Author: Bobby Rakich

Melinda Cilento

Melinda Cilento is a company director, economist and experienced senior executive. She has been on the Reconciliation Australia Board since 2010, having been Co-Chair since 2011.

Currently, Ms Cilento is the CEO of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and a Non-Executive Director of Australian Unity. She is also a member of the Parliamentary Budget Office panel of expert advisors.

Ms Cilento was previously a Non-Executive Director with Woodside Petroleum; Commissioner with the Productivity Commission and Deputy CEO and Chief Economist with the Business Council of Australia. Melinda was responsible for establishing the Business Council’s Indigenous Engagement Taskforce and Business Indigenous Network. She has also held senior roles with the Federal Department of Treasury, Invesco and the International Monetary Fund.

Karen Mundine

Karen Mundine is from the Bundjalung Nation of northern NSW. As the CEO at Reconciliation Australia, Ms Mundine brings to the role more than 25 years’ experience leading community engagement, public advocacy, communications and social marketing campaigns. An architect of the landmark Australian Reconciliation Barometer, Ms Mundine works with governments, the business sector and civil society to advocate for change.

Over the course of her career, she has been instrumental in some of Australia’s watershed national events including the Apology to the Stolen Generations, Centenary of Federation commemorations, Corroboree 2000 and the 1997 and 2021 Australian Reconciliation Conventions.

Ms Mundine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and was the winner of the 2021 Indigenous Australian UTS Alumni Award. In 2023 she was declared the National Winner of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.

She is a Company Director of Gondwana Choirs, Sydney Festival, and Australians for Constitutional Recognition, and is a Member of Chief Executive Women.

Previous roles include: membership of the Australian Government’s Referendum Engagement Group; Director, Mary Mackillop Foundation; Director, Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre; Deputy Chief Executive and General Manager Communication and Engagement, Reconciliation Australia; Senior Consultant, CPR Communications; and senior public affairs and communications roles with federal government departments including Prime Minister and Cabinet, Communications IT & the Arts, Health and Ageing, and Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Marie Pryor

My name is Marie Pryor, I am a Whadjuk Ballardong Elder with ancestral ties to Gnaala Karla Booja.

I am a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and I am a fourth descendent of the stolen generation.

I have worked in the community for forty years in both the health and justice systems. I currently work in the women prisons, supporting and advocating for the Aboriginal women who are incarcerated for when they transition into society. I am also involved with presenting cultural programs.

I worked through Covid with the homeless mob in the city and am now a Director with Voice of Hope Aboriginal Corporation. I was acknowledged for this work and awarded the 2022 NAIDOC Get Up Stand Up Show Up award.

I am a valued member of the Anglican advisory committee, member of the Langford Aboriginal Association, member of the Cultural advisory committee for Ballardong, member of the Homeless Committee with Wungerning and a member of Nannas for kids at Banksia Hill.

Nikki Burns

Nikki Burns is a Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Dharug woman living and working on Yuggera and Turrbal lands as the RAP Partner for UnitingCare Queensland’s four private non-for-profit Hospitals, Corporate Services and the Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod.

Within her five years at UnitingCare, Nikki has been instrumental in the organisation’s reconciliation journey with her contributions to the development, facilitation and implementation of Stretch RAP 2021-2024 and the recently launched Stretch RAP 2024-2027.

Nikki holds collaboration and connection with community as a priority in working for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and embeds cultural protocol and values in all practice and contexts she engages in. Nikki is the co-chair of the Uniting First Peoples Network, is an accredited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and a proud Aunty of two nephews and two nieces.

Amber Roberts 

Amber is a First Nations Australian woman who leads the Reconciliation and Human Rights capability across Yamagigu Consulting. Throughout her career, Amber has worked directly in the areas of human rights law and advocacy, corporate social responsibility and governance, native title law, Indigenous justice and sentencing courts, Indigenous health equality, reconciliation and workplace diversity. ​​

Amber provides advisory guidance and thought leadership to government and some of the largest companies in Australia and globally around embedding reconciliation, diversity and human rights standards and principles within operations, strategies, policy and practice. ​She is able to identify and assess capability of an organisation’s commitment to, respect for and protection of human rights, covering key business areas such as governance, employment, diversity & inclusion, due diligence, ethics and compliance, grievance mechanisms and supply chain.​

Amber also previously worked at the Australian Human Rights Commission as a policy advisor to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner. In this role, she presented at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. She actively applies a rights-based approach to her work and seeks to give effect to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, through practical, respectful engagement, strategy and evidence-based policy.

Erin Lang

A proud Bundjalung woman, Erin Lang has worked in Aboriginal communities for over ten years, building respect, gaining trust and demonstrating fairness and sincerity along the way.

Erin brings energy and enthusiasm to Reconciliation Queensland, where she plans to continue building and maintaining strong relationships at all levels of the community to achieve the organisation’s vision of an equitable and informed Queensland, which recognises a shared past and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians.

She has worked in a diverse range of community-based organisations including Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, Anglicare North Queensland, Queensland South Native Title Services, and Cape York/Gulf Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care.

Given her aptitude for innovation and collaboration, coupled with formal qualifications in Leadership and Management and extensive professional experience, Erin Lang is an asset to not only First Nation communities but the Queensland community as a whole.

Lorraine Pryor

Lorraine Pryor is a Whadjuk Noongar Woman with connections to Ballardong and Gnaala Karla Boodja. As a mother and grandmother, she now gives back to community through sharing her lived experiences. Lorraine is a survivor of domestic violence and substance abuse that led her to spending 7 years in and out of incarcerated. It is this experience that has changed Lorraine’s life forever as she promised herself that she will never go down this path again and she has made some life changing decisions.
Lorraine currently has worked as a plant controller with BHP for almost ten years and has continued to build her knowledge and education through
– graduating from the Women’s Indigenous Leadership Program Yorga Djenna Bidi
– graduating in a Certificate 4 in Mental Health and receiving the Excellence Award
– graduating in a Diploma of Mental Health and receiving the Yvonne Burgu Award.

