sPEAKERS
Keynote Speakers
The Forum includes several high-profile keynote speakers and presenters, including:
Chief Executive Officer
National Indigenous Australians Agency
Jody Broun is an Yinjibarndi woman from the Pilbara in Western Australia, who has maintained strong connections to country, community and culture throughout her life. Jody is passionate about social justice, community led co-design, and making a difference through changing the way government does business with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.
In February 2022, Jody was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency. Previously Jody was Chief Executive of the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO). Following the inclusion of the AHO in the Department of Planning, Industry and and Environment (DPIE), Jody then led work across the Department on Aboriginal Strategy, Our Place On Country, as Group Deputy Secretary Aboriginal Strategy and Outcomes.
Over the past 30 years, Jody has held various senior positions in the government and not-for-profit sectors including: Executive Director Aboriginal Housing and Infrastructure in WA; Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment in WA; Director General Department of Aboriginal Affairs in NSW; and Co-Chair of the National Congress of Australia's First People and Director of NSW and ACT for Australian Red Cross.
Jody has been responsible for delivering community and state wide policy and programs, developing and contributing to national policy reforms, and negotiating national and state government agreements. She has a breadth of experience across housing, health, education, justice, land and culture.
Chair of Indigenous Knowledges and Senior Research Fellow, Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame
Professor Anne Poelina PhD, PhD, MEd, MPH&TM, MA is a Nyikina Warrwa woman from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. She is an active community leader, human and earth rights advocate, film maker and respected academic researcher.
She is Chair and Senior Research Fellow Indigenous Knowledges at the Nulungu Institute Research University of Notre Dame, and Adjunct Professor Indigenous Education Futures, Arts and Society at Charles Darwin University, Darwin.
Anne is the Murray Darling Basin inaugural First Nations appointment to its independent Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences and a member of Institute for Water Futures, Australian National University, Canberra. Among her many awards, Poelina’s global standing was recognised with the 2022 Kailisa Budevi Earth and Environment Award, International Women’s Day and co-winner of the 2023 Zonta Women Taking Climate Action Award.
In 2017, she was awarded a Laureate from the Women’s World Summit Foundation (Geneva) and in 2011 became a Peter Cullen Fellow for Water Leadership.She is a member of the 2024 Indigenous Advisory Committee to the Commonwealth Department Climate Change Environment and Water, Inaugural Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council.
Ricky Archer
Director of National Parks, and previously CEO of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance
Ricky Archer is a a Djungan man from the Western Tablelands region of North Queensland and was appointed to the role of Director of National Parks in November 2023. His prior experience includes serving as the CEO of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, including as a Ranger and an IPA Manager. Ricky holds qualifications in conservation and land management, social science, and management.
Ricky's involvement extends to collaborating with government entities, having served on several Commonwealth committees, including the Indigenous Advisory Committee, the National Landcare Advisory Committee, and contributing to the Samuel review – the independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Ricky is a strong supporter and advocate of the Indigenous Ranger movement and the Indigenous Protected Areas program.
Warlpa Thompson
Warlpa Thompson is a Wiimpitya from Wilcannia with tertiary qualifications in Archaeology and extensive experience working in Cultural Heritage Management.He has developed a unique skillset and insight into complex socioecological issues.Warlpa has a passion for Country, language and for finding solutions and creating positive outcomes, and has done so in his career for over 20 years.
Warlpa is the currently chairperson of Mutawintji National Park (Aboriginal owned) and a director of the Barkandji Native title PBC.
Speakers
Our speakers, presenters and panelists are drawn from a broad range of organisations.
They include land and sea rangers working on fascinating projects, university researchers and representatives of government departments.
The below list is being updated regularly
Ajay Palayil
Ajay began his professional journey at 18 years old, as a deck cadet and swiftly advanced to the position of Master on Chemical/Oil and Gas ships. With a zeal for learning, he pursued an MBA degree at the University of Auckland, in addition to achieving a first-class honours degree in business. In 2011, Ajay became a Port Marine Surveyor in AMSA with a strong drive to enhance marine safety, save lives, and fulfill his duty to contribute positively to society. Ajay works from the Darwin office.
Ajay apart from conducting Port/Flag state inspections is an examiner for all deck exams.
Barry Hunter
Barry J Hunter is a descendant from the Djabugay speaking people of Cairns hinterland. He grew up besides the Barron River in the rainforest near Kuranda. Barry’s experience includes employment in Government conservation agencies, mining and exploration industry, community and not-for-profit NGO’s. With over 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal affairs particularly in areas of land, natural and cultural resource management. He is currently, Chief Executive Officer of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA).
Barry has a Bachelor of Applied Science from Charles Sturt University and has a keen interest in the work community rangers do in looking after land, fire management and cultural heritage. Also having a real passion building community capacity and planning that deliver sustainable social, cultural and economic outcomes within our communities.
Bo Carne
Bo Carne was born in Darwin but is of Jabirr Jabirr and Bardi decent from the Dampier Peninsular in WA.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Sea Company which is made up of membership from across the Anindilyakwa, Tiwi and Northern Land Councils.
