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Speakers

Sandra Creamer

Adjunct Professor

University of Queensland

Travis Cardona

Head of First Nations

National Insitute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

<p class="font_8">Lil Gordon is a proud Ngemba woman from Brewarrina in Northern NSW with 34 years of experience working in and alongside Aboriginal communities.</p>
<p class="font_8">Lil Gordon is a strong, dynamic and accomplished leader. Throughout her career, she has worked in high-level complex environments requiring resilient and focused leadership. Lil’s current endeavours include First Assistant Secretary – First Nations Partnerships with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications & the Arts and Consultant/Facilitator – First Nations Outcomes.</p>
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<p class="font_8">Lil is the former Head of Aboriginal Affairs NSW, Department of Premier & Cabinet where she has led and influenced change in government to support the social, cultural and economic aspirations of Aboriginal people in NSW, making sure their voices are heard and interests represented. Lil led a highly complex and diverse policy area providing expert and strategic advice to the highest levels of the NSW Government about barriers to, and opportunities for, achieving social justice for Aboriginal people and communities in NSW including exceptional leadership in the Aboriginal Affairs Covid response to supporting Aboriginal communities.</p>
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<p class="font_8">Other roles included Director of Partnerships with Aboriginal Affairs, Director of Aboriginal Learning Circle with TAFE NSW, CEO of Barang Regional Alliance and a teacher in high school, Juvenile Justice, and Correctional Centres.</p>
<p class="font_8">In 2023, Lil engaged in the Atlantic Fellowship for Social Equity and completed a Master of Social Leadership.</p>
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<p class="font_8">Lil has plans to continue her leadership path, grounded in her deep connection to culture and her ancestors. Building relationships of equity and ensuring fair exchange in all interactions by applying leadership practices through deeply held ways of knowing and belonging; values-based, collaborative, and curiosity-based approach.</p>

Lil Gordon

First Assistant Secretary - First Nations Partnerships

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Jacara Egan

National Clinical and Cultural Advisor

Headspace

Courtney Burns

Marine Science Intern

Australian Institute of Marine Science

<p class="font_8">Rachelle Towart is a proud Wonnarura woman, born in Blacktown in Sydney, NSW.</p>
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<p class="font_8">As an Indigenous woman with a powerful personal story of the effectiveness of leadership development, Rachelle has elevated awareness of the importance of Indigenous leadership and governance capacity to the national stage.</p>
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<p class="font_8">Moving to the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre in 2004, Rachelle was appointed CEO in 2007 and transformed the organisation, tripling revenue and more than doubling enrolments. In 2016, Rachelle formed Pipeline Talent to build support for emerging Indigenous leaders after recognising the need for an improved range of tailored support programs for Indigenous executives.</p>

Rachelle Towart

Managing Director

Pipeline Talent

<p class="font_8">Kat was born and raised in Indigenous communities in North Queensland and is a descendant of the Mer and Mua people of the Torres Strait Islands. Over the past 30 years, she has gained significant experience working in multinational companies, government agencies and universities in Sydney, London & Edinburgh. Kat worked at City of Sydney (2009-2014) in the Office of Independent Councillors as well as in Council business. </p>
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<p class="font_8">Today Kat is an Indigenous entrepreneur that specialises in Indigenous business and investments. As a Learning Designer, Kat has designed and delivered some of the country’s most innovative leadership programs including the country’s first Political Leadership Incubator for Women of Colour which was funded by Pathways to Politics for Women. She has volunteered for UN Women (2014), served as Board Director for Women for Election (2018-2020) and is currently Board Director for Bankstown Women's Health Centre and Indigenous People's Organisation Australia. Kat is also Indigenous Advisor to Women & Leadership Australia & Generation women.</p>