Whilst working full-time Lorraine uses her experience by helping our women and in 2022 established ‘Voice of Hope’, a non-for-profit organisation committed and dedicated to our Indigenous women inside by delivering workshops to heal them through connection to culture, identity, language, relationships with family and community to name a few. Voice of Hope advocates with and for our women giving them individual support to transition back into the community with the right wrap around services needed to prevent recidivism. The mentors of Voice of Hope are women who have been inside and are now role models and
leaders supporting women in the program.

In 2022 Lorraine was acknowledged and recognised for her service to her community and was awarded the BHP WAIO Indigenous Employee of the Year Award and also in 2023 won NAIDOC award Community Person of the Year Award for her drive and passion with her advocacy in the prison system. Lorraine wears many hats and plays many roles in serving her community such as

1. being an ambassador for Uluru Statement of the Heart
2. dancing with the Kwopertok Djookian female dance group
3. serving as a committee member of:
   – Waali – Kwopertok Yorga Alumni Working Group
   – Relationship Australia – Aboriginal Family Safety Project
   – Ruah – Women’s Leadership Group
   – NAIDOC Perth Working Group Awards

Lorraine continues her work as a motivational speaker about surviving the impacts of stolen generation and intergenerational trauma to educate Australian people, such as Government and essential services but most importantly that healing our women is the solution not locking them up.

Organisational Approaches to Truth-telling

Organisations have a role in supporting truth-telling initiatives as well as finding ways to acknowledge the wrongs of the past (exclusionary, discriminatory practices) that their organisation was a part of.

We have heard about the importance of truth-telling and healing for Country from the opening plenary. These specific case studies cover place-based and organisational examples of truth-telling activity.

Speakers
• Jason Eades, Director, Aboriginal Melbourne
• Kelly Williams, Head of Indigenous Affairs, ABC
• Yasmine Gill, Senior Sustainability Specialist, Telstra

Documentary Screening of “Genocide in the Wildflower State”

Between 1905 and 1970, thousands of Aboriginal children in Western Australia were forcibly removed from their families. “Genocide in the Wildflower State” offers a deeply moving and disturbing exposé of this period and its consequences. It gives voice to Survivors’ proposals on what must be done to redress the wrongs. This will be the first screening of the documentary in the eastern states. 

Speakers
• Jim Morrison, Documentary Producer
• Tony Hansen, Documentary Producer
• Alan Carter, Documentary Producer
• Lorraine Pryor, Voice of Hope
• Aunty Marie Pryor, Voice of Hope

Education Matters: Lifelong Learning and Intergenerational Change

How are you and your organisation readying yourselves for the generation of Australians being raised through an education curriculum that prioritises learning about First Nations histories, cultures and perspectives, all the while committing to your own ongoing processes of learning, un-learning and re-learning?

Speakers
• Samantha Page, CEO, ECA
• Victoria Thom, Program Director, BHP Foundation
• Melody Ingra, National Cultural Liaison, Goodstart Early Learning

Paige Cunningham

Paige is a proud Wonnarua woman from the Hunter Valley in NSW, a passionate social justice advocate who endeavours to champion change for community. Her experience spans a decade working in grass roots Indigenous advocacy as a Social Worker, with time spent working with community in both NSW and across the NT.

Prior to Social Work, Paige gained over 6 years’ experience in banking across leadership, change management and transformation.

Paige joined the Westpac team in 2020 and has worked in Consumer Banking leading multiple retail teams before moving into Westpac’s Corporate Services in Procurement to work on our Supplier Diversity program. She now leads the implementation of Westpac RAP to ensure meaningful reconciliation within the organisation.

Servena McIntyre

Servena is the Chief Transformation Officer for the Cultural Justice and Reform Unit responsible for leading Life Without Barriers Elevate RAP & Transformation Project.

A proud Wadi Wadi, Wemba Wemba, Wiradjuri woman, Servena has spent her career disrupting thinking, systems, and structures that maintain the status quo. A dynamic and cross cultural leader, Servena has held numerous roles and portfolios across the social services sector for the past three decades, contributing to new practice and governance models, services, and organisations.

She is an experienced executive holding roles with some of the largest not for profit organisations in Australia, alongside appointments within Government, Universities and Peaks. Servena considers herself as a practitioner first, with a proven track record in designing and delivering people and community led change. She is the Head of CALM Australia, member of the First Nations NGO Alliance and the Investment Dialogue for Australian Children Community Leadership Council.

Yasmine Gill

Yasmine is a Senior Specialist in Telstra’s First Nations Strategy and Engagement team, working alongside Lauren Ganley, the Head of First Nations Strategy and Engagement.

The team’s role is to provide strategic advice and advocate for better outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities, to influence the shape of Telstra’s commitment to reconciliation, and to advocate for and support community-developed solutions that contribute to improved digital inclusion for First Nations people.

Yasmine has been with Telstra for three years. Before joining Telstra, she spent eight years at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Financial Advisory services and as a manager at (formerly) PriceWaterhouseCooper’s Indigenous Consulting in Darwin.

Renee Cohen

Renee is the Gold Coast Titans General Manager of Community and Game Development. Renee has been working with the Titans since the club’s inception in 2007.

She has been a leader in the push for reconciliation and inclusion, not only Rugby League, but the entire sporting community nationally. Renee organises and leads the Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan, partnerships with First Nations organisations and specific First Nations programs.

