences and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is incorporated into our teaching and learning, research and community engagement;
• Commit the University to exceeding national measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment at all levels; and
• Expand participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at all levels of governance of the University; and
• Increase access, participation and achievement by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in higher education through a range of initiatives.

The University is committed to moving beyond a Statement of Reconciliation to the development and implementation of an Action Plan which will be reviewed regularly.

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