Bo was the Director Local Decision Making (LDM) Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet and prior to that worked with NT Fisheries for 17 years.
At NT Fisheries, Bo led the development of many of the Indigenous engagement and development strategies, including Indigenous employment, economic development, resource management and research.
Dr Brad Moggridge
Dr Brad Moggridge is a proud Murri from the Kamilaroi Nation and is a researcher in Indigenous Water Science (qualifications in hydrogeology and environmental science). He is a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, a Governor of WWF Australia and President of the Australian Freshwater Science Society. Brad has won several awards, has presented widely and is on many local and international committees. He is always adding to his 25 years experience in water and environmental science, cultural science, regulation, water planning and management, including policy development, legislative reviews, applied research and project management.
Dr Moggridge recently completed a PhD through the University of Canberra focusing on incorporating the cultural values and perspectives of Australia’s First Peoples (Aboriginal People) into water planning and environmental water management. He also has a Masters of Sciencean MSc Science, Hydrogeology and Groundwater Management from the University of Technology Sydney, aa BSc from the Australian Catholic University, and is a Fellow of the Peter Cullen Trust.
Dale Morris
Dale Morris leads the Indigenous Rangers Coastal Clean-up Project for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The Project focuses on enabling and resourcing Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers to manage ghost nets and marine plastics on coastal Sea Country throughout northern Australia and is a major project under Parks Australia’s Ghost Net Initiative.
With an extensive background in Traditional Owner engagement and on-country project delivery, Dale has a passion for enabling Traditional Owner led management of Sea Country and ocean plastic reduction.
Dr David Coles
Dr David Cole has been actively involved in the drone industry for over 10 years. Starting in 2013 with the founding a commercial drone services company in his hometown of Townsville before pivoting the company to focus on developing the FlyFreely drone management software platform in 2018. Prior to this David was a consulting mechanical and structural engineer. Dr Cole holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy from James Cook University. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He remains at the forefront of industry developments by being an active member of several industry bodies including JARUS, EUROCAE and USAN. His current interests center around airspace integration, automation of regulations and automation of operations for both small and large uncrewed systems.
Desley Thompson
Desley has cultural and ancestral connections to Mamu country of Far North Queensland and agalaka country of North West Queensland. For many years Desley has worked in several Government Departments and non-Government agencies and has a passionate interest in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people progress in whatever field they wish to excel.
Desley commenced work at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in October 2022 and currently holds the position of Advisor Safety Liaison–Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
This role assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander domestic commercial vessel operators understand the AMSA requirements in terms of vessel and operator safety. In this role, Desley encourages representation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have a stronger voice in maritime legislation.
Eduardo Maher
Eduardo Maher is the 2-Way Science Coordinator for the Kimberley Land Council, formerly a Yawuru Ranger for NBY and also a multidisciplinary artist of Yawuru, Jabirr-Jabirr, Bardi-Jawi, and Nyul-Nyul heritage, who merges art, environmental science, and Indigenous storytelling.
Through his work with Theatre Kimberley, Eduardo has had the chance to create site-specific puppetry performances in remote Kimberley communities, integrating local ecological knowledge, traditional stories, and significant animals or events.
Projects like "The Shorebird Quest" and the Big Country Puppets Project spotlight Indigenous culture and environmental issues, engaging local elders, artists, and youth. Eduardo's work for Theatre Kimberley extends to Shinju Matsuri Festival and public roaming performances, amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering environmental awareness.
Currently with his work in 2-Way Science Eduardo has four schools across the Kimberley engaging with their local indigenous ranger groups and working along side them to assist in delivering culturally appropriate and meaning lessons fueled by the goals set forth from the local community that have strong links back to the school’s curriculum.
Eduardo blends technical expertise with traditional knowledge and advocates for environmental conservation across Australia.
Ed Muir
Ed Muir (né Slade) has been a Fire Officer for IDA since 2021 and has worked in the Indigenous land management sector in Western Australia and the Northern Territory since 2017. He gained experience in Borroloola, working with Garawa and Waanyi Garawa rangers and Traditional Ownersin the Gulf of Carpentaria and Barkley region. Ed also has a Master in Heritage Studies and experience working as a Heritage Officer on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island).
Fiona Keighran
Fiona Keighran is the Coordinator for the li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit MABUNJI for the past 10 years however employed with the Sea Ranger Unit since 2010. She is a Garawa woman from Borroloola, Gulf of Carpentaria, NT with connection to the Yanyuwa families.
Working within this field has provided the awareness and knowledge of how important it is to look after country, combined with western science to manage land, river, sea country to have positive outcomes of cultural, social and ecological benefits for Yanyuwa Country.
Previous employment has been with other Aboriginal organisations, in other areas and this position has brought her back to country and work with her own people.
Fiona Maher
Fiona Maher is a proud Palawa woman from Truwana/Cape Barren Island,Lutruwita/Tasmania. She works as a Senior Women’s Sea Country Ranger with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre’s Pakana Land and Sea Rangers.
The Pakana Sea Country Rangers are establishing management programs for the proposed Sea Country IPA, which surrounds Tayaritja/Bass Strait Islands, and extends over the land bridge that connected our Tayaritja islands to northeast Lutruwita/Tasmania.