Sue-Anne Hunter

Sue-Anne Hunter is a proud Wurundjeri and Ngu rai Illum Wurrung woman and the Deputy Chair and Commissioner of Australia’s first truth telling process – the Yoorrook Justice Commission. She is an Adjunct Professor of Global Engagement at Federation University and a member of the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice Advisory Board.

A child and family services practitioner by trade, Sue-Anne has over twenty years’ clinical experience responding to developmental, transgenerational and community trauma.

She is widely recognised for developing rights-based, transformative practice responses that empower Aboriginal people to heal from the continuing effects and processes of colonisation.

Sue-Anne has extensive experience in the governance and the leadership of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, and her expertise is regularly sought for government inquiries, parliamentary and ministerial advisory committees, academic research projects and media interviews.

Naomi Moran

Outgoing CEO of Koori Mail and recently appointed NSW Treaty Commissioner.

Ms Naomi Moran is a Nyangbal and Arakwal woman from the Bundjalung nation in northern NSW and has direct bloodlines to the Dunghutti nation on the mid-north coast of NSW.

Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she was CEO of Australia’s only independent, printed national Indigenous newspaper, the Koori Mail.

Naomi has an an extensive career in Indigenous Media and a strong grassroots connection to communities across NSW. She serves as Co-Chair of First Nations Media Australia – the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media – and serves as a member of the Federal Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group.

In 2024, Ms Moran was appointed to the national NAIDOC committee, and has served on the boards of two peak creative arts and performing arts organisations in Northern NSW, NORPA and Arts Northern Rivers.

Naomi is a prominent voice in indigenous media and maintains a deep commitment to sharing the stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from across the nation.

Naomi has worked tirelessly to support and strengthen Indigenous community-controlled sectors through the self-determination of Australia’s First Nations people to govern their own affairs and lead and deliver programs, projects and community initiatives by community, for community.

Karina Hawtrey

Karina is a Gamilaroi woman and a human rights lawyer at the National Justice Project.

She has represented clients who have been detained in youth detention and appeared for First Nations families in coronial inquests into deaths in custody. She has co-authored submissions about youth detention to the Disability Royal Commission and the Senate Inquiry into Australia’s youth justice and incarceration system.

Karina is an advocate for Raising the Age of criminal responsibility and has written for IndigenousX on the dangers of carceral approach for youth offending. She has previous experience in public service and as a digital journalist at NITV.

Darren Hammond

Darren is a proud Gomeroi man from Moree NSW and now resides in Sydney NSW. He is a dedicated advocate for Indigenous communities, with extensive experience in leadership, strategy, and community engagement and his career spans various roles, each contributing to positive change and empowerment for people within private and not-for-profit sectors.

Darren is currently Indigenous Engagement Manager at IAG and leads initiatives to enhance Indigenous engagement which focuses on driving inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, businesses and communities within the organisation. He is the current Chair of Deadly Science which plays a pivotal role in advancing science education for Indigenous youth across the country.

Chris Matthews

Professor Chris Matthews is from the Quandamooka people of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Chris received a PhD in applied mathematics from Griffith University and started his career as a research mathematician. Chris transitioned to mathematics education and is currently the CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) that aims to transform mathematics education for Indigenous learners. Chris is also the Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) in the Science Faculty at University Technology of Sydney (UTS).

Patrice Mahoney

Patrice Rene ‘Muthaymiles’ Mahoney was born in Canberra on 4 November 1975. She is a proud mother of five children and two granddaughters. Her connections to family and place reflect her multicultural connections from the Anaiwan Nation (Uralla, NSW), Malta, France, Ireland and England. She grew up in Armidale (NSW) and then moved to the Bass Coast region (Bunurong Country), where she has lived for 25 years.

Patrice is a powerful advocate for Aboriginal people and their cultures, and a talented, prolific artist who believes art and education are the basis of identity, self-determination and leadership. She holds a Graduate Diploma (Teaching), Bachelor of Arts (Media Art and Design), Advanced Diploma (Business Management). She is profoundly influenced by a sense of space, place, the environment, visual art and culture. She takes great inspiration from the natural environment where she lives.

Patrice was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2020 for service to the Indigenous community of Victoria. Patrice’s passions are driven by her desire for change and to achieve equality and equity, recognising that we do not all start from the same place and adjust to the imbalances. Above all, true respect and inclusion for Aboriginal people ensures that the same education and employment opportunities are available. Patrice is a powerful and generous changemaker.

Kate Adams

I feel very fortunate to have had a career working in the conservation and ecotourism industry with both State and Federal government National Parks agencies on Yuin, Bundjalung and Anangu Country for over 30 years. I now live on beautiful Millowl (Phillip Island), on Bunurong Country and work with Phillip Island Nature Parks as the Community Impact Manager.

In my role at the Nature Parks, I lead the implementation of our Reconciliation Action Plan and our representation as a partner of the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network. I highly value the friendships and relationships I have built with Traditional Owner groups and First Nations peoples in my life and I’m proud of the achievements we’ve made in working together to champion reconciliation and recognition in Australia.

Romlie Mokak

Romlie Mokak is a Djugun man and a member of the Yawuru people.  

In March 2024, Romlie completed a 5 year term as the first Indigenous Commissioner at the Productivity Commission. Previously he was Chief Executive Officer of the Lowitja Institute and the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association. Earlier, Rom held policy and program management roles in the Australian and New South Wales governments. Responsibilities spanned a range of areas including substance use, eye health, ageing and disability. Rom is a patron of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services and a member of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Board. 

