The UQ community recognised National Reconciliation Week 2026 by hosting thirty‑five events across the week at St Lucia, Herston and Dutton Park campuses, as well as other locations and online, catering to staff, students, alumni and community. Film screenings, book clubs, morning teas, markets, trivia, workshops, panel discussions, presentations and other gatherings filled a week of learning and reflecting on how we can all contribute to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
At Murri Trivia, one moment quietly captured the deeper message of the week. On the backs of custom‑made shirts worn by participants were the words, Reconciliation is a verb. Not a noun. The phrase served as a reminder that while National Reconciliation Week creates important space for learning, reflection and connection, reconciliation itself is ongoing work that extends beyond any single week of events.
A highlight of the week was a conversation with UQ lecturer and Barkindji and Malyangapa author Dr Allanah Hunt, held at the Dr Mary Mahoney AO Amphitheatre at St Lucia. The discussion focused on her newly released novel Forever and Ever, a young adult story exploring teen love, prejudice and identity in a Murray–Darling river town. Led by Associate Professor Katelyn Barney, the event offered insight into the journey of writing and publishing, followed by discussion and a pop‑up bookshop featuring works by First Nations authors.
Storytelling as truth‑telling, as Dr Allanah Hunt (pictured right) shares her work and experiences during National Reconciliation Week.
The RAP Team opened the week with a RAP Network meeting attended by more than seventy participants. Guest presenter Blake Stockton led a session focused on creating culturally safe spaces where Indigenisation and critical thinking work together to support rigorous and measurable learning. The discussion explored how cultural safety, accountability and critical inquiry can be embedded in teaching and learning practices in meaningful and practical ways.
Creating culturally safe learning spaces was the focus of discussion at the RAP Network meeting with guest presenter Blake Stockton.
Later that day, staff and students gathered at the Red Room at St Lucia for the annual Murri Trivia night. Around seventy participants took part, testing their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures in an evening that combined learning with fun and friendly competition. The winning team, Ally‑ance, received a private tour of the Shields: Design and Functionality exhibition, along with a range of donated prizes. The event was supported by sponsors including the UQ Anthropology Museum, Professor Anita Heiss, FigJam and Co, UQ Shop, UQ Print, ShareTea and Boost Juice.
The Ally‑ance team takes out Murri Trivia, one of many events bringing people together during the week.
On the final day of National Reconciliation Week, the Indigenous Markets at St Lucia brought the community together in a vibrant celebration of culture and connection. RAP Network members hosted an Indigenous Literacy Foundation bookstall featuring new and second‑hand books. Thanks to the generosity of the UQ community, nearly $800 was raised to support literacy programs in remote and regional communities.
The markets also featured a performance by the UQ Reconciliation Choir, with more than twenty staff and students coming together to share reconciliation‑themed songs. Their set concluded with the 2026 Voices for Reconciliation anthem Beds are Burning, reinforcing the week’s call for reflection, responsibility and action through collective voice.
Voices raised together, carrying stories of reconciliation through song.
While the breadth of events reflected strong engagement across the University, National Reconciliation Week also highlighted that reconciliation is ongoing work. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers, artists and facilitators played a central role in sharing cultural knowledge, stories and perspectives throughout the week.
Reflecting on the week, Professor Greg Winslett, Director of the Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation and Co‑Chair of the RAP Working Group, spoke about the importance of humility, listening and sustained commitment in reconciliation. He highlighted that reconciliation is not about always having the right words, but about creating spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, voices and leadership are valued, respected and sustained as part of everyday practice.
As the message seen at Murri Trivia made clear, reconciliation is not a label or a moment in time. It is a verb, one that calls for continued listening, learning and action well beyond National Reconciliation Week.
