Culture and Connection

Connecting with Country; Alumni and Diaspora

The Traditional Owners of our land stretch back over 60,000 years, making it the oldest continuous culture on Earth. It’s a rich culture filled with storytelling, traditions, respect for community and Country. Join us for a traditional smoking ceremony, learn about its significance and deepen your understanding of our country’s First Peoples.

Then be inspired by panel discussion with some of Melbourne’s most successful international student alumni who will share how experiences of failure in its many forms have provided unique learning opportunities that helped turn them into some of the city’s most influential alumni.

There are three parts to this event.

3.30pm Smoking Ceremony and Cultural Awareness Workshop by A/Prof. Sadie Heckenberg

5.00pm Panel Discussion (international student alumni)

Dr. Belle Lim (moderator), Founder of Future Forte, an analyst at Deloitte Access Economics, Fellow with the Schmidt Futures’ International Strategy Forum
Mr. Hakim-Halim, Founder of RIPE & Cured
Ms. Jodilly Pendre, Fashion Model and DJ, Social Media Influencer, YouTuber, Live Streamer
Ms. Christina Zhao, President of Melbourne Chinatown Business Association, Founder of MAP PR &EVENTS
Mr. Julius Kerstien, Software Engineer, eResearch Group, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Melbourne

6.00pm Networking: Connect with successful international alumni, international students, and indigenous students.

The night will conclude with networking drinks at VU City Tower.

This invitation (registration page) is for guests attending the alumni event from 5.00pm (arrival from 4.45pm).

If you are interested to attend the entire event (from 3.30pm)– please register at Culture and Connection (vu.edu.au)

This event is hosted as part of the City of Melbourne's 'International Student Day' celebrations in partnership with Victoria University's DFAT NFACR funded Embrace Project.