Hayley McQuire

Hayley McQuire is a Darumbal and South Sea Islander woman born and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. Her work is centered on community, relationality and convening new collectives to rethink education. She is the co-founder and CEO of The National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition, Co-Chair of Learning Creates Australia and board director for a number of non-profit organisations. She brings over 10 years of experience working across Indigenous policy and training, and has worked on advocacy campaigns and capacity building initiatives with education coalitions and young people around the world.

Bridget Cama

Bridget Cama is a Wiradjuri and Indigenous Fijian woman born and raised in Lithgow with connections to the Cudgegong River and Wellington in NSW. Bridget is a lawyer and has been working with the Uluru Dialogue since March 2019. She is currently Legal Research Officer to Prof Megan Davis, Pro Vice Chancellor Society UNSW and is an Associate of the Indigenous Law Centre based at UNSW Law and Justice. Bridget is also the Co-Chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue alongside Allira Davis, who led the youth movement in support of a constitutional Voice to Parliament and who advocate for and are involved in the work of the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart reforms more broadly.

Rikki Cooper

Rikki Cooper is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in talent acquisition and indigenous engagement, renowned for her strategic expertise and unwavering commitment to community empowerment. As the National Indigenous Engagement Manager at BGIS Australia, Rikki orchestrates the indigenous engagement landscape, spearheading initiatives that drive meaningful change and foster enduring partnerships.

In her multifaceted role, Rikki oversees the execution of BGIS’ Reconciliation Action Plan, navigating complex governance structures and formalising agreements to ensure adherence to best practices. A passionate advocate for forging genuine connections, she cultivates relationships with stakeholders, clients, and indigenous communities alike, aligning mutual objectives and fostering collaboration for shared prosperity.

At the heart of Rikki’s mission is the expansion of employment pathways and indigenous procurement expenditure across BGIS’ nationwide contracts. Through strategic planning and close collaboration with clients, she drives initiatives that not only advance business objectives but also uplift local communities, championing inclusivity and diversity every step of the way.

As a proud Nari-Nari woman, Rikki brings a unique perspective to her role, drawing upon her lived experiences to identify gaps in knowledge and support structures. Her innate ability to navigate cultural sensitivities and bridge divides has positioned her as a trusted liaison and first point of contact for all indigenous inquiries, driving initiatives that promote cultural awareness and foster meaningful relationships.

Rikki’s approach is with passion, integrity, and a relentless commitment to driving positive change.

Edward Solien

Edward is a dedicated advocate and leader within both the First Nations, people with disabilities and LGBTIQA+ communities. Identifying as Torres Strait Islander with strong connections to Badu Island, Edward is passionate about empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Edward’s career has been marked by his dedication to reconciliation and diversity, equity, inclusion, & belonging (DEIB). Currently serving as the Manager of Reconciliation, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (RDEIB) at Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ), he has actively contributed to initiatives that support reconciliation and social inclusion. This senior leadership position aligns with his ongoing mission to bridge the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and mainstream services. His work aligns with his personal values, especially in advocating for First Nations peoples and addressing systemic inequalities.  

Edward has also been involved in key events and initiatives, such as the Moreton Bay Pride Festival 2024 and the Loud and Proud Logan LGBTIQA+ Festival 2024, where he provided strategic advice on social media engagement and festival activities, ensuring inclusive messaging for diverse audiences. His involvement in these festivals demonstrates his unwavering support for the LGBTIQA+ community, of which he is a proud member. 

Beyond his professional endeavours, Edward faces significant personal health challenges, including severe heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, autoimmune pancreatitis, and type 2 diabetes. Despite these conditions, he remains proactive in managing his health. His personal experience with chronic illness has given him deep empathy and resilience, qualities that reflect in his professional and advocacy work. 

Edward’s contributions to advancing Reconciliation, fostering workplace inclusivity, and advocating for social justice are underscored by his personal lived experiences. His efforts continue to inspire change and build stronger relationships between First Nations peoples and the wider Australian community. 

Louise Ellis

Louise is an experienced people leader and program manager, she is passionate about creating positive social and cultural change in the finance industry as well as focussing on improving cultural safety in the workplace. Louise has spent the last five years leading ANZ’s Reconciliation Action Plan as well as leading a number of other inclusion employment programs and has recently joined the newly created First Nations Strategy Office at ANZ as Strategy, Governance and Delivery Lead,  where she is working alongside the new Head of First Nations Strategy, Shelley Cable to create an organisational wide strategy.  

Phil McCulloch

Phil is a proud Palawa man living and working from Lutruwita (Tasmania). 

Currently  Reconciliation Program Manager, Hearing Australia, Phil was appointed as the very first dedicated resource to Hearing Australia’s Reconciliation journey as Program Manager in early 2023 with our 5th RAP and 2nd Stretch RAP endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in July 2023. 

Phil’s role supports the implementation of the RAP and related communications by developing strategic partnerships to drive reconciliation outcomes and support diversity and inclusion to deliver meaningful benefits to our employees, clients and communities. 

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his young family and partner, especially camping and hiking on country.  For a number of years Phil has volunteered with the Cancer Council Tasmania as Committee Chair for the local Relay for Life event and recently completed a  Leadership and Coaching Scholarship with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport following 30+ years involvement as an Aussie Rules football umpire and coach. 

Leanne Bell

Leanne is a very proud Gangalidda, Birri Gubba Bindal woman with family ties to Burketown and Cherbourg. Leanne is Executive Director for Education and Training at TAFE Queensland north region based in beautiful Gimuy (Cairns). She began her career as a high school Health and Physical Education before joining TAFE Queensland in 1998 teaching Sport, Recreation and Fitness qualifications.   

