The Australian Centre

The Australian Centre fosters world-leading research on the settler state, its culture, institutions, sovereignty and identities across several different disciplines, including history, sociology, literature, politics, visual arts and anthropology. Building upon the foundational work of the Indigenous Settler Relations Collaboration, a Research Unit in the Faculty of Arts (2018-2021), the Centre’s research programs are guided by an ethical imperative to consider what must be done to inform, shape and give life to more just relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples on this continent we now call Australia.

Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Program in Indigenous Settler Relations

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Program in Indigenous Settler Relations is open to graduate researchers in any faculty undertaking graduate research related to the emerging field of Indigenous settler relations in Australia and the world. The program enriches the graduate research experience by creating a strong cohort and intellectual community that assists students in developing their post-degree pathways.

The program connects students with researchers across disciplines, fostering an engaged and supportive intellectual community, and creating a strong cohort experience for the duration of their study. The program deepens academic understandings, and enhances interdisciplinary knowledge exchange on research that leads to more just relations between Indigenous and settler peoples. Students are supported to build networks across the University and with relevant external organisations and to develop their research in reference to current real-world challenges.

Activities throughout the year include exclusive masterclasses, a research symposium, writing retreats, and a reading group, as well as access to the suite of public seminars, lectures and film screenings run by the Australian Centre. Opportunities are available to meet regularly throughout each semester to share research progress and to participate in writing sessions, critical reading groups and workshops focused on ethics, research methodology and approaches for communicating research to diverse audiences across and beyond the academy.

Applications to join the program are called for twice a year, with start year intake applications closing in early February and mid-year entry closing in late June. Students can join the program at any time during their candidature and remain part of the program until the completion of their studies. Timely completion of the thesis remains the priority, with the program intended to enhance the experience of advanced research training and aid graduation pathways.

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Understand the opportunities and challenges of treaty for transforming relations between First Nations and settler societies

The Australian Centre's Treaty Education explores how treaties function in relations between Indigenous peoples and contemporary settler societies. You will learn to analyse how treaties have shaped past interactions and to understand the possibilities they open for future relations. Key to this is understanding the concept of contested sovereignty as foundational to the contemporary state. These analytical skills are crucial to developing successful treaties and lawful relations with Indigenous people.

Donate to support First Nations’ access to this MicroCert series

Individuals and organisations are invited to contribute to the Treaty Education Scholarship Fund. Your investment will help more Indigenous people access these MicroCert series who might otherwise be unable to participate.

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Current collection of the Australian Centre projects, publications and resources

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