Fiona has been working in Aboriginal Land and Sea Management for the past decade. She is passionate about her people's rights and responsibilities to care for their Country and culture.
Gayle Heron
In her work with Top Watch Biosecurity, an Initiative of the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Gayle works with Indigenous ranger groups across Northern Australia undertaking biosecurity activities.
As part of the Biosecurity Engagement role, Gayle has responsibilities that include surveillance and monitoring across Animal, Plant and Aquatic biosecurity activities, reviewing ranger observations and facilitating community engagement to increase public awareness on emerging biosecurity threats. Gayle is a proud Larrakia woman and has been working for the Department for more than 10 years.
George Brown
George is a proud Aboriginal man, a descendant of the Waddi Waddi and Wulbunja. George has more than 12 years’ experience in community, engagement, social impact, organisational and workforce development, and park management working across Government and not-for-profit sectors.
George completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Marketing) in 2014, and his postgraduate degree, Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at the University of New South Wales (AGSM and Centre for Social Impact) in 2019. He is currently enrolled at UNSW and Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), completing his Master of Business Administration with a specialisation in social impact - MBAX (Social Impact).
George is a Director of Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council (WBACC). He is also an Advisory Committee Member of Vincentia High School Garindja Barra Barra Bagan Ranger Program. George is passionate about creating lasting pathways and growing the capabilities of Indigenous peoples in the community and land management sector. He contributes at the local schools, as he believes its essential to invest in the future generations and leaders. George currently works for the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water in Parks Australia as the first Traditional Owner Park Manager for Booderee National Park.
Ian Hamm
Ian has overseen major policy and strategic reforms for government and community organisations, including his work with the Australian Government (Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health) and the Victorian Government (Department of Justice, Department of Planning and Community Development, and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources).
He works with people from a vast array of backgrounds, managing complex and sensitive relationships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Ian is now devoting himself to improving the representation of Aboriginal people on boards and other high-level governance, through strategic action, advocacy and mentoring.
Ian is Chairperson of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, First Nations Foundation and Koori Heritage Trust, and President of the Community Broadcasting Foundation. He is also a Director on the Boards of The Healing Foundation, Yarra Valley Water, Inclusive Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mr Hamm is also a sessional panel member on the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and Planning Panels Victoria.
Isacc Palmer
Jackie Gould
Jaclyn Smith
Jacqui Herbert
Jacqui is a former Australian diplomat, having worked with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for over 11 years. She has served overseas in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste, has worked across the Pacific and Africa, and has represented Australia at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She was also the head of the Torres Strait Treaty Liaison Office based on Thursday Island, responsible for the Torres Strait Treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea and supporting Torres Strait leaders and communities to engage on the Treaty. Prior to becoming a diplomat, Jacqui worked for the Queensland Government in a range of policy and program areas.
Jacqui has extensive experience and expertise in foreign affairs, as well as international and community development. Specifically, she has worked on several of Australia’s international development programs on Indigenous issues, water, sanitation and health, climate change, humanitarian, and disaster management. Jacqui has worked tirelessly throughout her career to support positive, self-determined outcomes for Indigenous peoples across the world, as well as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples back home.
As the Executive Officer to CAWI, Jacqui provides strategic advice and support to achieve enduring water rights and interests for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in national water reforms such as the new National Water Agreement, in line with the international and national rights-based instruments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Echuca Declaration. This includes engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities, as well as all State and Territory Governments. Jacqui holds a Bachelor of Health Science, a Masters of Remote and Indigenous Health, a Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies and is currently studying a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management, specialising in Water Management.
Jake Muller
G’day,
My name is Jake Muller although I am known by my nyaparu name in community as Mulzy. I am the men’s Ranger Coordinator for Nyangumarta and have been in my role since May of 2022.
Growing up on a scrub block in the Adelaide Hills, I have always had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. I am right at home working with the Nyangumarta Rangers as they have the same values in family, caring for country and culture as I do. After working as an electrician for the past 13 years, I am over the moon to finally be working on country in a role that has reignited my passion for the land.
My main interests are bush walking, camping, fishing, diving, and hunting which fortunately make up part of my job description! I look forward to the forum and learning what other Ranger teams have to offer.
Janella Isaac
Jock Mackenzie
Senior Program Manager–Wetlands, Coastal and Marine Environments,Earthwatch AustraliaDirector/Co-Founder-MangroveWatch
Jock Mackenzie is a mangrove ecologist and science communicator with 20 years of experience. Jock is passionate about engaging, educating and empowering local communities to protect local mangrove and saltmarsh values from climate change and human pressures through community-led monitoring and action.
In 2009 he co-founded MangroveWatch with Dr. Norm Duke. Since then, Jock has worked extensively with Traditional Owner communities in Australia and the Pacific Islands to develop indigenous-led tidal wetland management plans, informed by traditional, local and scientific knowledge using MangroveWatch methods.
Jock is currently working with a number of Indigenous Ranger groups in Queensland and is a strong advocate for indigenous-led coastal management.
