Last week, students, staff, community leaders, and industry partners came together for one of the most powerful and transformative learning experiences at Curtin University — the 2025 Indigenous Futures ‘ReconciliAction’ Challenge. Culminating in a vibrant showcase event on Monday evening, the Challenge asked students to respond to the pressing and provocative question post the 2023 referendum: “The Country said No, so Now What?”
Now in its second year, the Challenge is a 25-credit point intensive unit led by Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean of Indigenous Futures in the Faculty of Humanities. The program invites students across disciplines to develop solutions to contemporary challenges in the wake of the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. This year, the focus was not on answers, but on action — bold, inclusive, and transformative action.
Throughout the week, students engaged in immersive, face-to-face, challenge-based learning. They were guided by community knowledge holders, guest speakers, and industry professionals, and grounded in Indigenous ways of learning — including yarning circles, deep listening (dadirri), and reflective practice.
What set this Challenge apart was its emotional depth. As Professor Richard Blythe, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Humanities, noted during the showcase:
“Learning should change us. It should move us. And that’s exactly what happened this week. Students didn’t expect to feel this deeply — but they did. And that’s the mark of truly meaningful education.”
Students described the Challenge as one of the most enriching experiences of their studies, with many reflecting on how the process redefined what learning means to them. The collaborative nature of the unit allowed for genuine connection, vulnerability, and creative problem-solving across faculties — from human rights to fine arts, engineering to education.
Monday’s showcase event was not just a celebration of student projects, but a recognition of the emotional and intellectual labour poured into each idea. The event opened with reflections from Professor Blythe and Associate Professor Mandy Downing, who both spoke to the courage and clarity shown by students.
In her speech, Associate Professor Downing remarked:
“There is no simple answer to the question we posed. However, I proposed ReconciliAction as a way forward — a mindset that demands broad truth-telling and critical social action. And what we’ve witnessed this week is proof that students, when trusted, can meet that challenge with depth and integrity.”
Student Representatives Blaire Jones and Brodie Abrahams echoed these sentiments, speaking to the lasting impact of the Challenge on their understanding of community, communication, and reconciliAction.
“This unit gave us a voice. It gave us the opportunity to listen, to learn, and to connect — not just academically, but emotionally and humanly,” they shared.
“We’re leaving this experience with more empathy, more clarity, and a shared responsibility to continue this work beyond the university walls.”
The 2025 Challenge reaffirmed Curtin’s commitment to embedding Indigenous knowledges and leadership into the heart of education. With the enthusiastic support of staff, community and industry contributors, and volunteers, the week proved that education can be a powerful vehicle for transformation — when grounded in respect, courage, and collaboration.
As Associate Professor Downing said so powerfully:
“As an educational institution, we have the opportunity to shape thought leadership. What we do here matters. We are the change, and we are the future.”
To the students: your ideas, your voices, and your energy give us hope for what’s possible when we walk together toward a more inclusive and just Australia.