In 2012, Leanne was appointed Faculty Manager for the Arts & Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs and has specialised in overseeing the delivery of Indigenous and non-Indigenous programs across a wide range of industry areas. Leanne is the lead for TAFE Queensland’s two Reconciliation Action Plans and plays a key role in overseeing its implementation across the state. In her Executive Director role she manages all training and educational programs across the north footprint, ensuring quality education and training for TAFE Queensland’s diverse student body. 

Catalyst Sponsor

Telstra’s vision for reconciliation is an inclusive Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are connected and empowered to thrive.

Our vision will be achieved by embedding reconciliation outcomes and system changes into our organisation.

This involves harnessing the strengths of the organisation to build digital futures with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, providing employment and opportunities to lift economic participation, and creating a culturally responsive and engaged organisation.

Our current Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is based on a theme of truth-telling, recognising our past successes, acknowledging our past failures, and continuing our healing journey.

As part of Telstra’s long-standing commitment to reconciliation, we are proud to support Reconciliation Australia’s National RAP Conference, and to celebrate First Nations’ self-determination in action at the Indigenous Governance Awards.

Emma Garlett

Emma Garlett is a Nyungar-Nyiyaparli-Yamatji woman from Geraldton. Emma is the Director of Garlett Group a 100% Indigenous owned specialist communications and sustainability firm. In addition to her role at Garlett Group, Emma is a First Nations leader. She is an Industry Fellow at the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland. Emma is a Teaching Fellow at the Law School at the University of Western Australia and an Adjunct Professor at Federation University where she sits on the Advisory Board for the National Centre of Reconciliation, Truth and Justice.

Prior to founding Garlett Group, Emma practised as a solicitor in planning and environment law at a top-tier law firm in Perth and worked in a commercial role at BHP. Emma is a regular First Nations legal and business social commentator and writes weekly columns in print and online for The West Australian. She is a Member of the First Nations Governance Forum at the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is appointed to and sits on both the Law Society of Western Australia’s Commercial Law Committee and Indigenous Legal Issues Committee. Emma is also a Tribunal Member of the West Australian Football Commission.

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Jamie Lowe

Jamie Lowe is a proud Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man and CEO of the National Native Title Council (NNTC). He first joined the NNTC as Chair in 2017 and two year later was appointed CEO. In this role he is charged with supporting First Nation’s people’s right to true self-determination speaking for and managing their own Country; governing their own communities; participating fully in decision making; and strengthening their own social and economic development. 

In 2021 he was appointed as the Indigenous Specialist Representative for the Australian Heritage Council – the principal adviser to the Australian Government on heritage matters. 

In 2018 he joined the Victorian Heritage Council as an Indigenous Specialist Representative and is a joint council member of the Coalition of the Peaks.  Jamie was instrumental in negotiating the Closing The Gap Agreement with the all Australia Governments, that came into effect July 2020. 

Prior to joining NNTC Jamie was CEO of the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation in Southwestern Victoria, awarded Native Title in 2011and 2023 over the Great Ocean Road. He was also an inaugural member of the historic First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, the representative elected body tasked with negotiating a Treaty with the Victoria Government.  

Internationally, Jamie is the NNTC representative on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) – a high-level advisory body to the New York based UN Economic and Social Council. 

As a key influencer, Jamie firmly believes that creating economic independence and maintaining and growing cultural identity are vital in creating a self-determining nation of First Nations peoples and will continue to tirelessly advocate for a national Treaty whilst remaining a strong advocate for Traditional Owners and communities across Australia. 

Joshua Creamer

Joshua is Waanyi and Kalkadoon with connections to Northwest Queensland and Chair of the Truth-telling and Healing Commission in Queensland. He is a barrister specialising in native title, human rights and class actions. 

Mr Creamer is a current Commissioner in the Queensland Law Reform Commission; Chair of the Bar Association of Queensland, Indigenous Affairs Committee, Chair of the Griffith University Elders and First Peoples Knowledge Holders Advisory Board and member of the Griffith University Council. 

He has appeared in a number of landmark class actions and is ranked in Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific and Doyle’s Guide for his work in the native title jurisdiction. 

Joshua was previously named National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year, and was a member of the Board of Legal Aid Queensland and a past President of the Indigenous Lawyers Association of Queensland. 

Mr Creamer has a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Griffith University. 

Rana Hussain

Rana Hussain is a dynamic force in the realm of inclusion and belonging, serving as a trailblazing leader, consultant, and advisor on leadership and organisational culture. As the founder of Good. Human, she champions initiatives that foster a sense of community and belonging. 

With a background in social work and extensive experience in sports administration across multiple elite sports organisations, Rana brings a unique perspective to her work. Her passion for social justice and equity drives her commitment to creating inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and respected. 

Rana is a sought-after consultant and advisor, providing invaluable insights into leadership development and organisational culture. Her expertise in navigating complex issues and facilitating meaningful change has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the field. 

As a board member of the Victorian Women’s Trust, Rana contributes her expertise to initiatives that promote gender equality, particularly marginalised women. Her dedication to advancing social causes extends to her work as a media commentator, broadcaster, and presenter, where she uses her platform to amplify marginalised voices and spark meaningful conversations. Rana is a regular presenter on the ABC and across various sports broadcasts. 

Rana’s trailblazing efforts in sports administration and media have made her a respected figure in both industries. Her ability to break barriers and challenge the status quo has paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in traditionally male-dominated fields. 

Trent Wallace

Trent is a Wongaibon person who was raised on Darkinjung Country. As Head of First Nations Strategy, Ashurst, Trent combines both legal and First Nations lived experience and seeks to embed cultural considerations and safety to create meaningful change for First Nations Peoples across the firm and externally through his First Nations Advisory practice.

