ALL IN at UMSU — National Reconciliation Week 2026
27/05/2026–27/05/2026
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Amphitheatre
University of Melbourne Student Union
As part of Reconciliation Week, UMSU invites students and staff to a day of reflection, storytelling, and connection.
The day begins with Mob Morning Circle* at Ida Bar, a dedicated closed gathering for First Nations students, staff, and community to connect and watch the Walk for Truth arrive in Canberra.
From midday, ALL IN at UMSU continues at the Amphitheatre with an Acknowledgement of Country, a curated First Nations film program exploring Country, culture, and remembrance, a truth-telling panel on placemaking, and a guided placemaking walk. Join us as we listen, learn, and honour First Nations voices and stories.
Schedule
*This is a closed gathering for First Nations students, staff and community.
Program
Opening and Acknowledgement of Country
Amphitheatre · 27 May, 11:00am
Join us in the Amphitheatre as we set the scene ahead of the live broadcast from Canberra with Travis Lovett. While we wait for the stream to go live, we'll have curated content screening to get the conversation started.
Live Stream — Walk for Truth Arrives in Canberra
Amphitheatre · 27 May, 11.30am
Watch history unfold live as Travis Lovett, a proud Kerrupmara Gunditjmara man, former Yoorrook Justice Commissioner and Executive Director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue, completes his 800-kilometre Walk for Truth from Victorian Parliament in Naarm to Parliament House in Canberra. The walk calls on the Federal Government to commit to a national truth-telling process in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples.
A dedicated live stream has been set up exclusively for our campus to witness Travis's arrival in real time. Join us to watch this historic moment and add your name to the open letter to the Prime Minister.
Curated First Nations Film Program
Amphitheatre · 27 May, approx 11.30am
This Reconciliation Week, we come together to watch, listen, and reflect through the stories of First Nations peoples. We will be screening two films exploring Country, culture, and what it means to remember.
Cry of the Glossy — An award-winning short documentary following proud Gunai woman and writer Kirli Saunders and her personal connection to the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, or Garrall. Set against the aftermath of Australia's 2019–2020 bushfire season, the film weaves together cultural storytelling, environmental loss, and the hope that comes with regeneration.
WINHANGANHA — Preceded by a recorded introduction from filmmaker Jazz Money. A feature-length poem in five acts, commissioned by the National Film and Sound Archive. The film draws on decades of archival footage, original poetry, and an original score by DOBBY to examine how First Nations people have been recorded, mythologised, and - most importantly - how they have resisted, danced, sung, and persisted. WINHANGANHA is a Wiradjuri word meaning remember, know, think.
Placemaking and Truth Telling Panel
Amphitheatre · 27 May, approx 12:45pm
This panel brings together First Nations voices to explore the practice of placemaking and truth telling, examining the Indigenous histories embedded in the land our university sits on. Panellists will discuss the significance of First Nations place names, what truth telling looks like in practice, and how our campus community can play an active role in recognising and honouring Country. The panel leads into the afternoon's Placemaking Walk.
Our panelists on the day are Tyson Holloway-Clarke, Tishiko King and Melinda Brooke. Panel will be moderated by Gabrielle Ebsworth.
Tyson Holloway-Clarke is a Njamal man, PhD candidate and lecturer with the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub at Melbourne Law School. A former UMSU Indigenous Officer, UMSU President, and University Council member (2016–2020), Tyson has a long history of student advocacy and representation at the University of Melbourne. His work spans law, arts, medicine, and education, bringing an interdisciplinary lens to truth telling and justice.
Melinda Brook is a proud Waribarra Mamu Woman from Far North Queensland. She is passionate about creative inclusive and culturally grounded learning environments that connect Country, Culture and community through science, education and the arts. She currently works across multiple museums and collections venues across the university and plays a leading role in Indigenous STEM education programs. Melinda is committed to empowering Indigenous youth, advancing truth-telling in STEM fields. And supporting transformative, future-focused approaches to environmental and cultural resilience.
Tishiko King is a proud Kulkalaig woman from the Island of Masig and is an Ocean & Climate Advocate. Tish credits the wisdom and leadership of Torres Strait Island culture, as inspiration for applying decolonial climate solutions that respect the ocean, culture, and community. Tish is the founder of Just Futures Collab, a Torres Strait Island-led giving circle activating resources for climate justice. Tish is also a member of the Australian Museum Climate Solutions Centre Advisory Group, contributor for Climate Council, collaborator with Patagonia, current Board member for AIME and She Changes Climate Australian Ambassador.
Placemaking Walk
Starting from Amphitheatre · 27 May, approx 13:45pm
Join us for a guided walk around campus where we explore the history of campus, including its ecology, infrastructure, and dark history. We discuss how truth telling can pave the way to reconcilliaiton, and how placemaking persists through time.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants should be warned that this tour includes information about the practice of Scientific Racism.
Still We Rise — Continuous Screening
Level 1, Building 168 · All week
Drop in throughout the week to watch Still We Rise, an award-winning ABC documentary exploring the history of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Directed by John Harvey, the film celebrates the young, fearless activists who fought to inspire generations to come. Screening continuously in an open drop-in format, come and go as you please.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that Still We Rise may contain images and voices of people who have died.
Activism Gallery
Level 1, Building 168 · All week
While you're here, explore our Activism Gallery — a collection of historical moments of student action, resistance, and change. Featuring original posters, badges, t-shirts, and photos from movements past and present.