Last Friday the University Council passed a formal statement pledging UOW's support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Jaymee Beveridge, Executive Director (Indigenous Strategy) at UOW and Director of the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, said she was proud to see the university embracing the Uluru Statement, which advocates for a voice for First Nations people to be enshrined into the Australian Constitution and for a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of truth-telling and healing.

"This is more than just a show of goodwill. This is an institution being courageous and standing up for necessary change," Ms Beveridge said.

"Fundamentally, this is UOW saying, 'It's time to do the right thing, it's time to unite the divide!'. UOW is now illuminating the invitation to all our students, staff and partners, all Australian people to bring on a referendum. This is beyond being an ally, it's actually driving the change to educate and provide platforms for truth-telling and healing.

"This campaign could easily have been overlooked, but instead the entire leadership team, from Council to the Executive, are all driving forces in prioritising UOW's support."

IN OTHER NEWS:

This support comes just weeks after the university launched the UOW Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2022-2024, which aims to build stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples that benefit all Australians.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M Davidson said the university was honoured to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and was committed to the change needed to ensure an equitable and fair society for all.

UOW Chancellor Christine McLoughlin said the University Council's support for the Uluru Statement is consistent with UOW's commitment to First Nations Communities.

"Voice, Treaty and Truth are at the heart of the Uluru Statement. Ensuring that our First Nations people are genuinely represented, and have their voice respected at a national level, over the laws and policies that affect them, is fundamental to moving forward as a just, equitable modern nation," Ms McLoughlin said.

"As a university, we are proud to support the Uluru Statement, and to further assert our commitment to our First Nations staff and students, but also First Nations communities as a whole."

To read more stories, download the Illawarra Mercury news app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Sign up for breaking news emails below ...