The Meanjin Oration is the QUT key address to profile Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence. As leaders in their field, the Meanjin Orators inspire, cultivate, and showcase research excellence by Indigenous people in Australia.
The Carumba Institute recognises Indigenous peoples and communities as powerful in their knowing. We pride ourselves on a strong tradition of critical Indigenous scholarship which is unwavering in its service and solidarity to the ongoing struggle of Indigenous sovereignty and survival.
'Pride for our people' with Cathy Freeman AC
The Meanjin Oration is QUT’s premier address showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research excellence and innovation.
The 2026 Meanjin Oration will be delivered as a conversation between Cathy Freeman AC and Dr Amy McQuire, centred on the theme 'Pride for our people'. The oration will foreground Indigenous excellence, leadership and cultural strength through Cathy Freeman's lived experience and national legacy, and will reflect on key life milestones through an Indigenous lens.
Delivered to align with the 2026 milestone NAIDOC Week '50 Years of Deadly', the conversation will explore Aboriginal identity, truth telling and intergenerational pride, highlighting the role of Indigenous leadership in shaping Australia’s future.
This is a free, ticketed event. Registration is required.
Meanjin Oration 2025
In 2025, we were honoured to welcome Dr Tony McAvoy SC, Australia’s first Indigenous Senior Counsel, as the Orator.
A distinguished QUT alumnus, McAvoy’s career spanned decades of leadership in native title, human rights, and constitutional reform. His address offered profound insights into the complex intersections of law, justice, and Indigenous sovereignty, reflecting a lifetime of advocacy and expertise.
Find out moreMeanjin Oration 2024
Hosted by the Carumba Institute, the 2024 Meanjin Oration showcased the creative and intellectual work of QUT PhD candidate, Uncle Joe Geia through both concert and conversation. The showcase featured eight songs performed by Uncle Joe Geia - a renowned singer/songwriter, guitarist, yidaki player, and influential figure in the development of contemporary Indigenous music.
Find out moreMeanjin Oration 2023
The 2023 Meanjin Oration featured prominent Indigenous leader Noel Pearson speaking about the Referendum on a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
Noel is an Aboriginal activist, lawyer and academic, and founded the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership. He has been a driving force in the discourse on Indigenous rights in Australia for more than 30 years, and called the Voice debate the most important event in 250 years.
Find out more