Kat Henaway

Founder

Politics in Colour

<p class="font_8">Mark Nannup is a Yamatji/Noongar man from Western Australia. Mark grew up in Meekatharra and Port Hedland, and moved to Melbourne in 2013, and within that time he became a board member for the Victorian NAIDOC committee from 2015-2018 and was the first indigenous engagement coordinator for the Midsumma Festival in 2017. He then went on to complete his Bachelors Degree in Acting at the VCA.</p>
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<p class="font_8">Mark has been in some of the biggest cultural change movements in theatre since completing his degree in 2019, starring in the theatre production <em>HECATE (</em>2019), directed by Kylie Bracknell. This production subverts the Shakespeare play of McBeth into an entire version spoken in Noongar language. Then in 2021 Mark went on to voice Lo Wei, in the dubbing of <em>Fist of Fury Noongar Daa,</em> also directed by Kylie Bracknell. This was another first for Australia, where an entire movie was dubbed in the language of Noongar people.</p>
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<p class="font_8">As well as an actor, Mark is a respected community member and change maker, with culture at the heart of everything he does.</p>

Mark Nannup

Community Engagement Facilitator

Michelle Deshong

Managing Director

Deshong Consulting

<p class="font_8">In 2006, Ray Kelly came across a study that would change the course of his career. Prof. Kerin O’Dea has shown that Aboriginal people could turn around type 2 diabetes in 7 weeks. Unbelievably, it was published in 1984. With a strong family history of diabetes in his family, he could not believe that after 15 years in the health industry he had not heard of it. This began a journey to change health policy in Australia. However, most health care professionals and researchers did not believe it was possible. He was described as ‘dangerous’, ‘reckless’, and accused of ‘not understanding the problem’. There were many barriers to overcome, but he didn’t stop!</p>

Ray Kelly

Founder

Ray Kelly Fitness

Laurie Bateman

Acting Senior Constable

Queensland Police Service

Shantelle Thompson OAM

Founder & Chief Empowerment and Visionary Officer

Kiilalaana Foundation

<p class="font_8">As Deputy Director-General for First Nations Strategy and Partnerships, Phillip is responsible for improving education outcomes for Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students. Partnering with Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, the division provides leadership, high-level advice and direction on effective and appropriate policies, services and programs for both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific and mainstream program areas.</p>

Phillip Brooks

Deputy Director-General, First Nations Strategy and Partnerships

Department of Education Queensland

<p class="font_8">Cameron is a Quandamooka man from Moreton Bay, Brisbane with connections to the Githabul People in NSW. From 2013 to 2019 Cameron was the CEO for the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC). Recently Cameron has been undertaking key First Nations projects for Tourism Events Queensland, Tropical Tourism North Queensland and Screen Queensland. He is currently advising the Queensland Government on its Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Committee, its Consultative Committee to establish a Voice to the Queensland Parliament, the Queensland Workforce Roundtable and as a member of the Arts Queensland First Nations Arts and Cultural Panel.</p>

Cameron Costello

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Committee Member

Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport

Clynton Munns

Coordinator - Indigenous Employment Program

Glencore

<p class="font_8">Cindy is an experienced social impact strategist, facilitator, trainer, and networker who connects people and ideas to solve complex problems.</p>
<p class="font_8">Cindy is the Program Director for Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship at Good Return. In this role, she oversees the collaboration between Good Return Limited, its philanthropic partners and Kimberley Jiyigas.  She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra and a non-executive Director at Social Ventures Australia (SVA).</p>
<p class="font_8">She was previously the founding CEO of Mill House Ventures Limited, the ACT Region’s first dedicated social enterprise intermediary and a founding Director of the Social Enterprise Council of NSW and ACT.  Cindy's completed her PhD research at the Swinburne University of Technology on Kimberley Indigenous female entrepreneurship and leadership.</p>

