Cathy Freeman AC shared her personal experiences and perspectives on identity, pride and legacy at the 2026 QUT Meanjin Oration.
In conversation with Dr Amy McQuire before a sold-out audience at QUT Gardens Theatre, Ms Freeman reflected on her journey from elite athlete to national icon, sharing lessons on the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Under the theme ‘Pride for our People’, Ms Freeman spoke about the way her family, identity and culture have been a constant source of motivation and support throughout all aspects of her life.
“I’ve always been acutely aware of who I belong to, and been proud of that. I have carried that pride every day of my life, both on the track and off,” Ms Freeman said.
“There were so many perceptions of me throughout my career, but I learnt to focus on the opinions that truly mattered. I know who I am, and so do the people I care about. Being true to yourself is far more important than trying to live up to other people’s expectations.
“The freedom to be unapologetically myself and follow my dreams has always meant everything to me. So many of our people who came before me didn’t have that freedom, and I’ll never take mine for granted. That’s why living authentically and embracing who you are is so important.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Australians Professor Wesley Enoch AM said Cathy Freeman’s legacy reaches far beyond sport.
“Cathy Freeman is one of Australia’s great icons. Her achievements on the track inspired a nation, but her greatest legacy is the quiet strength, dignity and grace with which she carries her culture, her family and her community onto the world stage,” Professor Enoch said.
“Her speech tonight reminds us that excellence is never achieved alone. It is shaped by family, community, identity and the generations who make our journeys possible. While Cathy’s story is uniquely her own, it speaks to all of us and our Indigenous Australian strength of knowing who we are and where we come from.
“Cathy’s legacy invites us to imagine a different future, where we stand proudly in who we are, honour the stories that have shaped us, and create space for the generations that follow.”
Facilitated by the Carumba Institute, the Meanjin Oration is one of QUT’s flagship public events, bringing nationally significant voices to campus for Indigenousled reflection, dialogue and storytelling.
“The Meanjin Oration exists to create space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices to lead conversations that matter,” Professor Enoch said.
“QUT showcases that we need to listen to First Nations stories with openness and generosity, to deepen our understanding, not only of each other, but of the nation we are continuing to reimagine.”