Juliet Seers
Juliet Seers is the Training and Outreach lead at the Atlas of Living Australia, hosted by CSIRO. With more than 10 years’ experience across the environmental and higher education sectors, she is passionate about promoting open and accessible science.Juliet has worked across land management projects through Bush Heritage Australia, Phillip Island Nature Parks and international initiatives in India and Thailand conserving snake and elephant populations.
At the ALA, Juliet leads the Australian Biodiversity Data Mobilisation Program, Industry engagement with the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and is heavily involved in the CSIRO National Collections and Marine Infrastructure Indigenous RAP initiative.
Karrina Nolan
Karrina Nolan is a descendant of the Yorta Yorta people. Karrina is an experienced manager and organiser and has worked as a facilitator, researcher and strategist alongside First Nations communities for over 30 years, supporting people to organise, access resources, share knowledge, and where needed, powerfully intervene to protect country.Karrina leads Original Power, a not-for-profit she founded in 2018 aimed at building the power of First Nations people to self-determine what happens in their communities and on their country in the context of climate change and the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.
In 2021, she initiated the First Nations Clean Energy Network, led by a powerful steering group of First Nations and comprising a strong membership base of First Nations people, communities and organisations in collaboration with industry, investors, unions, academics, legal and technical experts.
The Network aims to ensure First Nations have the opportunity to consent to, participate in and benefit from the clean energy solutions required to transition away from fossil fuels, including just economic development opportunities such as First Nations ownership and equity.
Karrina has focused her research work on the economic dimensions of mining in Aboriginal communities; her Churchill Fellowship on learning about nation building from Native American women in the context of building community power and the energy transition; and her Atlantic Fellowship determining how best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can harness clean energy opportunities.
Larissa Hale
Larissa Hale is a proud Jalunji Warra woman from Yuku Baja Muliku, Cape York. Larissa is the Managing Director and founder of Yuku Baja Muliku Land Corporation, QLD Indigenous Women Rangers Network, YBM Ranger Program, and the YBM Junior Rangers. She is Winner of the Earthshot Prize 2022 and Winner of the Women in Technology Awards 2023. She founded the Queensland Indigenous Women's Rangers Network in 2018 to provide opportunities and exploring career pathways for women who are passionate about caring for their country.
Larissa co-authored a paper looking at how the CVI can be used to assess YBM's key values and climate change impacts. The process, centred around Traditional Owners, incorporates cultural values, risks and management into an established climate change assessment framework (the CVI).
Larissa has taken on numerous leadership and advisory roles on national and international committees. She holds dual positions with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation as Chair of the Traditional Owner Advisory Group and member of the Partnership Management Committee. In this role, she champions for the Great Barrier Reef and advocates for the inclusion of Traditional Owners in its management and care.
Larissa is optimistic about the future of the role Traditional Owners play.
"A major part of what I fight for, is to be able to look after our land, our people, and our future. Pride in our country is linked to caring for our country and our people.”
Dr Leah Talbot
Dr Leah Talbot is an Eastern Kuku Yalanji woman from far north Queensland.
She is an expert on First Nations-led natural resource management and works closely with land and sea managers across Northern Australia. She has experience at connecting the on-groundwork of Indigenous organisations with regional, State and Commonwealth priorities.
Leah is the Research Manager at the Northern Australian Indigenous Sea and Land Management Alliance (NAILSMA). Prior to joining NAILSMA, she was with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and earlier at CSIRO as an Indigenous Social Ecological Researcher.
Leah has a Doctorate in Indigenous governance in Protected Area Management and has a deep perspective on incorporating traditional knowledge into the governance of protected areas. She has worked within the conservation and research sectors for well over twenty years.
As an Indigenous science researcher, she has experience in Indigenous-led and developed methodologies, environmental management, high-level Indigenous negotiations, co-design frameworks and developing participatory planning with Indigenous communities in Indigenous land management. Leah has led and contributed to many research projects particularly those that draw together western and Indigenous science and specifically promote the voice, knowledge and leadership of Indigenous Peoples.
Leah’s expertise and substantial involvement with multiple governmental advisory committees are valuable assets.
Leweena Williams
Leweena Williams is a proud Gumbainggir and Bundjalung woman and is the CEO of the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Through her employment with the Tweed Byon LALC since the age of 17, Leweena has initiated and played a role in numerous projects throughout the Tweed and Byron Shires. She has worked and supported initiatives in Cultural Heritage management/protection with both weed and Byron Shire Council’s.
These include: planning laws at local and state government levels regarding the Tweed Shire Council Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan; state and national recognition via Planning Institute Awards;
Received a State Award and National Commendation on behalf of the Tweed Shire Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee; Natural Resource Management of land and sea/waterways; Cultural Fishing rights protection and management; NAIDOC Week Celebrations; assisting families and individuals in their academic, sporting and career aspirations; working on homelessness and access accommodation, mental health, domestic violence, connection to community and country; collaborating with various Goori and non Goori groups.
Leweena has been involved with the Fingal Coast Care and Land Care groups, playing a significant role to revegetate and protect the natural habitat of the Fingal Peninsula.