Cindy Reese Mitchell

Program Director, Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship

Good Return

<p class="font_8">Mitch began her career in the Media Industry more than 35 years ago. A lover of dance she studied at the AIDT (Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre in Sydney where she landed her first acting role in Fringedwellers before going onto act in the seminal docudrama Babaqueria.  She was SBS’s first Indigenous Presenter in 1988 and went on to do her cadetship with ABC TV based out of Perth TV news.  Mitch was the first presenter and field journalist for GWN’s long running magazine program Millbindi.  Mitch then turned to a successful period as a Broadcaster for both Indigenous radio stations: Goolarri in Broome and WAAMA 6NR in Perth before settling back with ABC Kimberley as the morning show’s presenter and producer. In the mid 1990’s mitch turned her talents to visual storytelling and made her first short drama ‘Promise’ for the Shifting Sands Short Drama Initiative (SBS TV) she then began making documentaries – many award winning like Jandamarra’s War, and the heartbreaking ‘Whispering in our hearts’ a historical documentary about the Mowla Bluff Massacre in the West Kimberley, Case 442, Saltwater Bluesman, The Healing Sounds of the Bungarun Orchestra and many documentaries for the Ngamapa series with CAAMA. A highly successful award-winning Writer and Director mitch has directed and written a range of dramas and documentaries and theatrical plays: ‘One Day in 67’ and ‘Mutta Car Sorry Business’ with Yirra Yaakin. Mitch continues to write in collaboration with other First Nations and non-First Nations film makers. In 2021 the Australian Film & Television School presented mitch with an Honorary Doctorate for her contribution to the Creative Industries: film and television.</p>
<p class="font_8">Mitch and her sister Ali are well known for the very successful cooking show ‘Kriol Kitchen’ commissioned by NITV and SBS.</p>
<p class="font_8">Mitch is an entrepreneur developing her on range of Native Home Candle and Soap Products under the name Mijinalii Candle Studio.  She is a Maganda Makers Business Club member and continues to work in the space of nurturing the growth of Kimberley Women in business.</p>

Michele Torres

Entrepreneur & Ambassador

Maganda Makers Business Club

<p class="font_8"><em>Jenni Walke is a highly experienced leader and consultant with over 25 years of expertise in business strategy, leadership, and community engagement. As a proud First Nations Bundjalung woman, Jenni brings a unique perspective to her work, blending Indigenous knowledge and modern business strategies to drive meaningful change.</em></p>
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<p class="font_8"><em>Jenni is the founder of Elephant in the Room Consulting, INDIGImesh, and the BImpact Collective. Through these organisations, she has established a reputation as a thought leader in Indigenous engagement and procurement strategies. Since 2021, Jenni has worked with Supply Nation as a facilitator for their corporate supplier diversity programs and First Nations training initiatives, deepening her understanding of the challenges faced by both buyers and Indigenous businesses.</em></p>
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<p class="font_8"><em>Jenni's expertise extends to collaborating with larger corporate clients across diverse industries, including mining, construction, government, and not-for-profit. Her work in cultural engagement, strategy development, and Indigenous business support is setting new benchmarks for inclusive and sustainable practices. Clients such as Anglo American, Thiess, NSW Government, and BMD Group have benefited from Jenni's innovative solutions and her ability to drive transformation.</em></p>
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<p class="font_8"><em>Over the past five years, Jenni has supported the growth and capability development of over 40 Indigenous businesses.  Her commitment to fostering inclusive environments and her proven track record in strategic planning and community engagement align perfectly with addressing significant opportunities and challenges for small businesses.</em></p>
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<p class="font_8"><em>Jenni's qualifications include: Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Advanced Diploma of Personnel and Operations Management, Diploma of Administration, Diplomas of Government (Management) and Security Risk Management. She is also a Certified B Consultant, BCorp Facilitator, SHL Accredited Practitioner, Team Management Systems Accredited Practitioner, and Meta Dynamics Level I Accredited Practitioner. Jenni is a member of the Southeast Queensland Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, a Fellow of the Institute for Learning Professionals, The Coaching Institute, and a Queensland Leaders Alumni</em></p>

