Elders on Campus

About the Network

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

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. This section explains how to engage, request support, and learn about protocols.

Elder Engagement and Programs Officer

Our Elder Engagement and Programs Officer is based on Kaurna Land at the Bedford Park campus. This role supports the activities of the Flinders Elder Network and provides personal support to our Elders.

If you have any questions in regards to our Elders On Campus Program please contact Shane Cook our Elder Engagement and Programs Officer.

eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au

Requests

To ensure appropriate cultural guidance:

Flinders staff and students: Please use the [Elders Request Form] to request Welcome to Country services or cultural support. Requests are carefully reviewed to ensure the right guidance is provided.

Community members: Please email eldersnetwork@flinders.edu.au or view our FAQs for advice on engagement.

Cultural 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

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