The University of Queensland will continue its year of focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues with the launch of its annual Diversity Week.
This year's Diversity Week runs from May 14 to 18 under the theme We All Count in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the May 1967 referendum, which enabled Indigenous people to be counted in the national census for the first time as well as allowing legislation to be passed for the benefit of Indigenous people.
UQ's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Michael Keniger, responsible for equity matters, said it was appropriate the University had chosen such a topical theme of We All Count for this year’s event
“The 40th anniversary of the referendum presents a fantastic opportunity for the University to remember the past but also to look to the future of Indigenous issues,” Professor Keniger said.
““Diversity Week represents what universities are about: understanding ideas and interpretations of the world around us.
“Different cultures, races, religions, world views, languages and points of view contribute to the richness of work and life at UQ, and benefit us all.”
Diversity Week will culminate with the Vice-Chancellor's Equity and Diversity Awards on Wednesday, May 16.
The event will begin with a stimulating panel discussion featuring Mr Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner; Dr Jackie Huggins, Co-Chair Reconciliation Australia and Deputy Director UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit; and Ms Frances Peters-Little, well known filmmaker and academic from the Australian National University.
The discussion topic for the panel will be “Do we enjoy full citizenship?” and will track how far Indigenous people have come in the past 40 years.
The panel discussion will be followed by the awarding of the Vice-Chancellor's Awards, where Professor John Hay, AC, will present a $5000 and a $10,000 award to people who are making a significant contribution to equity and diversity at UQ.
Professor Keniger said the awards acknowledged the great work already going on to enhance diversity, and helped provide support for the individuals and organisational units that contribute to diversity at UQ.
Diversity Week was introduced in 2003 to promote diversity within the UQ community and to encourage more improvements to work and study environments. Events including forums, lectures and tours will be held around UQ's St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton campuses.
Visit the Diversity Week website www.uq.edu.au/diversity-week/ for more information including all event details.
Media inquiries: Andrew Dunne at UQ Communications (3365 2802 or 0433 364 181).