In addition to this, Trent is a lawyer, law lecturer and author who is on the UTS Law Faculty Industry Advisory Board, Director of the Australian Pro Bono Centre, Member of the Expert Advisory Panel for the Gari Yala 2 report, Member of the Indigenous Leadership Group for the Business Council of Australia, Advisor to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Advisor to the Board of ActionAid Australia and is a lecturer in law and First Nations Peoples.

Jo-Anne Driessens

Jo-Anne was raised in Brisbane, Queensland and is a Guwa-Koa, Kuku Yalanji descendant.

Having completed a photography cadetship in 1999 at the State Library of Queensland, Jo-Anne continued working as a photographer and also across various arts and curatorial specialised roles including archival and anthropological research; exhibition programs and Aboriginal Family history support.

These skills have and continue to provide a holistic approach towards specialised projects including her current role as Artists in the Black Coordinator with Arts Law Centre of Australia which is a dedicated National service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists of all creative disciplines. 

Rodney Williams

Principal, Nous Group 

Rodney is a Guwa (Koa) man and has diverse industry experience across the private, public and community sectors where he has held board, senior executive and management roles.

He has 25 years’ of professional experience in management consulting, banking and finance, Indigenous economic development, higher-education, employment and training, mining and resources, and design. 

Rodney has worked extensively with business and industry leaders, senior public service administrators and urban, rural and remote First Nations communities across Australia. Rodney applies strategic thinking, strong communication and well-developed commercial skills to effectively engage with all levels of management and solve challenging client problems across a broad range of industries.

Rodney is a Principal consultant with Nous Group, an international management consulting firm with 750 people working across Australia, the UK and Canada. He also leads Nous’ First Nations Practice and is Champion of Nous’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) having recently launched Nous’ Stretch RAP. 

Mark Champley

Mark has managed and developed a reverse mentoring program within TfNSW. His vision is to normalise and celebrate cultural diversity in the workplace through a two-way mentoring process.

This presents opportunities for our First Nations Peoples to develop and progress into leadership roles and non-Aboriginal leaders to gain a better understanding of Aboriginal history, culture and issues.

Ultimately, Mark is committed to unite all Australians by expanding this model throughout the public and private sectors and build a platform for us to walk together. The success of the reverse mentoring model was acknowledged in 2021, winning the prestigious Australian Human Resources Institute Award. Mark’s passion and commitment was recognised when awarded the 2022 Churchill Fellowship.

Mary Scales

Mary Scales is the Program Leader for Professional Learning and the RAP Convenor for Gowrie SA.  She has over 30 years’ experience working at Gowrie SA in numerous roles including Teacher, Project Officer, convenor of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working group and Program Leader. She is passionate about reconciliation, learning Kaurna language and developing reciprocal relationships with Elders and networks to ensure actions are authentic and meaningful for the community.  

Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams is a Bundjalung woman from Northern NSW and is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Head Indigenous, Diversity and Inclusion. 

She has worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for over 35-years and is passionate about creating pathways to senior management and editorial roles for Indigenous and diverse employees. 

Kelly has co-ordinated the ABC’s last three Reconciliation Action Plans, the ABC’s 2023-2026 Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan and leads the strategic partnerships between the ABC and First Nations Media Australia and First Languages Australia.  

Dr. Terri Janke

Dr. Terri Janke is a Wuthathi, Yadhaigana and Meriam woman and an international authority on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). She is known for innovating pathways for collaborations using Indigenous knowledge and cultural expression. 

Dr. Janke is the founder, owner, and Solicitor Director of Terri Janke and Company (TJC). Founded in 2001, TJC is the oldest First Nations owned law firm in the country. She manages her team to deliver excellent results to a diverse client base. Dr. Janke advises on legal matters including ICIP, intellectual property, business law, shareholder agreements and governance of Indigenous organisations.  

She has written leading ICIP Protocols and models for various sectors including the arts, museums, archives, film, and business. Dr. Janke developed the True Tracks® ICIP Framework to bridge the gap in the IP laws and protection of Indigenous Knowledge. This framework is widely accepted as the leading best practice for managing Indigenous engagement in Australia. Her award-winning book True Tracks: Working with Indigenous Knowledge and Culture is considered as the best practice standards for Indigenous engagement practices. 

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Jason Eades

Jason is a proud Aboriginal man born and raised on Gunnai country in south-east Victoria who brings a deep passion and experience in Aboriginal affairs to his role as Director, Aboriginal Melbourne.

Aboriginal Melbourne is a branch within the City of Melbourne that is responsible for working with the Aboriginal community to ensure their needs are heard, respected and influence the delivery of a wide range of Council services and outcomes.

Before joining the City of Melbourne, Jason was the inaugural CEO of welcometocountry.com a tech startup that created an online marketplace to connect travellers to First Nations tours and experiences across the country and an online store of products either made by First Nations people or genuine collaborations.

He is a previous CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, and one of four Aboriginal co-owners that founded PwC’s Indigenous Consulting. 

Alan Carter

Alan Carter has been involved in a wide range of reconciliation work for over 30 years in the Political, Government, Corporate, University and Community Sectors. He has worked “in-house” on the development and implementation of RAP programs for a number of organisations including the Water Corporation and Curtin University. In addition, he has provided Consultancy Services to RAP organisations at various stages of their reconciliation journeys. 

Alan has been active in advocacy work for reconciliation in Western Australia and was the key driver for the establishment of Reconciliation WA nearly fifteen years ago and was the Inaugural Non-Aboriginal Co-Chair of that organisation. He is a Life Member of Reconciliation WA. He has also been involved actively in advocacy for Stolen Generations Survivors and is currently the Non-Aboriginal Co-Chair of Bringing Them Home WA. 

