Elders on Campus

About the Network

About the Network Meet our Elders Protocols and Guidance Projects and Initiatives FAQs Contact

About the Program

Elders on Campus is a University-wide initiative to engage more deeply with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, enhance Indigenous perspectives across education and research, and enrich support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff — aligning with Flinders University's Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Meet our elders

Discover the wisdom and stories of our Elders through personal profiles that highlight their journeys, contributions, and voices.

Dr. Uncle Richard ‘Balang/Japaljarri’ Fejo

Larrakia Elder
Darwin Poche SA+NT

Dr. Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien

Kaurna Elder
Bedford Park
Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement

Retired Elders

Dr. Aunty Pat Miller AO

Arrernte Elder
Alice Springs Poche SA+NT

Protocols and guidance

Engaging with Elders at Flinders is guided by cultural protocols that ensure respect and meaningful connection.

To request cultural support or for any questions about the Elders on Campus Program, please contact our Elder Engagement and Programs Officer, Shane Cook, based on Kaurna Land at the Bedford Park campus.

All enquiries are carefully reviewed to ensure the right guidance is provided.

eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au

For guidance on Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country practices, visit the Welcome to Country Protocols page.

Requests

To ensure appropriate cultural guidance:

Flinders staff and students: Please request Welcome to Country services or cultural support via email at eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au. Requests are carefully reviewed to ensure the right guidance is provided.

Welcome to Country Protocols

Flinders is committed to recognising Country in culturally respectful ways. Learn more about Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country practices here:

Welcome to Country Protocols

Projects and initiatives

Gift of Words

Purlirna kardlarna ngadluku miyurnaku yaintya tikkiarna. Wardlipari is the homeriver in the Milky Way.

The stars are the fires of the people living there. Yurarlu yurakauwi trruku-ana padninthi Wardlipari.

Yurakauwi the rainbow serpent goes into the dark spots in the Milky Way.

Ngaiyirda karralika kawingka tikainga yara kumarninthi. When the outer world and the sky connect with the water the two become one.’

Poetic text gifted to Flinders University by Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien.

Elders Forums

Are special and insightful forums led by Flinders University Senior Elders on Campus, Uncle Richard ‘Balang/Japaljarri’ Fejo, Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien and Aunty Pat Miller. They share their insight and wisdom on a variety of topics which will educate and inspire you.

Hosted by Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement and Poche SA +NT, Elder Forums are open Flinders staff, students and the wider community.

More information can be found via Flinders In Touch Blog and Flinders Event page.

OISE News

Frequently asked questions.

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

How do I request an Elder for an event or activity?

Flinders staff and students can request cultural support by emailing eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au. Requests are carefully reviewed to ensure the right guidance is provided.

Can community members attend Elder Forums?

Yes. Elder Forums are open to Flinders staff, students, and the wider community. Check the Flinders Events page for upcoming dates.

I am an external community member and want to contact an Elder. Who should I reach out to?

External community members are encouraged to contact their local council or email our Elder Engagement and Programs Officer at eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au.

If you are an external community member and are interested in contacting an Elder please contact your local council or refer to the link below.

Any other inquiries regarding the Elder Network please email Elder Engagement and Community Programs Officer.

eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au

Contact

Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement (OISE)

Phone: 08 8201 3033

Email: eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au

Facebook: Yungkurrinthi - Office of Indigenous Strategy & Engagement

Location: Sturt Rd, Bedford Park, South Australia 5042 (Kaurna Land)

Traditional owners

Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which its campuses are located, these are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We honour their Elders and Custodians past, present and emerging.

Traditional owners