Widely recognised as an innovator at the forefront of advances in education and research, Flinders University is evolving its brand and logo to capture its strengths as a modern, innovative and inclusive organisation.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says ‘Our new logo provides a clean and modern take on familiar elements such as the Flinders’ sun, sea, sky, book and shield. As such, this new aesthetic symbolises our progressive nature while honouring the past upon which our future success will be built.

‘The new logo is the result of a considered, consultative and collaborative process that sought feedback from groups of students, staff, alumni, indigenous colleagues and community elders. This provided for an iterative process that helped create the final design and I am deeply grateful to all of those who took part.’

‘The final result is a fresh, modern and inclusive design that also reflects our deep respect for the traditional owners of the many lands across South Australia and the Northern Territory upon which we are privileged to operate.’ Professor Stirling says.

 

The logo

 

 

The new logo reflects the original elements of our founding Crest – sun, sea, sky, book and shield. This reimagination of the design represents connection with our past even as we look boldly to the future.

The foundation of the logo is a shield that respects our heritage and symbolises our enduring strength.

At the heart of the logo the sun provides a bold flash of Flinders’ gold and represents optimism, renewal, and the illuminating power of knowledge.

The sun is intersected by three curved lines that are intended to convey multiple meanings.

Firstly, they are the open pages of a book and echo the reference to Matthew Flinders’ famous “A Voyage to Terra Australis” in our founding crest.

Next, they represent the vast oceans explored by the Investigator and the boundless opportunities that exist beyond the horizon.

Finally, they symbolise the many lands upon which Flinders University operates, across both South Australia and the Northern Territory, including the coastal hills described by Flinders in his journal as he mapped the coastline of the country he would name Australia.

The first Australians on these lands predated Flinders by millennia and their lands were never ceded. We recognise Indigenous Australians as original custodians and respect the cultural authority of Elders past, present and emerging.

The symbolic intersection of sky and ocean is described in the poetic texts gifted to Flinders University on our 50th Anniversary by Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis Yarluburka O’Brien.

Ngaiyirda karralika kawingka tikainga yara kumarninthi.
When the outer world and the sky connect with the water the two become one.

For more information visit flinders.edu.au/brand