National Reconciliation Week | 27 May – 3 June 2026 

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, honour the cultures and achievements, and ask ourselves honestly: what role am I playing in reconciliation? 

This year’s theme, All In, puts that question front and centre. As Reconciliation Australia reminds us, reconciliation is not a spectator sport. It is not passive, and it is not the responsibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples — who have carried the weight of championing, explaining and acting for far too long.  

All In is a call for each of us, and every institution we are part of, to step away from the sidelines and commit to meaningful action every single day. 

At SAGE, we believe this call speaks directly to the work we do. Gender equity, diversity and inclusion are not separate from reconciliation — they are deeply intertwined with it. For too long, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have faced structural barriers to participation, progression and leadership in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and higher education.  

Dismantling those barriers is part of what it means to be All In. 

Recognising action 

To acknowledge this years’ theme, we would like to shine a light on institutions that are doing the hard, sustained work of change, and holding themselves accountable. That is what the SAGE Cygnet Award is for. 

Cygnet Awards are not given for intention or aspiration. They are earned by institutions that can show concrete evidence of action to remove or reduce a specific barrier to gender equity, diversity and inclusion, that has created measurable outcomes and impactfor their employees.  

It is genuinely difficult work, and we are proud to recognise the growing number of SAGE member institutions that have risen to meet it, including specifically taking action on First Nations inclusion. 

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) 

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has demonstrated that meaningful Indigenous engagement must run through every aspect of an organisation, from its workforce to its research partnerships. 

AIMS acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s first scientists, and this recognition is not merely symbolic. Through its Indigenous partnerships program, AIMS has built long-term, two-way knowledge-sharing relationships with Traditional Owners across northern Australia, from Exmouth to the southern Great Barrier Reef, working with communities including Anindilyakwa Rangers and Bardi-Jawi Rangers on sea country research and monitoring.  

“AIMS’ willingness to walk alongside us and take the time to understand our culture and protocols has meant a lot. It’s not just consultation – it’s real partnership.” – Traditional Owner partner 

Read about AIMS actions, outcomes and impact here. 

Western Sydney University 

Western Sydney University sought to address systemic barriers, enhance governance, and foster cultural recognition and inclusion. 

Under the leadership of Wiradjuri woman Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Western Sydney University became the first Australian university to drive short and long-term structural change with its Indigenous Strategy (2020–2025). 

The University’s First Nations staff report that the Indigenous Strategy is a significant driver for change and a signal of increased cultural value at the University. As one First Nations staff member expressed: 

“The Indigenous Strategy has been a driving force to not just bring Indigenous staff together but to set a common mission for the entire University. It has changed the fabric of how Indigenous business is done at Western, both now and into the future.” 

Strengthened senior Indigenous leadership was also seen as core to WSU’s successes, where unifying and consistent First Nations priorities, enhancing of career opportunities, and a more culturally inclusive leadership approach is building a more culturally safe environment, a feeling of belonging at WSU, and a feeling of ‘family’ among Indigenous staff. 

The strategy has helped the University increased Indigenous staff representation from 1.7% (2017) to 2.6% (2023), nearing its 3% target.  

Read about Western Sydney University’s actions, outcomes and impact here. 

Flinders University 

Flinders University has demonstrated both breadth and depth in its commitment to First Nations inclusion with a SAGE Cygnet Award submitted on supporting Indigenous students and another for staff in 2024. 

For students, the establishment of the Tarrkarri-ana Committee in 2021, the introduction of Indigenous Student Success Targets, Yunghurrinthi Support Program and the deployment of Indigenous Student Support Officers and Deadly Study Skills Advisors have worked together to open pathways for First Nations students — many of whom are the first in their family or community to pursue higher education. 

“Yungkurrinthi not only offered academic support but also fostered a community that gave me a sense of belonging. This helped me navigate the complexities of university life with more confience.” – Student Testimonial 

Between 2020 and 2024, Flinders increased its Indigenous student representation by more than 20%. This has included an increase in retention rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to 76%, while the course progression rate has surged by nearly 20% to 92%. 

From 2017 to 2023, Indigenous staff representation at Flinders grew from 0.7% to 2.53%, with a target of 3% by 2025. 

At the heart of these accomplishments are a number of targeted initiatives including the implementation of two Reconciliation Action Plans, the enactment of an Indigenous Workforce Strategy, alongside a continued focus on raising awareness and participation in annual NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week celebrations. 

Read about Flinders University’s actions, outcomes and impact for Indigenous staff and students. 

University of Newcastle 

The University of Newcastle became the first in Australia to receive a SAGE Cygnet Award for Indigenous Cultural Competency. 

The University has a proud history with the Wollotuka Institute, an all-Indigenous staffed institute that has supported Indigenous students for 43 years and has conducted targeted recruitment and school outreach programs to grow the pipeline of both women and Indigenous people in STEM. 

“Without the support of Wollotuka I don’t know how I would have been able to get through my degree … As I have been through the process, it’s been the best feeling to be able to support other students facing similar challenges at university.” – Student Testimonial, First Nations 

“Closing the Gap and addressing the inequities Indigenous Australians experience requires a proactive and consistent effort. Our commitment to our First Nations people remains ongoing and the award of the Cygnet for Indigenous Cultural Competency is recognition that as a university, we are on the right path to reconciliation.” – Mr Jake MacDonald, University of Newcastle, Cultural Capability Partner 

Their work produced measurable results: increased Indigenous student enrolments, including among young women and non-binary people, and growth in Indigenous staff numbers. 

Read about University of Newcastle’s actions, outcomes and impact here. 

Being All In 

Their work shows that meaningful change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in science and higher education is absolutely achievable, but only when institutions commit fully and take sustained structural action over the long term. 

All In is not a slogan, but a standard. At SAGE, we will continue to support, challenge and recognise our member institutions as they rise to meet it — this week, and every week. 

Click here to learn more about SAGE Cygnet Awards and how your institution can drive change.