Alan is now in “semi-retirement” but maintains an active role in research and advocacy in relation to Truth-Telling and Reconciliation. He is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice and is currently working with that Centre to establish a specific research project relating to best practice principles and protocols for Truth-Telling. 

Anja Bonnard

Anja is a highly regarded Ally, a First Nations engagement professional and a trusted advisor with a background advocating for First Nations people.

A skilled and confident leader, with a demonstrated capability and commitment to building cultural competency, she engages effectively with people from diverse backgrounds at all organisational levels.

She is dedicated to advocating for and supporting First Nations people who have resided within a Justice facility, which is demonstrated by her work mentoring Aboriginal men and women in Justice facilities across Western Australia.   

Anja has a thorough understanding of how to successfully engage with First Nations community, personnel and businesses to promote and increase participation within  Veolia’s contracts, specifically with the Department of Defence. Anja brings knowledge and cultural understanding to her position and is skilled at assisting First Nations employees and businesses to build capacity and capabilities.  

Jim Morrison

Jim is a Minang-Goreng Noongar Elder, a Traditional Custodian of WA’s pristine southern coast who has passed his strong Aboriginal values to following generations of his extended family. 

He has been a leader in pivotal Aboriginal community advancement roles for over five decades, working for the rights of the Stolen Generations and their families; Aboriginal child protection; the tragic mental health, justice and suicide issues in his community; equity in access to culturally safe services in State and Commonwealth Governments; Aboriginal Elder (Aged) Care overdue prison reforms; trauma informed healing programs and the formation and management of Aboriginal controlled organisations providing services to Aboriginal families and their broader communities.

He has won the John Curtin Medal for services to the community and partnered in winning seven awards in the virtual and Elder Survivor story augmented conservation of Aboriginal Missions in WA. Jim is the current Chair of the WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation, a founding member of Reconciliation WA and the architect and initial manager of Yokai Healing Our Spirit. Jim’s favourite hobby is hosting a weekly Aboriginal current affairs program Moorditj Mag on Perth’s RTR FM92.1, which feeds to Noongar Radio.  

Patty Kinnersly

Patty Kinnersly is Chief Executive Officer of Our Watch, a not-for-profit organisation established to drive nationwide change in the structures, norms and practices that lead to violence against women and their children.

A leading health, welfare and education professional, Patty was Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Health Grampians for nine years, before joining Our Watch in 2015 as Director, Practice Leadership.

She was appointed to the Chief Executive role in June 2018.

Patty has extensive governance experience, serving on the boards of Ballarat Health Services, the Australian Women’s Health Network, Rural Northwest Health, and Child and Family Services Ballarat.

In 2023 Patty was appointed as expert advisor to Minister Clare’s University working group and the inaugural Chairman, National Respectful Relationships Education Expert Working Group.

She is a Vice President of the Carlton Football Club Board, the first Board Director to oversee its women’s football programs.

Patty lives in regional Victoria.

Catalyst Sponsor

As a provider of essential infrastructure services, people are at the heart of our success.   

Our vision is to be an organisation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel accepted and included and, importantly, feel culturally safe and valued.  

 We also want to create a workplace where non-Indigenous people have their understanding of reconciliation transformed by the experiences they have while employed with, or subcontracted by,  us.    

Driving that culture within our organisation in turn supports reconciliation externally, as the sphere of influence of our employees and subcontractors goes beyond Ventia.   

They influence and have the potential to transform the people they interact with, the communities in which they work and live, and the future workplaces with which they will engage.   

In July 2020 Ventia acquired Broadspectrum which saw two companies come together with different RAP types – Broadspectrum at Elevate and Ventia at Reflect.  

 A detailed integration plan embedded specific RAP actions across the new entity.  

Once those actions were achieved and closed out, we began the development of our current Stretch RAP. 

In this RAP, the  focus is on building strong relationships, respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all our activities and creating meaningful opportunities guided through consultation to preserve and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and customs.   

We recognise the need for culturally proficient leadership and partnerships based on trust and respect. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures must be deeply understood, valued, and integrated into every aspect of our business. 

Fiona Jose

Fiona Jose is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and Chief Executive of the Cape York Partnership Group – a First Nations organisation driving a comprehensive reform agenda improving the lives of Indigenous families in Cape York.

Fiona oversees 10 entities and businesses that form Cape York Partnership, including the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, two schools Djarragun College and the Cape York Girl Academy, a landscape and construction company, a health clinic, financial empowerment platform and more. Employing 350 people, 65% of whom are First Nations. She is in a unique position leading policy design and advocacy informed by rich on the ground experience of reform implementation.

Fiona is one of 10 First Nations leaders driving the national Empowered Communities reform initiative that has brought Indigenous, government, and corporate leaders into partnership to shift from the failing status-quo approach to a system focused on productivity and development outcomes.

Her passion for education, employment and economic development of the region has seen her launch initiatives, such Mayi Market – to deliver fresh food to remote communities at fair prices and Work Opportunity Network – to create earn or learn pathways for high school graduates. Under her leadership, CYP’s Bama Services has grown into a full-service construction, facility maintenance, landscaping and commercial cleaning social enterprise that has secured more than $50 million of contracts and employed more than 260 Indigenous staff.

Fiona is a Director of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Board, responsible for ensuring excellence in health service for the region. She is a member of the Paul Ramsay Foundation First Nations Council.

Tony Hansen

Tony Hansen is a Senior Traditional Custodian of Wilman, Koreng, Minang, Great Southern Noongar and Wagyl Kaip Booja with traditional connections to the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation tribal boundaries of Wardandi, Pibelmen, Busselton, Margaret River, Manjimup, Gnaala Karla Booja tribal area of Wagin, and the Murchison region.