Leweena is a representative to Aboriginal Health for the NC Local Health District, NC Primary Health Network, Bugalwena Health, Bugalwena GP and Bulgarr Ngaru. Leweena continues to advocate and lead on the many issues impacting the Goori communities she lives in and works with.
Mark Cowan
Mark Cowan is one of Western Australia’s leading ecologists, based at Curtin University in Perth, WA, and is working within the Resilient Landscapes Hub of the National Environmental Science Program. He is a highly skilled scientist with over 30 years of experience in biological survey and biodiversity conservation implementation with State, National and International experience. He has a long history of working with Indigenous land managers in WA to support decision-making for joint management and to assist in developing programs for land management and conservation objectives. This engagement has always focussed on a collaborative two-way process engaging traditional knowledge with Western science approaches. His extensive expertise in species biology encompasses much of WA’s vertebrate fauna.
Additionally, his significant experience in biological and ecological survey and analysis, as well as his compilation and interpretation of large and complex biological and environmental datasets, has been influential in reserve design and land management for WA. He has provided training and support to a range of groups including State Government conservation staff, Indigenous Ranger groups, academics, and environmental consultants in biodiversity survey, fauna management, and managing biological data. He has also developed a range of software/ data platforms/tools to further support the capture and analysis of biological and environmental information.
Marlee Hutton
Regional Ecologist, Kimberley Land Council
Marlee is a Bardi Jawi woman and the Regional Ecologist for the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) based out of Broome. She works closely with KLC ranger teams to monitor culturally and scientifically significant species, broker science partnerships, build ranger capacity and inform land management. Before her time with the KLC, Marlee worked with CSIRO in the Oceans and Atmosphere unit with a research focus on Indigenous coastal development, citizen science and west Australian dugong populations. Having grown up in the Kimberley, Marlee has a strong understanding of challenges faced by rangers and remote Indigenous corporations. She can offer unique insights into Indigenous-led and partnered science projects.
Marlee is passionate about promoting environmental science careers among Indigenous people, hoping to one day have higher numbers of Indigenous scientists in the industry
Max Fabila is a proud Jabirr Jabirr man and is an Indigenous researcher with a strong interest in addressing social and environmental issues from a creative perspective. Max has experience in research, community engagement and co-design within the Indigenous art, design and creative industries and has worked with several Indigenous communities along the east coast of NSW. He is adapting these approaches to his current role at CSIRO, where he is working with Indigenous communities to bring Indigenous perspectives and Indigenous science to drought resilience and food security research. Max has a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology and Sociology) from the University of Sydney.
Michelle Dunscombe
Michelle Dunscombe, Program Manager of the Bidwern Bujt Uni program, a the partnership with Karrkad Kanjdji Trust, Mimal Land Management, and Warddeken Land Management, enabling on-country, Bininj led learning for Aboriginal Rangers to support a better way to do “both ways” training and development. Michelle is a dedicated community development practitioner and educator with experience in local and state governments, nonprofits, and disaster recovery, Michelle employs asset-based community development and participatory leadership to drive sustainable change and build local partnerships.
As Vice Chair of the International Association for Community Development and an ABCD Institute faculty member, she shares her experience globally. Michelle's passion lies in supporting individual and community self-determination, building resilience, and fostering local leadership.
Michelle is joined by Mitch Carey. Mitch is the Program Coordinator for the Bidwern Bujt Uni bringing his extensive education and community experience across Arnhem Land to the role to support on the job, accessible training for Rangers across Warddeken and Mimal Land Management areas.
Dr Michelle Heupel
Dr Michelle Heupel is Executive Director of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing system (IMOS). She is a research scientist with over 25 years’ experience working on ecology, conservation and management of sharks and fish. Her career has spanned university, public funded research agency, private non-profit research laboratory and collaborative joint ventures. She is a former member of the Australian Threatened Species Scientific Committee and was a member of the Australian Delegation to the Convention on Migratory Species Sharks MOU meetings in 2016 and 2018.
In 2022 she was invited to address the twenty-second meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea, at United Nations Headquarters in New York to discuss how ocean observations can be used in decision-making. Dr Heupel is a current member of the UN Ocean Decade Advisory Board and is considered a national and international leader in the application of ocean data to support policy and decision-making. She is passionate about improving our understanding of ocean conditions to support connections across communities and support a range of applications from management to recreation and culture.
Professor Norman Duke
Professor Norm Duke, MSc, PhD, is mangrove ecologist, specialising in global mangrove plants, climate impacts, vegetation mapping, pollution, carbon capture, impact/recovery assessments, restoration and shoreline monitoring. He has worked on more than 290 peer-reviewed research and technical publications, including expert guide books, such as ‘Australia’s mangroves’.
Norm has held research and teaching leadership positions with James Cook University, the University of Queensland, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.
He currently leads the Mangrove Research Hub at TropWATER Centre, James Cook University, and is CEO Director of MangroveWatch Ltd, a not-for-profit NGO engaging community volunteers and indigenous rangers in applying scientific methods and training for environmental monitoring of tidal wetlands.
