Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity - AFSE

🌿☀️ Three locations. Two weeks. One incredible Module 3!

Travelling throughout Queensland - from the stunning and aptly named Sunshine Coast (Kabi Kabi Country), to the rich history and culture of the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire, and finishing in the heart of Brisbane (Meanjin), our Fellows immersed themselves in a fortnight of learning, connection and leadership.

👏🏼 This journey would not have been possible without Aunty Bev Hand (Kabi Kabi), Mayor Bruce Simpson (Wakka Wakka/Wangan), Uncle Steve Coghill (Jagera), L*z Malezer (Butchulla/Gubbi Gubbi), Barrister Joshua Creamer (Waanyi/Kalkadoon), Serene Fernando (Gamilaraay), Uncle Eric Law (Wakka Wakka) and C21 Fellow Raymond Brunker (Maramanindji), who welcomed us, shared their knowledge, and generously hosted us throughout the week.

💡 During our online week, Fellows took the exciting step of presenting their Social Change Projects for the first time, sharing bold ideas for creating lasting impact in their communities. They were joined by A/Prof. Nikki Moodie (Gamilaroi), C21 Fellow Tegan Burns (Quandamooka), C19 Fellow Pekeri Ruska (Goenpul) and A/Prof. Sereana Naepi, who helped guide and strengthen these important conversations.

🌳 We also acknowledge the generosity of our Pou, Prof. Jackie Huggins, Dr (Uncle) Mick Adams AO, Prof. Daryle Rigney and Prof. Linda Tuhiwai Smith, who joined us for this Module and enriched the experience with their wisdom and leadership.

📍 Our Fellows left inspired, energised and ready for Module 4 on Gadigal Country this August.

Register to join the AFSE team on Monday 22 June, 12:00pm AEST for an online information session about our 2027 program and application process.

This is your chance to:
👉🏽 Discover more about AFSE and our Indigenous and Pacific-led change mission
👉🏽 Get acquainted with the application process and the content you'll need to submit
👉🏽 Be inspired by examples of social change initiatives currently being undertaken by AFSE Fellows
👉🏽 Ask any questions you may have about the program or the application process

Register via https://go.unimelb.edu.au/k5w2🔗

What an incredible week on the Gold Coast at the AIATSIS Summit! 🌊✨
 
This year’s theme, “Our Truth, Our Power, Our Future” aligned strongly with AFSE’s values, acknowledging the lived experience, strength, solidarity, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
 
One of the highlights was seeing so many AFSE Senior Fellows sharing their leadership, knowledge, research, and lived experiences throughout the Summit. A special congratulations to AIATSIS Chair Karl Hampton (AFSE, C23) for his continued leadership with the organisation, alongside AIATSIS Council member and AFSE Pou, Mark Yettica-Paulson.
 
We were thrilled to see AFSE Senior Fellows Kaleesha Morris (C25) and Jonathon Captain-Webb (C22) stop by our booth, and to hear from Damein Bell (C22) and Adam Fletcher (C21) as they shared their expertise and insights through their respective panel sessions.
 
It was also wonderful to make new connections with incredible leaders - thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about AFSE, share your journey, ask questions, and connect with our team, and a huge thank you to the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Team at The University of Melbourne who gracefully hosted us at their table. We’re leaving feeling energised, inspired, and excited for what’s ahead.
 
See you at the next one! 💛

National Reconciliation Week 🤝🏼

Held each year from 27 May to 3 June, these dates mark two significant milestones — the 1967 Referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision.

National Reconciliation Week asks each of us to reflect deeply on Australia’s past, on what we can do individually & collectively today to heal our nation, & build a better future for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders & all Australians.

This week, and every week, AFSE commits to listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps toward a more just and shared future.

To learn more about National Reconciliation Week, visit https://go.unimelb.edu.au/jau8

Today we pause for National Sorry Day — a moment of reflection, listening, and respect.

On National Sorry Day we remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were forcibly removed from their families and communities — now known as the Stolen Generations. It is a day to honour their strength and resilience, and to reflect on the role we all play in ongoing healing.

Applications are now open for our 2027 Fellowship Program!

The AFSE Fellowship brings together Indigenous and Pacific leaders from across sectors for a transformative journey through the Foundation Year and into a lifelong global network.

Are you, or someone you know, ready to take your social change initiative further?

📥️ Applications close at 11:59 pm AEST on Monday 27 July 2026
🔗 Visit our website (https://go.unimelb.edu.au/d4w2) for more information!

📢 AFSE is hiring!

We are looking for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Lecturer to join our team and support the passionate, diverse, and rapidly growing community of ASFE Fellows.

If you or someone you know is interested, applications are open until Tues 19 May 2026, 11:55 PM AEST. Apply today!

🔗 Follow the link in our bio to learn more and apply.

Last week, AFSE and the hosted our inaugural panel event, 'Treaty and Truth: A New Chapter of Indigenous Governance - A Global Dialogue', hosted in the AFSE Hub at .

🎤 We were joined by , and to discuss the Treaty making process in Victoria, the message of the Victorian Treaty in a global context and the self-determination of Indigenous organisations and state working collaboratively.

🎓️ AFSE extends our thanks to the University of Melbourne's Interim Vice Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis AC for delivering the Opening Remarks, and to our online global audience that attended the discussion.

🎥 View the full panel discussion - https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gip2

Photography: Josh Deane
Videography: Ava Grace Productions