Now More Than Ever, 27 May to 3 June 2024
Griffith’s Reconciliation Statement recognises that reconciliation is everybody’s business. Staff, students and the Griffith community were invited to reflect on this commitment during National Reconciliation Week 2024.
The theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all Australians that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people will—and must—continue!
National Reconciliation Week—27 May to 3 June 2024—is a time to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia.
Attend a Griffith National Reconciliation Week event
Understanding and embedding practical actions for reconciliation at Griffith
“We hold ourselves accountable to the belief that reconciliation is everybody’s business.”
Post-referendum, reconciliation actions for change are more important than ever. A common theme shared at the recent Griffith University Reconciliation Forums, was the need for action-oriented steps to demonstrate a strengthened relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
This National Reconciliation Week join Tina O’Keefe (Project Officer, Reconciliation Statement), as she unpacks Griffith’s Reconciliation Statement with you, to support the development of your own practical actions for reconciliation. You will come away with at least four Reconciliation goals to guide you to authentically translate your values into actions, and you will be working towards effecting positive change by building a better, more inclusive Australia.
When: Multiple workshops from Monday 27 to Friday 31 May
Where: Across all campuses (register to view room location)
More information: Register and learn more, a waitlist will open when workshops have reached capacity.
Walk and Talk: Logan Campus
A guided Walk and Talk around Logan campus to the Yarning Circle. Listen to hosts Dr Kerry Hall (Interim Lead, Teaching and Learning Indigenous), Tina O'Keefe (Project Officer for the Reconciliation Statement), and Sharon Paterson (Project Officer for Logan campus), discuss the cultural importance of the Yarning Circle and the significance and uses of bush tucker from the Logan campus Bush Tucker garden.
When: Wednesday 29 May, 9.50am
Where: Undercover area outside L03 entrance, Logan campus
Walk and Talk: Gold Coast campus
Listen to your host Professor Catherine Pickering from the School of Environment and Science talk passionately about the campus gardens including the statue of the Giant Dreaming God, Jabreen, and how our native plants create such a beautiful environment to work and learn. The walk will take around 40 minutes starting out the front of G10 library and ending by the Bridge over Smith Street. No need to register, just turn up ready to enjoy the campus gardens.
When: Monday 27 May, noon
Where: Library main doors, G10, Gold Coast campus
Book club discussion
Join our National Reconciliation Week book club. Read Edenglassie, by Indigenous author, Miles Franklin Award winner, and alumni, Melissa Lukashenko. Bring your picnic lunch and come along for a discussion on her new novel.
Gold Coast campus: Tuesday 28 May, noon–1pm, meet outside GUMURRII Student Success Unit, Learning Commons building (G11), level 2.
Logan campus: Wednesday 29 May, 11.30am–12.30pm, Yarning Circle
Nathan campus: Thursday 30 May, noon–1pm, Campus Heart building (N76), room 1.01
Southbank campus: Friday 31 May, noon–1pm, meet outside the Library (S03) main doors.
Reconciliation Lunchtime Concert
Join students from the Queensland Conservatorium as they mark National Reconciliation Week in concert, featuring students, staff and alumni.
When: Tuesday 28 May, 12.30pm
Where: The foyer, Queensland Conservatorium (S01), South Bank campus
More information: This is a free event and details are available via the Queensland Conservatorium.
Truth-telling, now more than ever
Griffith is pleased to invite you to a panel discussion: Truth-telling, now more than ever.
In recognition of National Sorry Day—a day Australia remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, now known as ‘The Stolen Generations’—the University will host a panel discussion on the topic of truth-telling, presented by Griffith experts.
When: Friday 24 May, 9.30–11am
Where: Griffith Business School (G42) Room 2.17, Gold Coast campus 1 Parklands Drive, Southport or join the live stream
More information: Register online to secure your seat or access the live stream link.
The University also invites you to participate in other events across all our campuses.
Share your event
As Reconciliation is a shared process, all Griffith University Elements and Groups are encouraged to organise their own meaningful events for Reconciliation Week, within their own contexts and which align to this year’s theme—Now More Than Ever.
Tell us about your planned Reconciliation events in 2024 by completing the event submission form. For more information, contact Tina O'Keefe, Project Officer (Reconciliation Statement).
Resources, logos and posters
A range of NRW2024 resources, logos, images and posters are available from Reconciliation Australia.
In recognition of this year’s Sorry Day, Griffith University hosted Truth-telling, now more than ever, a panel discussion about why truth-telling and healing is such an important step towards true reconciliation in Australia.
National Sorry Day, held in the lead up to National Reconciliation Week, is a day for Australians to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, now known as ‘The Stolen Generations’. It is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generation Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process of our people and nation.
Having a better understanding of Australia with a complete and historically accurate national narrative benefits the whole nation, as we learn from rather than repeat the wrongs of the past. Truth-telling is intended to create new relationships between First Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, drive positive change and acceptance, combined with a forward moving process of responsibility, action and accountability.
The event recording is available below.
Reconciliation Statement
In May 2022, Griffith launched its Reconciliation Statement — a public declaration of our commitment to promoting an environment valuing the cultures, knowledges and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Contact us
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous), Logan Campus, Griffith University, University Drive, Meadowbrook QLD, 4131