At UQ, reconciliation is being brought to life through music. The UQ Reconciliation Choir brings together staff and students from across the University to learn, connect and share messages of reconciliation, creating a space where people from diverse backgrounds can build understanding, foster belonging and contribute to meaningful change.
On 23 August, Australia marks the anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-Off, when Gurindji stockmen and their families, led by Vincent Lingiari, walked off Wave Hill Station in 1966 in protest against poor wages and working conditions. What began as a strike became a landmark campaign for Aboriginal land rights, culminating in the historic handback of Gurindji land in 1975.
The story was immortalised in Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody's iconic song From Little Things Big Things Grow, a song that has become synonymous with courage, perseverance and the power of collective action.
Like the story of the Gurindji people, the UQ Reconciliation Choir demonstrates how meaningful change often begins when people come together with a shared purpose.
For many choir members, participating in the choir is about more than singing. It provides an opportunity to build understanding, foster connection and actively contribute to reconciliation in a practical and meaningful way.
As choir member Margaret Francisco explains:
"Songs can be emotive and catching, and when I heard the story of how this choir is spreading the passion of reconciliation through song, I was inspired to join."
The choir includes members from a wide range of backgrounds, disciplines and campuses, creating a space where staff and students can come together around a shared commitment to reconciliation.
For current UQ student Becca Buse, the choir offered an immediate sense of belonging and connection.
"As a new member to the choir, I immediately feel welcomed into this community of activists, singers, musicians and change makers. I look forward to singing with them for all my semesters of study here at UQ."
Her experience reflects one of the choir's greatest strengths, bringing together staff and students as a community united by a common purpose and a desire to contribute positively to reconciliation.
Eloise Larsen describes the choir as:
"The most beautiful metaphor for reconciliation – people from all different backgrounds across UQ, joining together to sing with one voice, with passion and firm belief in the message."
For others, participation has deepened their understanding of reconciliation and Australian history.
"Being in the choir has made me feel very much part of the community. The songs we sing have educated me more on the topic and history of reconciliation."
— Susan Sheng
The choir's performances during National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and other University events help bring stories of truth-telling, resilience and connection to wider audiences.
As Angela Bushell reflects:
"Singing and storytelling are at the heart of reconciliation, and there is no more human, universal form of participation than raising our voices together through the UQ Reconciliation Choir."
Many members also speak about the sense of belonging, wellbeing and community the choir has created.
"The Reconciliation Choir is such a meaningful and uplifting initiative, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and creating a genuine sense of connection and belonging."
— Bri Ives
"Being part of the choir brings so much joy and connection to others at UQ."
— Kate Rowe
The story of the Wave Hill Walk-Off reminds us that meaningful change often begins with small actions and collective effort.
In reflecting on this significant anniversary, the experiences of choir members demonstrate that reconciliation can take many forms, from learning and listening to singing and sharing stories together.
Like the message of From Little Things Big Things Grow, reconciliation is built through people coming together, each contributing in their own way, to create something bigger than themselves.
Interested in joining the UQ Reconciliation Choir? Register here.
