In 1980, the Noonkanbah Station, the traditional lands of the Yungngora Community, was the scene of an intense political dispute when the state government of the day allowed the American exploration company Amex access to the sacred lands of Noonkanbah to drill for oil. 

Wanting to help the cause, former ANU students Brian Stacey and Marcia Langton decided to stage their own protest meeting at Albert Hall on Commonwealth Avenue. 

Not expecting a big turnout, Brian and Marcia couldn’t believe when over 3,000 people came to the meeting. 

“This was a really important moment for the University,” Brian reflected. 

Ever since that time, Brian has dedicated his career to advancing the rights and interests of Australia's Indigenous peoples, particularly to help return their land. 

Events & activities

TOMORROW Wednesday 31 May, 1-2pm 

Come along to a guided tour showcasing the work of Australian First Nations artists in the ANU HC Coombs Building. Celebrate the diverse and profound artistic expressions that encapsulate the cultural significance of Australia's First Nation communities. This tour will enable you to gain a deeper understanding, appreciation, and respect for the remarkable artistic traditions nurtured by these communities. 

Register for the guided tour of Australian First Nations art and culture

TOMORROW Wednesday 31 May, 6-8pm 

Join the Chancellor Julie Bishop and SBS political reporter Sara Tomevska in conversation tomorrow evening to discuss the education system in Australia and how we can reduce inequities. Julie and Sara will explore how continued support for professional development of teachers and education leaders can have long-lasting impacts that benefit the education system.  

This event is free for ANU students. Use discount code ANUVIP at check out. Refreshments will be served.

Register for A spotlight on Education in Australia

Thursday 1 June, 7-9pm 

Ngarra-Burria are Dharug words meaning ‘to hear, to sing’. Initiated in 2017 by Indigenous composer Christopher Sainsbury, the Ngarra-Burria: First Peoples Composers program exists to support and mentor emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander composers. The annual program is a platform for First Peoples musicians to develop their compositional skills and connect with the art music sector. It is also a shared learning experience, with Ensemble Offspring gaining a deeper understanding of First Nations peoples and culture. 

Register for Ngarra-Burria: Australian National University

Tuesday 6 June, 5.30-7pm 

How do we define and understand - and hence cultivate - wellbeing? In a newly published and first of its kind booked - Toward an Integrated Science of Wellbeing - co-editors and current and former ANU academics Elizabeth Rieger, Robert Costanza, Ida Kubiszewski, and Paul Dugdale have taken a whole system perspective to capture the full spectrum of approaches, interconnections and dimensions to wellbeing.  

Register for the launch of Toward an Integrated Science of Wellbeing

Tuesday 13 June, 6-7pm 

Former chief scientist Alan Finkel will be in conversation with Ken Baldwin on his new book Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain, in which he shares his compelling insights and expertise and makes the case for Australia leading the way in the global transition to clean energy. 

Register for the Meet the Author with Alan Finkel 

Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 June, 9am-5pm 

The Australasian Leadership Computing Symposium 2023 (ALCS) is Australasia’s research supercomputing users’ forum, as well as a flagship promotion of High-Performance Computing and Data (HPCD) and artificial intelligence (AI), powered by national infrastructure at scale in Australasia. The symposium will bring together a multidisciplinary mix of scientists for collaborative, technical and network building sessions across three days. 

Register for ALCS 2023

Ticket sales close Sunday 4 June.

Thursday 22 June, 6-7.30pm 

As Australians prepare to vote on whether to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution, join ANU and UC to hear from one of the lead architects of the proposal. 

Professor Tom Calma AO, a Kungarakan Elder, a member of the Iwaidja people, 2023 Senior Australian of the Year and the Chancellor of the University of Canberra, will deliver the ANU Reconciliation Lecture for 2023.  

This year’s lecture is held in partnership with the University of Canberra.  

Register for the ANU Reconciliation Lecture 2023

Release of the 2022 ANU Sexual Misconduct Reports and Disclosures 

Content warning: The contents of this email contain references to sexual assault, harassment and violence. If this content causes you distress or impacts your wellbeing, please contact student support services via student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or support services on the Health, safety & wellbeing - ANU webpage. 

