Cultural Sashing Information

At JCU, we take immense pride in our diverse student community and are honoured to recognise the achievements of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates through the presentation of Cultural Sashes.

Our Cultural Sashes were thoughtfully designed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to honour their heritage and identity. The Aboriginal Sash incorporates the colours of the Aboriginal flag, an Australian map symbolising the Aboriginal people, the sun, the red ochre of the earth, and the Rainbow Serpent—an enduring symbol of spiritual connection to the land and the Dreamtime.

The Torres Strait Islander Sash reflects the colours of Torres Strait culture—green for the land, blue for the waters, black for the people, and white representing the arrival of Christianity. The design also features significant cultural totems such as the turtle, dugong, and the Dhari headdress.

In 2025, the JCU Cultural Sash will be presented to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates during the graduation ceremony, honouring their academic achievements and heritage.

Cultural Sashes can be sourced, free of charge, through the gown supplier, Silver Rose.  SilverRose will have an option on their website to select either an Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or combined Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander sash.  If graduates are sourcing their gown elsewhere, cultural sashes will be available in the gowning rooms on the day of graduation.

Presentation of sashes:

For the on-stage presentation to the Chancellor, graduates are to carry their sash hanging over their right arm.  As graduates cross the stage and reach the Chancellor, they are to hand their sash to Chancellor who will then proceed to sash the student on stage (sash is draped lightly over the shoulders).

We look forward to celebrating our graduates’ achievements and the cultural traditions that contribute to JCU’s vibrant community.