Events

In August, Archives and Special Collections is launching the Spotlight Series - an expanded version of our popular Collections Pop-up program. Join curator Xiaoju Liu to explore the evolution, motivation, and impact of the Chinese imperial literary inquisitions. View some of the treasures in our collection that have survived censorship during the Tsing and Ming Dynasties, discuss the relevance of banned media, and explore with us how and why authorities seek to control and mediate knowledge.

Presented in partnership with the PGAV’s Analog Art program, ASC is launching its regular Spotlight Series. Selected by archivists, librarians, curators, researchers, academics and artists, every session will spotlight the wonders our collection hold, and create an informal space for engaging in critical conversations, reflective discussions, slow looking, creative workshops, talks and much more.

Livestream - Dungala Kaiela Oration

Orator: Ngarra Murray

On behalf of Dr Paul Briggs AO, Chairperson, Kaiela Institute, and Professor Emma Johnston AO, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Melbourne, you are invited to the 17th Annual Dungala Kaiela Oration.

The Dungala Kaiela Oration is co-hosted annually by the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne. This major event challenges and inspires the creation of a shared cultural identity and the building of an inclusive vision of nationhood and prosperity of the Yorta Yorta and other First Nations peoples.

The Oration talks to the power of opportunity and collaboration. It shines a light on the ‘Nanyak’, the invincible spirit of the Yorta Yorta and other First Nations peoples in promoting a path for prosperity and productivity within an inclusive respectful society.

In this 17th year of the Dungala Kaiela Oration, we are delighted and honoured to have Co-Chair of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria Ngarra Murray.

Ngarra Murray is a proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman who grew up in Shepparton on Yorta Yorta Country. She is the elected Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and lives and works on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, representing First Peoples in the Metropolitan region.

As Co-Chair, Ngarra is a key spokesperson for the Assembly, dedicated to amplifying the voices of community and supporting the journey toward Treaties in Victoria. She is deeply passionate about sovereignty, culture, community mobilisation, and nation-building.

Prior to her leadership role at the Assembly, Ngarra served as the Executive Lead of the First Peoples’ Program at Oxfam Australia, advocating for the rights of First Peoples both nationally and on the international stage.

With more than 20 years of experience across advocacy, community engagement and cultural leadership, Ngarra has worked with the University of Melbourne, City of Melbourne and Museum Victoria. She is also an alumna of the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership and has contributed her expertise to numerous national committees.

A mother of four and one of twelve siblings, Ngarra draws strength and healing from her ancestral lands and treasures time spent with her family on Country.

The Kaiela Institute was established in 2011 to promote a collaborative vision and aspiration for a positive future for the Aboriginal community in the Goulburn Valley. The Institute continues the work of the Koori Resource and Information Centre which was established in 1988. The Institute stimulates the region and its partners to take a strategic approach to building a positive future for the whole community. The Kaiela Institute works in partnership with all levels of government and industry including Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations.