The Australian National University (ANU) is preparing for a year of celebrations to mark its 75th anniversary next week.
In a statement the ANU said it was established on 1 August 1946 and would mark the anniversary this year with a community day, beginning with a special Welcome to Country from First Nations elders, including a didgeridoo piece, smoking ceremony and choir performance.
“We will host a panel discussion on the theme of ANU then, now and 75 years from now,” the ANU said.
“This will lead into the launch of Our History – Living History Project by Dr Daniel Oakman, a digital exhibition showcasing 500 images from the University’s archives, short films, text and quotations on the theme of people, place and ideas that have helped shaped ANU,” it said.
“Pop-up talks in the Cultural Centre will include Professor Shiro Armstrong presenting the University’s role in shaping the future of Australia’s economic future, Professor Anna Moore discussing the latest in the space race and Professor Rebecca Colvin unravelling the complexity of climate change.”
The ANU said community day visitors could also explore the cultural significance of the ANU Acton campus location through heritage walks with Ngunnawal Elder, Uncle Wally Bell.
The University said visitors could participate in a guided tour at ANU’s Classics Museum to see artefacts from the ancient Mediterranean world and “travel back in time” through an exhibition featuring furniture from the ANU heritage collection, and an art and architecture tour.
“There will be a dedicated kids’ zone on the University Avenue lawns, with archaeological digs, arts and crafts workshops and the option to learn juggling, hula hoop and plate spinning,” it said.
“The Kambri Lawns will transform into a science space with Dr Graham Walker for a special open-air live science experience – part lecture, but mostly a science show.”
The ANU said the community day would end with a movie screening of Penguin Bloom in the Cultural Centre.
It said the University’s Foundation Day on 2 August would be marked with the launch of ANU by 2025, its strategic plan to chart ANU’s course for the next five years.
The university’s 7-page program of community celebrations, including how to participate, can be accessed at this PS News link.
