Sometimes meaningful change starts with a simple idea. For Sarah Waters, those ideas have helped shape some of UQ's most impactful reconciliation initiatives, from creating the Momentum newsletter to founding the BLAK Arts Festival and supporting the growth of the UQ RAP Network. Through her passion and commitment, Sarah has created opportunities for staff, students and the wider community to learn, connect and take action.
For Sarah, reconciliation is about creating a more just, inclusive and equitable Australia.
"I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and reconciliation is an important part of creating a better future for all Australians," she said.
Sarah Waters (right) and Melinda Wells (left), from UQ's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team, at the UQ Staff Expo 2025, helping connect staff with opportunities to engage in reconciliation initiatives across the University.
Since joining UQ's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team, Sarah has helped create opportunities for staff and students to engage with reconciliation in meaningful and accessible ways. One of her most significant contributions has been the development of the RAP Newsletter, now known as Momentum.
What began as a simple idea to reach people who might not typically engage in reconciliation activities has grown into a valuable platform for sharing stories, opportunities, resources and achievements from across the University community.
"By making reconciliation visible and accessible, we hope to spark curiosity, encourage conversations and inspire people to take their own steps on the reconciliation journey," Sarah said.
Through Momentum, Sarah has helped ensure reconciliation remains front of mind throughout the year, not just during significant events and commemorative dates. The newsletter celebrates the ongoing work of students, staff and community partners, and highlights ways everyone can contribute to reconciliation in practice.
Sarah has also witnessed encouraging growth in UQ's reconciliation journey. During her time with the RAP team, the RAP Network has doubled in size, connecting an increasing number of staff and students across faculties, schools and divisions committed to advancing reconciliation.
RAP Network members gather at the launch of UQ's Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan in 2024.
"Reconciliation is increasingly being seen as something that belongs to everyone, rather than being driven solely by a dedicated team," she said.
For Sarah, this growing engagement reflects a shared willingness to learn, listen and act. It is a reminder that meaningful change is achieved through the collective efforts of many people, each contributing in their own way.
Sarah's commitment to creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, makers and businesses also led to the establishment of the BLAK Arts Festival, which debuted in September 2025 and attracted a strong turnout from across the community.
Recognising that engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures shouldn't be confined to National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, Sarah envisioned an event that would create another opportunity for the community to connect with Indigenous art, culture and enterprise.
Visitors explore stalls at the inaugural BLAK Arts Festival in 2025, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and enterprise.
Following the success of the inaugural festival, it has expanded in 2026 into the BLAK Arts and Business Festival, with a stronger focus on Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The festival is a powerful example of reconciliation in action, bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together while showcasing the vital role Indigenous artists, makers and businesses play in strengthening culture and creating opportunities.
Through her leadership, creativity and commitment, Sarah continues to help build a more connected, informed and reconciled future at UQ—demonstrating that ordinary people really can do extraordinary things.