Oliver Costello
Oliver serves on various community, state and national boards and committees, including as a Commissioner on the NSW Net Zero Commission, Board Member of Natural Hazards Research Australia, Co-Chair of the National Indigenous Australians Agency Indigenous Rangers Independent Reference Group, Councillor on the Biodiversity Council, National Koala Recovery Board Member, Co-Chair of the Koala Recovery Team First Nations Reference Group and member of the NSW Independent Koala Expert Panel.
Oliver holds a Bachelor of Arts in Adult Education and Community Management from the University of Technology, Sydney. He works to support a range of research, policy, advocacy, education and on ground projects. Previous experience includes setting up the Firesticks Initiative, a program instrumental in promoting the use of cultural fire for landscape management across southeast Australia. He has also provided valuable advice on Caring for Country, natural hazards and climate change that contributed to the recommendations and findings of the NSW Bushfire and Flood Inquiries, and the Commonwealth State of the Environment Report's Extreme Events chapter.
Patricia Nash
Patricia Nash is Director, Apoqnamatmu’k Wksitqamu (working together for Earth) at the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources based in Eskasoni First Nation, Nova Scotia, Canada.
She grew up in the territory of her Haudenosaunee ancestors and has an Honours BSc in Zoology. Trish has worked with First Nation and Inuit communities across Canada to strengthen their voices, identities, and self-determination. Currently she works for the Mi'kmaq to establish the first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in Unama’ki.
Rachel Thorne
Director Enabling Programs, First Nations Water Branch
This unique blend of disciplines has equipped her with a holistic perspective, enabling her to approach complex issues with creativity and analytical rigor.
Rachel's commitment to continuous learning is evident in her pursuit of further education. Earning a Diploma of Project Management from the University of New England, enhancing her ability to manage large-scale projects and lead diverse teams.
Rachel currently serves as the Director of First Nations Strategic Water within the First Nations Water Branch of the Water Division at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Since February 2022, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the Australian Government’s commitment to increasing First Nation Peoples’ ownership of water and ensuring their inclusion in all levels of decision-making.
Before her current role, Rachel served as the Director National Indigenous Water in the Water Division at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
During this time, she was instrumental in developing and coordinating policy responses for Indigenous Water, particularly regarding the National Water Initiative and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Her leadership was crucial in managing Indigenous engagement on water issues nationally and overseeing large-scale environmental projects across multiple Australian states.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rachel is passionate about various interests. She is an International Curator, a World Wide Fund for Nature Environmentalist, and a Child Health and Welfare Editor.
Her love for equestrian activities reflects her appreciation for discipline and harmony with nature.
Rachel Thorne's career is marked by her unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, social justice, and effective policy development.
Racquel Kerr
Racquel is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Boonwurrung woman from central Victoria, currently residing in Boorloo (Perth). She is a cultural consultant with 14 years of experience in the Aboriginal cultural heritage, land management and engagement space, having worked across various technical, engagement and compliance roles in the public and private sector. Her work has seen her in organisations such as GHD, Parks Victoria, DJAARA and the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet, to which Racquel was appointed to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council from 2018-2021 respectively. Her passion is in working with Indigenous communities including her own, to empower, collaborate and create opportunities for capability, business and self-determination that is community owned. Racquel is currently working in engagement and procurement with GHD while honouring her own commitments through Racquel Kerr Consulting, and is appointed as Co-Chair to the NIAA Indigenous Rangers Reference Group.
Reading the Country Team
Presenters: Enid Gallagher, Madeleine Dixon, Helen Wilson, Dione Kelly, Christine Michaels, Alice Henwood and Kim Webeck.
The collective knowledge of the Reading the Country team is immense. Expert trackers, educators and Rangers from across the Warlpiri region have brought their skills and experiences to the development of this training framework. All members of the team have experience and interest in many areas such as hunting, inter-generational teaching, working with schools and in two-way land management. Many have also contributed to research papers, presentations and represented their community on boards and various initiatives.
Rene Woods
Rene Woods, a Nari Nari man from southwest New South Wales, currently serves as a member of the Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests (CAWI). Growing up on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Rene deeply understands the significance of water to his family, community, and way of life. With extensive involvement in Gayini (water) issues for Aboriginal people across the Murray-Darling Basin, Rene is a steadfast advocate for First Nations rights in the region. Now based on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra, ACT, Rene is employed as the Associate Director of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Partnerships at The Nature Conservancy Australia, where he works closely with his Nari Nari Elders to ensure their perspectives are integrated into water planning processes.
Rene has played a pivotal role in advancing recognition of First Nations land and water practices in the Murray Darling Basin, engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for many years. Notably, he holds positions such as Chairperson of the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (2018 to 2020), Vice-chair of the Nari Nari Tribal Council, and has served with organisations including the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Aboriginal Water Initiative (2013 to 2016). His contributions extend to various advisory roles, including the Murrumbidgee Valley Water New South Wales Customer Advisory Group (2018 to 2020) and the National Cultural Flows Research Committee (2013 to 2018), as well as serving as a panel member for former Minister Littleproud’s Independent Panel for the Assessment of Social and Economic Conditions of Murray-Darling Basin communities.