Jenni Walke

Founder, Principal Consultant

Elephant in the Room Consulting

<p class="font_8">Thomas Jia, is a descendent of Badu Island on the Western Region of Zenadth Kes (Torres Straits), </p>
<p class="font_8">Guugu Yimidhirr language group and the Wanyurr Majay Yindinji nation.</p>
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<p class="font_8">Thomas is the Principal Consultant of Jarraga FNQ a local business that supports building and </p>
<p class="font_8">strengthening relationship between our First Nations people and the abundance of cultures that </p>
<p class="font_8">make up Australia.</p>
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<p class="font_8">Thomas been working in the sector for over 30 years in the last 15 of those in senior management </p>
<p class="font_8">roles of Youth, Families, and Mental Health. I have been granted Cultural Authority to honour my </p>
<p class="font_8">mother’s and Dad’s stories, that is deeply nestled in the work that Jarraga does. Thomas’s</p>
<p class="font_8">Philosophy is working from an asset and strength-based framework where leading from behind </p>
<p class="font_8">highlights the strengths of individuals, community, and organisations to take centre stage.</p>
<p class="font_8">Thomas’s projects that lead from behind including highlighting the concerns of unsafe gambling of </p>
<p class="font_8">our First Nations communities by being apart of two short videos called “Lets Yarn About Gambling.</p>

Thomas Jia

Principle Consultant

Jarraga

<p class="font_8">Kirsty has three decades of professional experience as an accomplished performing arts practitioner, theatre director, choreographer, movement director, educator and acting coach.</p>
<p class="font_8">A Deakin University(B.Ed), NIDA graduate and Gloria Payton Fellowship recipient, she trained internationally and worked with companies and mentors including Theatre de Complicite, Monica Pagneux, Philippe Gaulier, Sydney Dance Company and DV8.</p>
<p class="font_8">She holds a PhD in Intercultural Alliance and Relationality in theatre rehearsal practice, specialising in Intercultural Australian First Nation’s theatre making. She is currently Associate Director on <em>Three Magpies Perched in a Tree</em> by Aboriginal playwright, director, producer and actor Glenn Shea for its 2024 season at La Mama theatre and Monash University, Melbourne.</p>
<p class="font_8">Professional experience examples: Director/teacher/facilitator NIDA and NIDA Corporate(34 yrs ongoing), The Conservatoire of Scotland, Melbourne University (VCA), Actors Centre Australia, 16th Street Actors Studio, and theatre companies including MTC, STC, Opera Australia, Griffin Theatre Sydney, Belvoir St Theatre Sydney, and La Mama theatre Melbourne. She continues to work as a director/creator/movement director of independent theatre, acting coach, corporate facilitator and educator. She is also a biological mother to two Ngarrindjeri/Wathaurong children.</p>

Dr. Kirsty M Reilly

Theatre and Movement Director, Corporate Coach/Facilitator and Educator

National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

<p class="font_8">Johannah (Yidinji Dulabed Malanbarra/ Meriam-Komet / Irish) is a Cairns based mother, aunty, Aka, social worker and artist who has been surrounded by children and families, professionally and personally, for many years. She acknowledges the importance of holistic wellbeing and how sharing art, food, craft and culture can nurture us as individuals as well as our communities. Johannah recently received a post graduate certificate in Autism Studies and is committed to supporting neurodivergent families.</p>
<p class="font_8">She currently works with <em>For Mothers</em> to deliver culture-inspired programming to mothers and babies. Johannah is particularly interested in healthy cooking, gardening, weaving, plant medicine, textiles and aromatherapy.</p>

Johannah Maza

Co-Founder

Ngamumu

<p class="font_8">Lia is an artist, creative producer, and mama of two who has cultural connections to Samoa and the Luiseño nation in Southern California.  Lia is committed to creating culturally and creatively safe spaces for communities to come together and has over 20 years experience working with children and young people in Youth Arts, Education and Health contexts across urban, regional and remote Australia.</p>
<p class="font_8">Lia currently heads up the For Mothers project which focuses on supporting mothers in their first 1000 days (conception to the age of two) through arts and cultural programming</p>

Lia Pa'apa'a

Co-Founder

Ngamumu

Raymond Rosendale

Australian Indigenous Programs Manager

Movember

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