USC students hope to spark a community conversation on Wednesday 9 August when they hold a special forum at USC to hear the voices of local Indigenous people.

The event, to mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, will include a presentation from renowned Aboriginal artist Jandamarra Cadd, discussion groups, and question and answer sessions.

Local elder Beverly Hand will speak at the forum, which will discuss a range of issues relating to Indigenous equality such as the potential for Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.

The event, for students and community members from any cultural background, has been organised by six USC Tertiary Preparation Pathway students as part of their Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Societies subject.

One of the students, Leah Hyndman, said the forum would address the challenges faced by Indigenous people and develop potential solutions.

“What we’ve been learning in this course is that it’s time in Australia to really listen to Indigenous people,” Ms Hyndman said.

“We know that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is facing issues of inequality, so this event is about opening up some of those topics and giving our local traditional owners a voice.

“I think that Jandamarra Cadd talking about his own personal journey and his hopes for the future will be particularly inspiring.”

The event will be held on Wednesday from 11am to 2pm at the USC Brasserie stage.

— Gen Kennedy