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First Nations Hub

Discover resources, services and facilities dedicated to supporting and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
'Walking on Country' by Jessie Waratah, 2024 (detail) 'Walking on Country' by Jessie Waratah, 2024 (detail)

'Walking on Country' by Jessie Waratah, 2024 (detail)

Commitment

The Library is committed to celebrating and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and extended communities at the University. This extends to First Nations collections, truth-telling, ways of knowledge and engagement opportunities.

  • Commitment

    The Library is committed to celebrating and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and extended communities at the University. This extends to First Nations collections, truth-telling, ways of knowledge and engagement opportunities.

    • Acknowledgement of Country

    The Library acknowledges the Gadigal people, the traditional custodians of the land on which most Library locations sit. We recognise the diversity and knowledge of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across all University campuses on the lands of the Gadigal, Gamaraygal, Dharug, Wangal, Darkinyung, Burramadagal, Dharawal, Gandangara, Gamilaraay, Barkindji, Bundjalung, Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Gureng Gureng, and Gagadju peoples.

    YILABARA (now) is an acknowledgment of Gadigal land, taking the form of a film. Made by Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money in collaboration with Gadigal man Cameron Davison and his grandfather Uncle Ray Davison the text of the film is in both Gadigal and English languages. 

    Image showing "Always was, always will be" decals in Fisher Library foyer Image showing "Always was, always will be" decals in Fisher Library foyer

    Image showing "Always was, always will be" decals in Fisher Library foyer

    Cultural protocols

    In 2022, we released the University of Sydney Library Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols, which are intended as a set of principles and guidelines to enhance and embed culturally competent practice within an Australian academic library context. 

    View the Protocols Read University news story about the Protocols

  • Cultural protocols

    In 2022, we released the University of Sydney Library Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols, which are intended as a set of principles and guidelines to enhance and embed culturally competent practice within an Australian academic library context. 

    View the Protocols Read University news story about the Protocols

    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student spaces

    We have 2 pilot spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that have been co-designed with First Nations students. These are culturally safe spaces where students can study, relax and enjoy events. 

     

    The bookings for both these spaces are mediated by Library Admin and the Indigenous Engagement Team. If you have any questions or issues regarding the spaces, please contact admin.library@sydney.edu.au.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student spaces

    We have 2 pilot spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that have been co-designed with First Nations students. These are culturally safe spaces where students can study, relax and enjoy events. 

     

    The bookings for both these spaces are mediated by Library Admin and the Indigenous Engagement Team. If you have any questions or issues regarding the spaces, please contact admin.library@sydney.edu.au.

    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space with blue couches and a glass wall featuring elements of Jessie Waratah's artwork Walking on Country. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space with blue couches and a glass wall featuring elements of Jessie Waratah's artwork Walking on Country.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space with blue couches and a glass wall featuring elements of Jessie Waratah's artwork Walking on Country.

    SciTech Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space SciTech Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space

    SciTech Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student space

    Level 3 Fisher Library

    Developed via a co-design initiative between the Library and First Nations students of the University, our new space is a hybrid study and event space, with plenty of room for study and socialising. The desks are bookable by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students. To access, turn left at the level 3 entrance, then left again at the Fisher Services Hub.

    Book a desk Visit Fisher Library

    SciTech Library

    A private meeting space, with its own kitchenette facilities. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students have swipe access to this space. 

     

    This space can be booked by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students of the University. We encourage Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) tutors and tutees, Mentoring Our Brothers and Sisters (MOBS) mentors and mentees, and Indigenous postgraduate students to make use of this space.

    Book SciTech space Visit SciTech Library

    Collections and resources

    We have a wide variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander materials in our collections. We are unlearning our past collecting practices and centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives. The Library Cultural Collections Reference Group advises, facilitates consultation and assists our teams to embed culturally competent practice across its collections, services, and spaces.

  • Collections and resources

    We have a wide variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander materials in our collections. We are unlearning our past collecting practices and centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives. The Library Cultural Collections Reference Group advises, facilitates consultation and assists our teams to embed culturally competent practice across its collections, services, and spaces.

    • The Library's Collections Framework

    The development, management and stewardship of the University Library’s collections is an essential service to support the current and future teaching, learning and research ambitions of the University community.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources

    This collection highlights some of the materials in our Library that are either by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, or cover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander topics. 

    Aboriginal Studies Guide

    An archive of the University of Sydney Library’s Aboriginal Studies Subject Guide which was initially developed by the Library in 2008 to support the Aboriginal Education (or Aboriginal Studies) Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes delivered by the Sydney School of Education and Social Work.

    Connect across campus

    Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across the University doing amazing work for community. 

  • Connect across campus

    Connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students across the University doing amazing work for community. 

    • Wingara Mura Resource Centre

    This is a non-lending research centre open to staff, students and the public. The centre has diverse and unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections cared for by the librarian, Uma, and the Gadigal Centre.

    The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

    Research and policy to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

    The Gadigal Centre

    Providing  academic, pastoral and cultural support services to Indigenous students to help you achieve your full potential and graduate job-ready

    Indigenous Research Network

    We strive to be a leader in Indigenous research which has high impact in Australia and around the world. We do this by collaborating with communities and supporting our Indigenous researchers.

    School of Rural Health

    Established in 2001, we offer University of Sydney medical students the opportunity to live and study in a thriving regional community, while being supported by expert clinical, academic and professional staff.

    First Nations Bookclub

    A welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community to meet twice a semester to share stories and yarn about books, movies, podcasts and music. Each session will have a particular theme. 

    Email us to book

  • First Nations Bookclub

    A welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community to meet twice a semester to share stories and yarn about books, movies, podcasts and music. Each session will have a particular theme. 

    Email us to book
    • Multimedia icon

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges seminar series

    First Nations staff and community members presented 6 seminars at the Library in 2018. These seminars focused on various aspects of traditional and contemporary First Nations culture.

    Watch the seminar series online

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges seminar series

    First Nations staff and community members presented 6 seminars at the Library in 2018. These seminars focused on various aspects of traditional and contemporary First Nations culture.

    Multimedia icon Watch the seminar series online

    • External mental health and wellbeing resources

    13 YARN

    A 24/7 counselling and crisis support services for First Nations people.

    Benestar Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support Line

    1800 816 152. A support line staffed by clinicians who either identify as First Nations people or have in-depth cultural awareness and experience.

     

    Wellmob

    Curated online resources made by and for Indigenous peoples. You will find websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media and online programs with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.

    Contact

    If you have any questions, get in touch with our Indigenous Engagement Officer. 

    Email Indigenous Engagement Officer

  • Contact

    If you have any questions, get in touch with our Indigenous Engagement Officer. 

    Email Indigenous Engagement Officer