A standing ovation
By Nigel Ivanovic
INSIDE UNISA Event images: Catherine Leo photographyMore than 2,000 UniSA staff members gathered on Monday 24 November at the Adelaide Convention Centre for an unforgettable celebration of the University’s people, stories and legacy.
The event provided a rare and historic moment for UniSA employees from across its metropolitan and regional campuses to come together and celebrate UniSA’s proud 35-year history.
The afternoon kicked off with aerial silk performers and canapés and beverages, including a bespoke UniSA gin cocktail. A Welcome to Country was provided by Jack Buckskin and Kuma Kaaru, before staff heard from Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd and Chancellor John Hill.
Prof Lloyd thanked staff for their contributions and highlighted how far UniSA had come since its inception 35 years ago. “All you’ve done – all you’ve given of yourselves – has helped build and shape UniSA into what it is today.”
The event featured a nostalgic UniSA timeline video consolidating key milestones, a curated Time Capsule exhibition, and visual storytelling drawn from the University’s cultural entities, students’ creative work and staff submissions.
Notable installations included a set of giant UniSA timber letters from the Mawson Lakes campus, which staff were invited to sign on arrival, and a striking overhead flag installation featuring staff members’ three words they shared to best describe their experience at UniSA. More than 1,000 contributions were received as part of event registration, ranging from heartfelt to hilarious, with 25 brought to life on the day.
Guests also enjoyed live music and a preview trailer of a new UniSA documentary in development with Channel 44.
Many employees based at Mount Gambier and Whyalla flew or drove in for the celebration, and the event was live streamed for those unable to join in person.
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