Whitlam Institute

Whitlam Institute Working together for a more equal, open, tolerant and independent Australia. Home of the national What Matters? We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University is a dynamic research and policy think tank, and a prime ministerial public museum. It commemorates and draws inspiration from the life and work of the Honourable Gough Whitlam AC QC and celebrates the contemporary relevance of his ideas. It pursues the causes he championed and is guided by the principles upon which Gough Whitlam's parliamenta

ry career and years of service to the people of Australia were founded. Writing Competition for young Australians, the Whitlam Institute is also custodian of the nationally significant Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection, under the stewardship of the University of Western Sydney Library. The Collection includes books, papers and memorabilia gifted by Mr Whitlam and other donors. The Whitlam Institute acknowledges the Darug people of the Darug nation as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which we work as the first people of this country.

28/05/2026

Did you know the Whitlam Institute is located within Australia’s oldest three-storey building?

Built in 1813, the historic Female Orphan School was originally established as the colony’s first purpose-built welfare institution for girls and remains one of Australia’s most significant heritage sites.

Beautifully restored, the site today houses exhibitions, research, public programs and community conversations exploring democracy, history and public life.
Register for Open Day, during the week or for Saturday the 6th of June.

https://www.whitlam.org/femaleorphanschool

On 26 May 1998, Australia observed its first National Sorry Day - exactly one year after the Bringing Them Home report w...
26/05/2026

On 26 May 1998, Australia observed its first National Sorry Day - exactly one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Parliament, shedding light on the harm and impact of government policies on a generation of children now known as the Stolen Generations.

The observance is rooted in the 1997 Bringing Them Home report, which documented the experiences of these children and recommended the establishment of a day of apology. The report found that between one in three and one in ten Aboriginal children were removed from their families as a result of government policy.

Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's Labor government came to office in December 1972 with a fundamental policy shift in Aboriginal affairs away from assimilation and toward self-determination - described as "Aboriginal communities deciding the pace and nature of their future development". The Whitlam Government sought to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to claim back the land to which they were entitled, allow them more input into policy-making, and abolish discriminatory practices that limited their freedoms and opportunities.

📖 Learn more:
https://www.whitlam.org/whitlam-legacy-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples
https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters-2021-shortlisted-entries/2021/8/4/time-to-move-forward?rq=1967

25/05/2026

The Whitlam Institute take great pleasure in hosting the launch of Professor David Headon AM’s latest addition to the ‘First Eight Project’ series, on Australia’s fifth Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher.THE SPEAKERSWelcome & Introduction - Prof John Juriansz, Whitlam InstituteIntroduction to Bo...

On 18 May 1974, Australians voted in the nation’s first double dissolution election since 1951 - just 17 months after Go...
18/05/2026

On 18 May 1974, Australians voted in the nation’s first double dissolution election since 1951 - just 17 months after Gough Whitlam first came to office.

Running under the campaign slogan “Go Ahead”, the Whitlam Government sought a renewed mandate to continue its ambitious reform agenda following repeated obstruction of legislation in the Senate.

The election returned the Whitlam Government for a second term and marked several historic firsts, including the first federal election in which 18-year-olds were eligible to vote.

Following the election, the Whitlam Government delivered a series of landmark reforms that would reshape modern Australia, including Medibank through the Health Insurance Bill, the Trade Practices Act, the Racial Discrimination Act, the establishment of the Australian Heritage Commission, the creation of the Aboriginal Land Fund, the return of traditional land to the Gurindji people, and the granting of independence to Papua New Guinea, among many other significant achievements.

📖 Learn more:
https://www.whitlam.org/publications/that-historic-occasion
https://www.whitlam.org/explainers/1974-election

Entries for the 2026 competition are now closed.We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of young people from across ...
18/05/2026

Entries for the 2026 competition are now closed.

We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of young people from across Australia who took the time to reflect on, explore and express what matters to them through their writing.

Each year, the competition provides a powerful insight into the ideas, experiences and issues that are important to young Australians, and we thank every student who shared their voice with us.

Our professional markers and judges will now begin the assessment process, carefully reading every entry. We are continually inspired by the creativity, honesty, courage and insight shown in the writing of young people each year, and 2026 has been no exception.

Information regarding shortlisted entries and finalists will be published on the website in due course, and finalists will be notified directly.

Good luck to all entrants, and thank you again for being part of the What Matters? Writing Competition 2026 and for sharing what matters to you!

https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters

Two dates. Two years. Two decisive moments in Australia’s pursuit of social justice and international responsibility.On ...
11/05/2026

Two dates. Two years. Two decisive moments in Australia’s pursuit of social justice and international responsibility.

On 10 May 1972, the Labor Opposition called for an independent inquiry into poverty and how it might be eradicated - a landmark step toward confronting inequality in Australia.

Just one year later, on 9 -10 May 1973, Australia and New Zealand instituted proceedings against France over atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in the South Pacific.

Together, these moments reflected a broader vision for Australia’s role at home and in the world - grounded in fairness, courage and international cooperation.

Read the original Department of Foreign Affairs news release from 10 May 1973:
https://rosetta.westernsydney.edu.au/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE9688

Join us for Songs of War & Anguish – A Recital of Art Song, an evening of music and reflection presented within the hist...
06/05/2026

Join us for Songs of War & Anguish – A Recital of Art Song, an evening of music and reflection presented within the historic Female Orphan School.

This moving performance explores the emotional realities of war through the music and words of renowned composers and writers, including stories connected to Gallipoli and voices shaped by conflict, memory, and loss.

Join acclaimed musicians Kevin Hanrahan (tenor) and Hyun Kim (piano), alongside Diana Blom of Western Sydney University, for a deeply evocative recital that brings together music, history, and human experience.

📅 Monday 18 May 2026
🕕 6PM
📍 Female Orphan School, Western Sydney University – Parramatta South Campus

🎟️ Free event | Registration essential

Reserve your tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/songs-of-war-and-anguish-a-recital-of-art-song

01/05/2026

The clock is ticking to enter the What Matters? Writing Competition - but there’s still time.

At the Whitlam Institute, we believe it is vital to listen to young people when they tell us what matters to them. Their voices shape the conversations that define our future.

Entries are open to students in YEARS 5 – 12 and close on 15 May, so don’t miss your chance to be heard.

Submit your entry: whitlam.org/what-matters

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Rydalmere, NSW
2150

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+61296859210

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