You are warmly invited to attend the St John’s College National Reconciliation Week Lunch on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.

We are honoured to be joined by special guests Rod Williams and Dr Samantha Cooms. Rod is a well-respected Indigenous business advisor who helps private enterprise, Indigenous communities and organisations work together, by providing advice and specialist services that help bridge the cultural divide. He is a Bundjalung man who is currently undertaking his PhD at The University of Queensland.

Dr Samantha Cooms is a proud Noonuccal Quandamooka mother and carer, she holds a Bachelor of Psychology (hons) majoring in Indigenous Studies, a PhD in Business and is now a Lecturer in Management in the Business School at The University of Queensland. Dr Cooms has experience working in the mental health and disability sectors and her research seeks to decolonise and Indigenise knowledges with a special focus on disability to address intersectional disadvantage and disrupt ongoing colonisation.

Join us for lunch in the St John's Dining Hall and listen to a thought provoking In Conversation with our special guests and Warden, Rose Alwyn.

Student tickets are complimentary, and all guests are asked to use the link below to secure your seat. Please RSVP by Tuesday 13 May 2025.

Any enquiries, please contact Ms Sonya Waters, Events and Communications Manager.