In December 2020, Rene made history as the first Aboriginal person appointed to the Murray Darling Basin Authority Board Member. Rene believes in the collective effort to achieve a strong, healthy river system and healthier communities. He envisions Australia leading the world in developing water management arrangements in partnership with First Nations peoples that address both present needs and future aspirations.
Dr Renee Bartolo
Ross Slater
Samantha Murray
Samantha Murray is the Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA). Samantha is a proud Yilka/Wongutha/Noongar woman who is a Traditional owner of Yilka Country, where Cosmo Newberry Remote Community is based, in the Great Victorian Desert. She has connections to the Goldfields and the broader central desert area.
Samantha joined the IDA to continue with her passionate commitment to supporting people and country of the Australian desert. Her focus is on raising the important profile and voices of Desert Rangers and the vital work they do caring for country.
Sarah Eccles
Sarah is a Wadawurrung woman of the Kulin Nation in western Victoria, who is actively involved in her people’s community work. She has supported the development of their Wadawurrung Country plan and Gobata Dja – Caring for Country team.
She is passionate about fostering collaborations and partnerships between NGOs, government and First Nations communities that can create, equitable, just and sustainable livelihoods determined by community. To see social, cultural, environmental, and economic advancement and well-being for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as the foundations for our future generations.
Sarah has worked alongside First Nations groups in creating their Healthy Country Plans and putting them into action. As a ranger on her own country, she has experienced firsthand the change that community Caring for Country programs can bring.
Other roles she has held include Koori land-based-Business Officer, an independent consultant and an Aboriginal partnership officer at Bush Heritage where she supported the development of the Aboriginal Partnerships program.
Sarah currently works as a Treaty Officer for Wadawurrung, for social enterprise Conservation Management and as a director on The Great Ocean Road Authority Board, drawing from her experience to advocate for the empowerment of First Nations communities and the integration of Indigenous perspectives into policy and decision-making processes.
Professor Stephen van Leeuwen
Professor Stephen van Leeuwen is a Wardandi Noongar man from the Harris Family and has strong cultural connections to Country in the South-west corner of Western Australia.
Professor van Leeuwen is a botanical ecologist, research scientist, senior manager and respected Indigenous leader. He builds collaborative relationships with Traditional Custodians and other land managers to co-deliver novel and enduring outcomes for biodiversity conservation, bio-cultural land management, and the enduring stewardship of Country.
Professor van Leeuwen is committed to ensuring Indigenous Australians have the opportunity to take an active role in the management of their Country, through the co-design, delivery, implementation and evaluation of management programs. He is focused on ensuring the stewardship of Country which has been practiced for millennia not only delivers strong conservation and biodiversity outcomes but also confers benefits to improve the social wellbeing, economic prosperity and cultural security of community while promoting self-determination.
Professor van Leeuwen is Deputy Hub Leader and Senior Indigenous Facilitator of the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Resilient Landscapes Hub. He is based at the School of Molecular and Life Science at Curtin University, WA.
GMY: Stirling King
Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples (GMY) Country is located southeast of Cairns and one of the few places in the world where two world heritage areas connect: the World Heritage Rainforest and World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. GMY Sea Country is situated adjacent to our exclusive determined native title land and located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, comprising of several reefs and the Frankland Islands group. Our Sea Country is a unique ecosystem comprising of seagrass, mangroves, beaches, cays, and reef communities and provides an important nursery and feeding ground for turtles, dugong, marine animals, and migration corridor for humpback whales.
In 2022, GMYPPBC secured funding from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation through a partnership with James Cook University TropWATER to build capacity of GMY Rangers to care, connect and heal GMY sea country. Through our partnership with JCU TropWATER, GMY rangers now have a more active role in holistically managing and monitoring habitats in our Sea Country, particularly dugong and the seagrass habitat they rely on.
GMY rangers and descendants of the Mandingalbay Yidinji People, Stirling King and Djullja Mundraby will share how they’ve been partnering with JCU TropWATER to build their capacity to care, connect and heal GMY sea country.
The Storey Players
In 2017, Tina and Simon Storey created The Storey Player to uncover the many untold stories that make up this vast nation and bring the rich tapestry of Australian history and culture onto the stage. They burst onto the scene with an audacious 17,000-kilometre tour, following the footsteps of John King, the only survivor of the Burke and Wills debacle.
Their groundbreaking show flipped the script, unveiling the untold story of John King, the lone survivor, whose alliance with the Yandruwandha people proved his salvation. But their journey didn't end with applause; it was just the beginning.
Their approach is as innovative as it is inclusive, working hand in hand with Elders and youth alike to ensure these languages are not lost, but cherished for generations to come. Yet, amidst their groundbreaking endeavours, Simon and Tina's hearts remain firmly rooted in the future.
Their deep joy lies in nurturing the next generation of storytellers, cultivating creativity that knows no bounds. For them, the magic of theatre and film isn't just in the performance—it's in the profound impact it leaves on communities, a legacy of timeless tales that will resonate into the future.