Today, the University published its second annual report on Sexual Misconduct Reports and Disclosures. You can read the report on the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response webpage.

With the release of this report, the University continues to meet the requirements set out in the Sexual Violence Prevention Strategy (SVPS) which outlines the University’s long-term, evidence-based and strategic approach to effectively prevent and respond to sexual violence.  

ANU acknowledges and thanks the students in our community who have trusted us with their stories and have continually advocated for change. 

While we still have more work to do, it is important to acknowledge our staff and students who have done great work across campus to help keep our community safe. You can read more about the work that has been going on over the last 15 months on our Sexual Violence Prevention and Response webpage.

If you need support, please don't hesitate to reach out to our student support services via student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or support services on the Health, safety & wellbeing - ANU webpage. 

Please direct any enquiries you may have about this announcement to Dr James Brann, Director of University Experience, at director.university.experience@anu.edu.au. 

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Launch of the Environmental Management Plan 

The University will launch the latest Environmental Management Plan (EMP) on World Environment Day this Monday 5 June.  

The Plan is named Dhaagun, which means earth and environment in Walgalu (Ngambri) and Wiradjuri language, and outlines the execution and University’s management approach to environmental sustainability. 

The Plan will set out to deliver on three significant initiatives and will be launched by the Vice-Chancellor and ACT Minister for Recycling and Waste Reduction Chris Steel.  

It is up to everyone to contribute towards a more sustainable campus so please show your support and join the launch.  

Refreshments will be provided using produce grown in the ANU Kitchen Garden.

Register to attend the launch

Global Undergraduate Awards – Apply now 

The Global Undergraduate Awards is the world’s leading academic awards programme, open to all undergraduate students in almost every academic discipline and attracting submissions from hundreds of universities on every continent.

The Global Undergraduate Awards is still accepting submissions from penultimate and final year ANU students. Submit your coursework for the opportunity to receive international recognition. 

The submission deadline is Wednesday 7 June. 

Apply now for the Global Undergraduate Awards 

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Student Giveaway  

Meet the Author – Alan Finkel 

We have a special giveaway for the Meet the Author event with Alan Finkel on Tuesday 13 June. You can win a copy of his book, Powering Up: Unleashing the Clean Energy Supply Chain and be one of the first in line to have it signed at the event.   

Two copies of Alan’s book are up for grabs for ANU students (any program level) to win. Follow the instructions in the entry form to go into the draw and you could be one of the lucky winners!   

Competition closes at noon AEDT on Tuesday 6 June 2023. Terms and conditions apply. 

Join the ANU Film Group in celebrating National Reconciliation Week 2023 and First Nations voices with a series of film screenings between 1-3 June at the Cinema in Kambri, ANU.  

Narrative features include The Survival of Kindness, the latest from acclaimed arthouse director Rolf de Heer, and We Are Still Here, a spellbinding anthology film featuring eight interwoven tales by Indigenous Australian and Maori filmmakers. Screening on the documentary side is Wash My Soul in the River's Flow, a beautiful concert film featuring the late Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, as well as the Canberra premiere of Countryman, a fascinating exploration of identity, followed by a Q&A with the film's director and subject. 

Dates & times: 

Countryman - Thursday 1 June, 7.30pm 

The Survival of Kindness - Friday 2 June, 7.30pm 

Wash My Soul in the River's Flow - Saturday 3 June, 5pm 

We Are Still Here - Saturday 3 June, 7.30pm 

Entry into screenings is free for all ANU Film Group members. 

Not yet a member? Memberships start at $15 for a week, up to $90 for a full year's worth of films, and can be purchased at the door or online at www.anufg.org.au/join.  

Please visit www.anufg.org.au or email info@anufg.org.au should you have any questions. 

The great ANU study playlist is here! 

Thank you to everyone who submitted their study music recommendations via email and on the ANU Instagram.

We’ve put together the ultimate playlist to help you get through the next few weeks of studying and assessments.  

From the modern-day poetry of Taylor Swift to the rousing chorus of the Fox footy theme, there’s something for everyone on this eclectic compilation. (Sorry to the person who suggested the sounds of their neighbours' screams, we couldn’t find a recording on Spotify)  

Good luck with your exam prep, everyone. You’ve got this!