Cultural Standards
The Wollotuka Institute is guided by the teachings of our Nguraki (Elders/cultural mentors) whose wisdoms are respected and honoured.
Our Nguraki and Community played a pivotal role in shaping and developing a locally defined set of Cultural Standards which reflect and embrace the cultural essence to which our goals are directed and to guide how we operate.
Cultural Standards shape how culture guides our practice, decision-making, and ethical engagement within higher education, ensuring that Aboriginal ways of being, knowing, and doing remain central. The renewed Wollotuka Institute Cultural Standards are an articulation of cultural continuity, shaped by the wisdom of ancestors, and the values of our communities.
Central to the Cultural Standards are four foundational guiding elements, underpinned by the spirit of Baiame.
- COUNTRY
- KINSHIP
- CULTURE
- IDENTITY
The outer symbols are closely interconnected and represent the five domains of the Cultural Standards. The domains are not listed in any priority order, and each domain is underpinned by a set of defined strategies. Each of the five domains is accompanied by a story that exemplifies how the respective standard should be upheld.
Download the Cultural Standards (PDF, 12.2Mb)
Cover Artwork: Under the watchful protection of Baiame, the artwork’s central black circle represents community at the heart of the Cultural Standards. Songlines link symbols of Country, Kinship, Culture, and Identity, and express the interconnectedness of each Cultural Standard element.
These overlapping narrative pathways embody movement, reflecting the interwoven nature of living culture, and representing relationality and reciprocity.
With a palette drawn from Country, the colours in the artwork acknowledge place – the lands, seas, rivers, skies, and seasons of surrounding Nations – and also honour the design of the original Cultural Standards artwork. Abstracted patterns and symbols connect to the lessons of each story and speak to song, language, art, craft, dance, tradition, technology, and knowledge expressed through visual storytelling.
Cultural Standards 2026; digital painting, 85 x 85 cm; Caelli Jo Brooker
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.