Raising our Tribal Voice for Justice: An Indigenous Theological Revolution

This Conference provides an opportunity for the Indigenous voice to be heard and for non-Indigenous peoples to gain an understanding of the Indigenous spiritual perspective to build their capacity in walking alongside and working with First Nations people and communities. A unique opportunity for truth-telling and learning, participants will gain a deeper understanding and insights of First Nations spirituality, knowledge, and history to inform individual and organisational transformative and restorative change.

The cost of your ticket contributes to supporting First Nations people not affiliated with a mainstream Church to attend the conference.

Update (2 Jan 2024): Applications for support to attend the conference have now closed.

For queries, contact Michelle Eastwood on meastwood@divinity.edu.au

Our meticulously planned conference agenda will be packed with insightful sessions, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. A detailed conference program will be sent to ticket-holders closer to the event dates, allowing you to plan your participation effectively.

The University of Divinity’s Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, Head of School of Indigenous Studies, is leading this Conference alongside Indigenous Church leaders and theologians who will call their Churches to action. Indigenous theologians, Church and secular leaders from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific will be attending.

Speakers include: Professor Anne Pattel-Gray, Professor Stan Grant, Rev Canon Dr Garry Deverell, Rev Aunty Janet Turpie-Johnstone, Mikenzie Ling, Sean Weetra, Neil Pattel, The Venerable Dr Lyndon Drake, Rev Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, Rev Canon Assoc Professor Glenn Loughrey, John Lochowiak, Dr Josephine Bourne, Brooke Prentis, Elverina Johnson, Rev Hohaia Matthews, Nathan Tyson, Lilliani Tahaafe-Williams, Pastor Geoffrey Stokes, Naomi Wolfe, Rev Prof Dr Upolu Lumā Vaai and Rev Dr Denise Champion.

EXCITING UPDATE: We are thrilled to announce the distinguished addition of renowned author and journalist Professor Stan Grant as a Keynote Speaker for the event. Stan’s presentation, titled “Yindyamarra: The Love of the Afflicted,” promises to offer a thought-provoking exploration into the intersection of Indigenous spirituality and theology, providing unique insights into the Wiradjuri way of being and its transformative impact on our understanding of peace in Jesus Christ.

Monday 5 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT)
Tuesday 6 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT)
Wednesday 7 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT)
Thursday 8 Feb, 9:00am-5:00pm (AEDT

University of Divinity, St Paschal Campus
90 Albion Road, Box Hill VIC 3128

Conference sessions will be held at the University of Divinity’s St Paschal Campus, with plenary sessions held in the St Paschal Chapel and breakout sessions held in University of Divinity classrooms.

Situated on quiet residential streets, the central buildings of St Paschal Campus are surrounded by lush gardens and lawns.

Getting to St Paschal Campus

Public parking

Available along Bedford Street in close proximity to the building entrance (no fee or time limit). Limited parking is available on-campus, next to the Chapel entrance (enter via 90 Albion Road driveway).

If you require accessibility parking, please get in touch with the conference organisers (see ‘Contact Information’ below).

Public transport

• Laburnum Railway Station (1.1km walk)
• Box Hill Railway Station (1.5km walk)
• 733 Bus departs from Box Hill Railway Station with a stop on Albion Road immediately at the property boundary (approx 300m walk to conference entrance)

The University of Divinity is pleased to announce Quest Mont Albert as the accommodation sponsor. Quest Mont Albert is offering conference participants an exclusive 15% discount on the best available rate of the day for bookings over the conference dates. You can receive the discounted rate by booking directly with Quest (not through a third-party) and quote the conference and University name “Raising our Tribal Voice Conference, University of Divinity” to ensure you receive the discounted rate. Call Quest today on (03) 8843 1500 or email sales.montalbert@questapartments.com.au.

About Quest

Quest Mont Albert has 50 fully serviced apartments, including pet-friendly rooms! With public transport at your doorstep, you can also easily explore the city of Melbourne or you can stay close and take in the beautiful surrounds. Quest Apartments – As Local As You Like It!

The School of Indigenous Studies and the University of Divinity is grateful for the support of our sponsors.

Red Ochre Sponsor

Wandiligong Indigenous Ministry Fund

Yellow Ochre Sponsor

Donation from the family of Dr Bruce Malcolm Schramm (1937-2022)

Bruce was committed to lifelong theological learning. He was an accredited Lay Preacher in the Methodist-Uniting Churches from his early 20s. Bruce was curious to explore Aboriginality through a Christian lens, but like so many colonialists he struggled for clean language to ask questions, without also deepening wounds. Our prayer is that the School for Indigenous Studies will create safe spaces to ask and tell, and to explore the way of Jesus through an Indigenous lens. Through shared language, insights, practices and understanding, we hope that wounds won’t be whitewashed but, rather, held, heard, and eventually healed.

White Ochre Sponsors

The Salvation Army

The Uniting Church in Australia

Patrick and Anthony Wright Formation and Education Fund

National Council of Churches in Australia

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC)

Indigenous Ministries Australia

Your health and safety are our top priorities. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will implement all necessary safety measures in line with local guidelines to ensure a secure environment for all attendees. Any updates or requirements will be communicated to ticket-holders ahead of the event.

Should you have any questions or need assistance before or during the conference, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Eastwood, our dedicated conference contact, via enquiries@divinity.edu.au. Michelle and our team are here to assist you every step of the way.

We want to express our gratitude for your participation in Raising Our Tribal Voice for Justice. Your presence will undoubtedly contribute to the exchange of knowledge and ideas that lie at the heart of our event’s mission.

We look forward to meeting you in person and fostering meaningful connections within our community. Until then, please stay tuned for further updates and announcements.

Safe travels and see you in Melbourne at the University Of Divinity’s St Paschal Campus!