Edith Cowan University (ECU) acknowledges and respects its continuing association with the Noongar People, the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which its campuses stand. Furthermore, we respect and acknowledge all our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates and staff who come from many nations across Australia. Read more about our commitment to Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised this resource may contain images or names or references to people who have passed on.
ECU is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, marking 50 Years of Deadly, and honouring and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.
This year's NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, is both a milestone and a call forward.
It honours the Elders, advocates, educators and communities who built the foundations of today's movement, while recognising the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders shaping Australia’s future through culture, education, research, health, business and the arts.
At Edith Cowan University (ECU), that legacy is deeply woven into the University's history.
Sunday, 5 July – Sunday,12 July 2026 from 6pm
ECU City Campus, 500 Wellington Street, Perth
The exterior of ECU’s City campus will be illuminated each evening, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strength, excellence and culture in the heart of the city.
From Monday, 6 July 2026 open all day
ECU Joondalup Campus, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup
ECU South-West Campus, 585 Robertson Drive, Bunbury
Take a self-guided journey through the Cultural Reflection Spaces at ECU’s Joondalup and South West campuses.
Developed as part of ECU's Reconciliation Plans, these spaces invite reflection, learning and connection. Visit with a friend or a colleague or spend some quiet time exploring these meaningful environments.
Download the ECU Cultural Reflection Spaces maps:
From Monday, 6 July 2026 open all day
ECU City Campus, 500 Wellington Street, Perth
Explore the artwork located in the laneway between Yagan Square and King Street and around the campus. In 2026, ECU unveiled a number of public artworks that draw attention to and celebrate the cultural narratives of the location of the city campus and the Aboriginal artists who created the works.
The first work is titled 'Kep Koorliny Djenna Bidi – Moving Water Walking Trail' an integrated artwork by Lea Taylor, a Wadandi/Menang/Kaniyang/Goreng Bibbulmun woman, that depicts flowing lines and ‘bubbles’ that reference the lakes, waterways and wetlands that once nourished Country and sustained Nyoongar ancestors’ way of life.
The second work is titled ‘Journey’ - a duo of large-scale sculptures by Kamilaori artist Reko Rennie, that depicts the tail feathers of the Karak (Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo) and the Ngoolark (Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo). The artist worked closely with Whadjuk Elders, Traditional Custodians of Boorloo, Perth to co-create and represent Noongar narratives about place, local ecology and the shared histories of place.
Monday, 6 July – Friday 10 July 2026
ECU City Campus, Forum Screen, main foyer, main entry via Yagan Square
Public spaces at ECU City Campus are open from 8.00am – 6.00pm, Monday to Friday
The Forum screen will showcase a program of art and interviews. Highlights include:
Tuesday, 8 May - Friday 9 August 2026, 10.00am - 4.00pm
ECU City Campus, 500 Wellington Street Perth, ECU Gallery, Ground Floor
Grit is an exhibition drawn from works in the Edith Cowan University Art Collection, bringing together artists who use materiality to explore belonging, custodianship, colonial resistance, and relationships to place.
At other times, the gallery is open by appointment. Email the Arts, Culture and Collections team. Learn more about the Grit exhibition.
Monday, 6 July 2026, 9.00am – 9.20am
ECU South West, 585 Robertson Drive, Bunbury
Dambart Bilya Cultural Reflection Space, outside Building 3
Join us for a flag-raising ceremony officiated by the Director of the University Department of Rural Health South West, Professor Beth Armstrong.
Monday, 6 July 2026, 10.30am – 10.45am
ECU Joondalup Campus, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup
Boorna Baronga Cultural Reflection Space, outside Building 31
Join us for a flag-raising ceremony officiated by ECU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock, and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous), Professor Dan McAullay.
Monday, 6 July 2026, 1.00pm - 3.00pm
ECU South West Campus, Building 6, 585 Robertson Drive, Bunbury
Join us for a special NAIDOC event, featuring a Dadirri reflection session, afternoon tea and craft activities for the entire community, including ECU staff and students.
Created through ECU’s Reconciliation Action Plans, the Cultural Reflection Spaces encourage reflection, learning and connection to Country. Throughout NAIDOC Week and beyond, ECU staff, students, alumni and community are encouraged to visit and spend time at these spaces across our campuses.
Informed by ECU’s Cultural Narrative Framework, the 2025 NAIDOC Speaker Series explored themes of resilience, leadership and the importance of investing in future generations.
Watch the recorded talks to continue the conversation.
