William Cooper Institute at Monash University

This past Saturday, the William Cooper Institute was proud to support the ‘Get your Reconciliation On Fun Run’ at Frankston Foreshore.

Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, it was a powerful day for mob and allies to yarn, move, and stand strong together.

A massive shout-out to the leaders driving this space: First Peoples’ Health & Wellbeing, Nairm Marr Djambana, and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

Reconciliation is an active journey, and Saturday was a beautiful step forward.

Today marks National Close the Gap Day - an important moment to reflect on our shared responsibilities, our commitments, and the work still ahead.

After 20 years, only 4 of 19 national targets are on track. Indigenous leadership, strength and
resistence have grounded this continent for more than 65,000 years, and true progress must be defined by Indigenous priorities, knowledges and leadership.

This year’s theme “Community Voices: The Pathway to Justice, Equality and Healing” highlights the importance of Indigenous‑led solutions.

Thanks to the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) we were extremely grateful to hear from Sheree Lowe, Executive Director of on the power of cultural strength, genuine partnership and self‑determination.

Change is possible – but only when Indigenous voices lead it. Read more via the link https://www.monash.edu/about/who/indigenous/news-and-events/21-march-national-close-the-gap-day

Yesterday, the William Cooper Institute at Monash Clayton came alive for our 2026 Orientation Day!

For our First Nations students, stepping onto a university campus can be a huge transition. That's why our Orientation is designed to show our incoming students that they already have a home, a community, and a culturally safe network awaiting them.

We kicked off the day grounded in culture with a beautiful Welcome to Country, taking time to connect by burning our names into wood and yarning over coolamons.

But it wasn't long before the competitive spirit took over. From an epic campus-wide Amazing Race to basketball shootouts and ring toss, the energy was deadly!

Most importantly, our students spent the afternoon at our information booths guided by Uncle Ricky and team, having vital chats with our staff about academic support, upcoming events, and how the William Cooper Institute will back them from day one through to graduation.

To all the future students wondering if university is for you: there is a place for you here. You don't just enrol in a degree at Monash, you become part of our family.

Welcome to the 2026 cohort, we can't wait to see what you achieve!

Today marks the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.

The Apology in 2008, acknowledged the profound harm caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and the ongoing impacts felt by families and Communities.

This was a critical moment of national truth‑telling. We believe moving forward requires accountability - we must ensure that Indigenous cultures, peoples and knowledges meaningfully shape the future of this Nation and our young people are empowered, safe and heard.

This anniversary is a moment for reflection and a call to listen to lived experience, to learn from the truths that have been shared, and to act with purpose.

Today, we pause to reflect on the strength, resilience and resistance of the Stolen Generations.

As always, we remind students and staff to please reach out if you feel you require wellbeing support 🖤💛❤️

WIPCE Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland 🍃👏

Our team proudly represented Monash University at the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) - a powerful gathering of voices, knowledge, and stories from across the globe.

We’re proud of Enna Rossy, Kaimani Hendry, Will Sullivan, Ellen Bertani and other colleagues who presented this year and shared their powerful insights.

Congratulations to all who represented Monash and a big thank you Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland for an incredible WIPCE and your warm, generous welcome. We’re thrilled for the next WIPCE to be held in 2028 at Waikōloa, Hawai’i.

The William Cooper Institute had the pleasure of welcoming the 2025 Spring Camp participants from across metro and regional Victoria to the Clayton and Caulfield campus. Stretching from Gunditjmara Country in the west, across Yorta Yorta Country in the north, to Gunaikurnai Country in the east, students made the journey to experience life at Monash University.

Over a four action-packed days, students got involved in a wide range of Cultural, academic, and creative activities. Highlights included a Cultural tour with Parbinata, Aboriginal art workshop with artist , building and racing rovers with and media workshops in our Arts Faculty.

The Spring Camp fosters a safe and empowering space where students are inspired to envision and pursue their path to higher education at Monash.

A big thank you to everyone who continues to support the Spring Camp and to the incredible students, we can’t wait to welcome you back to Monash soon! Thank you for sharing your time and your stories, it is always a privilege connecting and growing our WCI community.

NAIDOC Week is a time to honour and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, with the 2025 theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” - a tribute to past achievements and a celebration of the future that is being shaped by the leaders of tomorrow.

In celebration of this year’s NAIDOC, we’re proud to highlight the voices and journeys of our First Nations alumni and students. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing their stories, honouring their vision, celebrating their achievements, and recognising the strength, culture, and resistance that enrich the community. Hear how this year’s theme resonates with them and how they carry these sentiments with them every week of the year.

Starting tomorrow, the .cooper.institute will spotlight a different Indigenous leader throughout each day of NAIDOC.

Follow along and join us in celebrating just a few of the remarkable leaders who continue to make a lasting impact, on Monash and the wider community 🖤💛❤️

May 26th marks National Sorry Day.

Sorry Day is a time for reflection and remembrance. It marks the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, particularly those who were part of the Stolen Generations. Thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families as part of a broader effort to erase Indigenous Cultures, traditions and Identities. This has left lasting scars across generations, affecting families, Communities, and cultural connections deeply.

Today, we pause to acknowledge the pain and stand in solidarity with our mob, today and every day.