Tony was born in Katanning in September 1967, but in 1970, at the age of three years old Tony was forcibly removed from his mother and grandparents’ care and institutionalised without family consent at Marribank Mission. While the forced assimilation policies which had been in force up to 1970-71 no longer existed, the race-based policies of following governments kept him in government juvenile care until he was 18 years old. Tony identifies as a Stolen Generations Survivor, the descendant of Stolen Generations people and his children also as descendants of the Stolen Generations.

Tony is currently the recurrent Co-Chairperson of the Bringing Them Home Committee WA Inc (BTH), the Deputy Chairperson of the West Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation (WASGAC), represents WA Stolen Generations Survivors as a Board Director of Yokai addressing Truth, Justice and Healing programs. Tony is currently a Member of the Healing Foundation Stolen Generation Elders Reference Group Committee on a National Platform, with The Healing Foundation, in Canberra. Tony was the former Chairperson of the Carrolup Elders Reference Group at Curtin University, representing the Carrolup Artwork of children from the Carrolup Native Settlement.

Tony is a Director of Karri Karrak Aboriginal Regional Corporation, an Associate of Curtin University as well as an associate of the Australian Rules Football organisation at the Fremantle Football Club External Advisory Group.

Tony is currently a Member of the First Nation College, National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse, Tony is a Member of the Find and Connect, Stolen Generations Indigenous Reference Group at Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, at University of Technology Sydney.

Tony has participated in International Platform on truth-telling of the Stolen Generations across the United States, Abu Dhabi, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Luke Booth

Luke is a proud Warramungu man from the Barkly Tablelands, in the Northern Territory with kinship ties to the Yuggera people of Brisbane, Queensland.

Luke has consulted, advocated and advised on Indigenous affairs across various industries and levels of community, government and corporate Australia; with experience spanning the education, employment and health sectors.

Luke has had the privilege of working within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health service sector contributing to the development and implementation of training and employment initiatives and to embedding virtual health care services within their clinics.

He is currently the Senior Program Development Coordinator for the Brisbane South Primary Health Network leading their Reconciliation Action Plan and coordinating projects to improve culturally appropriate primary health care with a focus on enhancing First Nations people’s access to mainstream primary care. 

Professor Nareen Young

Professor Nareen Young is a descendant of the Gadigal through her matriarchal line and Associate Dean, Indigenous Engagement and Leadership, UTS Business School and Professor, Indigenous Policy, Indigenous Workforce Diversity at UTS Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research where she established the Indigenous
People and Work Research and Practice Hub.

The Hub is the only one of its kind internationally and focuses on robust Indigenous-lead research and analysis, policy, practice, and law reform around the workplace experiences of Indigenous people.

Influenced by her Indigenous and culturally diverse heritages in all of her work, Nareen has made a major contribution to awareness and understanding of employment diversity in the Australian employment and wider community as a trade union official (and sat on the Executives of both the ACTU and Unions NSW in affirmative action positions) during that time, as CEO of
two employment diversity peak bodies (NSW Working Women’s Centre and Diversity Council Australia) and as Employment Lead at a large Indigenous consulting firm.

Nareen is one of Australia’s leading and most respected workplace diversity practitioners and thinkers, she has presented nationally and internationally, is a leader of the First Nations employment sector, is a published researcher and author has held and continues to hold numerous government appointments.

Merlin Chandra

Born in Fiji, with Indian, Indigenous Fijian, and Scottish heritage, Merlin grew up on Cabrogal land on Darug country, and now calls Wangal country home, with her young family.

Her career spans over 20 years in the corporate sector across the finance and retail industries in Australia and the UK, focused on cultural change and communication. She’s currently Reconciliation Lead at Endeavour Group, which operates Australia’s largest retail drinks network under the Dan Murphy’s and BWS brands, and the largest portfolio of licensed hotels in communities across the country.

Her work is focused on community engagement, equity, inclusion and allyship to drive respect for and empowerment of First Nations peoples. She’s passionate about how reconciliation and cultural knowledge can unlock broader inclusion, belonging and connection for all Australians.

Jason Timor

Jason is a proud Badu/Waiben Island man from the Torres Strait Islands and an accomplished professional who has provided Indigenous engagement consultancy services for some of the largest organisations in Australia, including EY, Lendlease, Stockland, TikTok, Morgan Stanley, and Foxtel.

Previously, Jason held the position of Deputy CEO at Supply Nation, Australia’s premier supplier diversity organisation, advocating for Indigenous businesses.

Before this role, Jason headed up the Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy for the Qantas Group. Jason is a sought-after strategist and facilitator, with an emphasis on his thought leadership on Indigenous engagement. He is the former Founder and Director of Two Point Co and now the Managing Director of Stonecrab, a leading Indigenous engagement consultancy firm.

Vonda Malone

Vonda Malone was appointed as an Inquiry member to the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry for a three-year term, commencing 1 July 2024.
Member Malone is part of a five-member team independent of government. They aim to foster inclusiveness and mutual respect while also building awareness and understanding of Queensland’s shared history following colonisation. They invite all Queenslanders to walk with them as they work right across the state of Queensland during this Inquiry.

Previously Vonda held the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) from May 2022 to May 2024 and made history as the first female Mayor of Torres Shire Council from 2016-2022.

A Torres Strait Islander woman with connection to Erub (Darnley Island) and Cape York Peninsula.

With more than 20 years of experience working across 3 levels of government, specialising in Indigenous Affairs, she also holds a unique international perspective with both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Nations Office of the Human Rights
Commission, Geneva.

Ms Malone has a particular interest in improving health and wellbeing outcomes for the region.