In 2024, Batchelor Institute commemorates its 50-year anniversary. In August we will mark this significant milestone with a series of public events, and we are inviting you to come and celebrate with us.
Our Story
Batchelor Institute is Australia’s oldest and only First Nations dual-sector tertiary education provider.
Batchelor Institute’s philosophy is one of ‘Both Ways Learning’. The philosophy celebrates First Nations peoples’ traditional skills, knowledge, and concepts. Our students layer Western education concepts over this foundation of traditional knowledge, and it is this philosophy that dictates Batchelor Institute’s teaching pedagogy.
From preparatory courses, VET certificates, diploma level courses, postgraduate course work, and research programs, across several academic faculties and divisions, Batchelor Institute deliver courses in what First Nations Communities want and need, what will empower our communities and support the creation of a cohort who can answer the questions that are important to us. We also align our courses to employment opportunities in remote communities.
Program of Events
Friday 09 August 2024
Community Event – Desert Peoples Centre Campus, Alice Springs
This event will celebrate Batchelor Institutes 50th year with a ‘Dinner under the Stars’ event at the Desert Peoples Centre Campus and will kick off the start of the 50-year celebration program.
The night will bring together staff, students, alumni, precinct partners, stakeholders and the community, to connect, engage and celebrate with keynote speakers, live performances, and dinner cooked traditionally in coals.
This is a free event and will commence at 5.30pm.
A program for this event will be released in early August.
Event enquiries can be directed to:
Monday 12 August – Friday 16 August 2024
Community Event – Batchelor Campus
This event will showcase exhibits around Batchelor Institute’s Batchelor Campus - giving visitors and the community a glimpse of the Institute’s journey across 50 years (1974-2024), as well as allow them to participate in scheduled activities.
Exhibits will include a glimpse at Batchelor Institute’s Art Collection and photographic displays across the years.
Activities will include a Flag raising ceremony, ‘Sharing Graduate Stories’ and performances by Batchelor Institute alumni and current students.
As part of the Institutes commitment to the local community and Education, there will also be scheduled activities coordinated with the Batchelor Area School throughout the week.
This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend.
A program for this event will be released in early August.
Event enquiries can be directed to:
Tuesday 13 August – Wednesday 14 August 2024
Community Event – Batchelor Campus
Batchelor Institute's 50th Anniversary Symposium takes the theme 'Learning Journeys, Land and Language' and will see a range of speakers from alumni, staff and external researchers presenting talks over two days (13/14 August) about their learning journeys at and beyond the Institute.
The symposium is part of a broader program of 50-anniversary-related events in August at the Institute's Batchelor and Alice Springs campuses, and will be an opportunity to reflect on, explore and celebrate the challenges and successes of the past decades in readiness for a stronger, learning-rich future.
Stay tuned for the final list of presenting talent.
This is a free event; however, tickets will need to be booked for attendees.
To book your ticket for this event or see the frequently asked questions, please visit - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/batchelor-institute-50th-anniversary-symposium-tickets-881657018877
A program for this event will be released in early August.
Event enquiries can be directed to:
Thursday 15 August 2024
Showcase – Deckchair Cinema, Darwin
This event will showcase and celebrate the Screen & Media excellence of Batchelor Institute students and alumni.
With a spotlight over the decades, we will acknowledge and honour our trail blazers, who have shone brightly nationally and internationally in the radio, television, and film industry and collected accolades for their amazing work.
The night will include short films and Q&A opportunities with the film makers.
- Dipped in Black (Yankunytjatjara: Marungka Tjalatjunu) - Co Director - Derik Lynch
- LIL BOIS - Director - Grant Thompson
- Ŋambi (Ŋambi) - Director - Mark Watjana
- Carry The Flag - Presenter, Co-Writer, and Co-Producer - Bernard Namok Jnr
This is an ‘invitational event’; however, a limited number of tickets will be released to the public.
Tickets are on sale and available for purchase by Deckchair Cinema now - https://www.deckchaircinema.com/movie/batchelor-institute-50th-celebration
The event will commence at 7pm (please arrive 30 minutes prior) and attendees will be able to purchase refreshments on the night from the ‘Soul Essence On The Bay’ food truck.
Event enquiries can be directed to:
This event is proudly supported by the Deckchair Cinema.
Friday 16 August 2024
Community Event – Bustard Town, Darwin
This event will showcase the music excellence of Batchelor Institute students and alumni.
The night will include musical and cultural solo and group performances by past and current students, including Normey J and the Drifting Cloud Band from Gapuwiyak.
This is an ‘invitational event’; however, the public will be able to purchase tickets from the venue on the night for $20.
Performances will commence at 9pm and attendees will be able to purchase refreshments on the night from the venue.
Event enquiries can be directed to:
This event is proudly supported by Bustard Town.
Saturday 17 August 2024
Gala Dinner – Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin
This event will bring together Batchelor Institute staff, students, alumni, stakeholders, and supporters to celebrate 50 years of the Institute.
This promises to be a memorable evening, filled with distinguished guests, captivating entertainment, and reflections on five decades of educational leadership and First Nations empowerment, and where we envision the next 50 years might take us.
This is a public event, and tickets will be available for purchase at $100 per person (plus booking fees).
Tickets go on sale on Thursday 04 July and can be purchased through Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/batchelor-institute-celebrating-50-years-gala-dinner-tickets-935052616547?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=1
Doors will open from 5.30pm, with the event commencing at 6.00pm sharp.
Gala Dinner Tickets include a three-course meal and non-alcoholic beverages.
A cash bar will be available on the night for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
If you are interested in Donating a Ticket, or putting in your interest for a donated ticket, please contact us.
Event enquiries can be directed to:
Want to become a sponsor for the Gala Dinner?
View our Sponsorship Prospectus