Suzanne Thompson
Suzanne Thompson – is very proud of her ancestral bloodlines, and brimming with knowledge of her culture, Australian history, and innovative ways to share her passions with others in a respectful and contemporary way.
With 30 years working in both the government and community sectors Suzanne found herself following in her cultural footsteps as a pioneer for social and economic empowerment, trade, and indigenous self-determination.
She is Founder and Managing Director of Yambangku Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development Aboriginal Corporation (YACHATDAC) which manages a 22,000 Acre Property in Outback Central Western Queensland, she is now redefining the very idea of social enterprise and appropriate cultural trading methods that will ensure a safe and transparent economic future for indigenous people.
Suzanne also volunteers her time as the Chair of the Australian Native Foods and Botanicals (ANFAB) National Peak body and is working directly to secure indigenous interests and right in this rapidly expanding global marketplace. She has just been appointed as indigenous advisor to the Tourism & Events Queensland board (TEQ), and interim secretary for the newly formed Queensland First Nations Tourism Council, the peak body for First Nations Tourism in Queensland.
She is currently fostering support and investment for nature-based economies, including Indigenous Land Management, Carbon Farming and First Foods & Medicines, and the recognition, protection, and renumeration of indigenous intellectual knowledge by industry, simultaneously orchestrating YACHATDAC’S vision to establish the Turraburra Research Institute ‘On Country’ between YACHATDAC, Griffith University, University Partners & key stakeholders.
Suzanne is a key First Nations participant and contributor to the Central Western Queensland Ministerial Round Table for her invaluable insights and connections to Regional Outback Queensland and is very proud to be a member of Landcare Australia’s newly established First Nations working group.
More recently, Suzanne has been appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the First Nations Integrity member to the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee/Carbon Abatement Integrity Committee.
Teagan Shields
Teagan is a proud Arabanna descendant. Her family are displaced people as a result of stolen generation and have lived off country for three generations. She grew up in Newcastle (Awabakal country) and has worked in the public sector across three states.
Teagan has worked in the community engagement and environmental sector for over 15 years including in NSW, QLD and WA as well as at an international level as an ambassador to the World Indigenous Network. She managed and developed the stakeholder engagement strategy for the Regional Services Reform Unit, coordinating the community engagement across WA with remote Aboriginal communities.
Teagan has a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Applied Science and a Masters in Marine Science and Management. She believes the answer to the conservation issues facing Australia lie in the Indigenous-led use of Traditional Knowledge. She is currently undertaking a PhD with the University of Melbourne investigating systemic changes to empower Indigenous Land and Sea Managers in biodiversity conservation. Teagan is an Indigenous Research Fellow at Curtin University, working under the Resilient Landscape Hub for NESP.
Walaaybaa Rangers - Tamworth NSW
The Walaaybaa Rangers are a relatively newly established Aboriginal Ranger team based on Gamilaroi/Gomeroi Country in Tamworth NSW. Walaaybaa roughly translates to “home Country” in the Gamilaraay language.
The Walaaybaa Rangers project employs five full-time Rangers, three school-based trainee positions and a Junior Ranger Coordinator who connects the Rangers’ on-Country work into five local schools.
The Walaaybaa Rangers’ work includes protection and interpretation of culturally significant places, conservation and regenerative environmental programs, building social and cultural connections through education events and access to Country, cross-sector partnerships, and fee-for-service work.
The establishment of the Walaaybaa Ranger team represents a first step in providing dedicated Caring for Country careers within the Tamworth region. The roles allow Aboriginal people to build their cultural knowledge and skills, and connect this knowledge back to Country and its ecology. Via these jobs, the team is able to support the revitalisation of environmental cultural knowledge within the local community, ensuring that young people have the opportunity and capacity to manage Country, in ways that reflect thousands of years of traditional practice, combined with modern science and best practice.
Zaripha Barnes
Women’s Ranger Development Coordinator
Zaripha is a Nyikina woman from the West Kimberley. Currently serving as the Women's Ranger Development Coordinator at the Kimberley Land Council, Zaripha brings over 15 years of experience in supporting women's training and development across various industries.
Raised in the Kimberley, Zaripha intimately understands the challenges women face in the region. She advocates for the inclusion of women rangers in conservation and land management, ensuring their skills are valued. Zaripha's work drives meaningful change, fostering equality and creating opportunities in the Kimberley workforce.
Performers
Further details to followMCs
The Forum will be hosted by:
Gavin Singleton
Project Manager at Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation
Gavin Singleton is the Project Manager at Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation based in Cairns in Far North Queensland. He currently manages the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Ranger Program operating along the coast between Cairns and Port Douglas within the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas. His previous role was in the tourism industry as a Pamagirri Aboriginal Cultural Tour Guide and Performer at Rainforestation Nature Park (CaPTA Group).
Gavin is a passionate cultural, environmental and community development practitioner and is proud of his cultural connections to Yirrganydji (Djabugay Language Nation), Umpila, Kalkadoon, and Wagaman peoples.
Gavin’s expertise and invaluable contributions extend beyond his community. He has been involved in a range of advisory committees, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Indigenous Reef Advisory Committee, Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Traditional Owner Advisory Group, and Cairns Regional Council’s First Peoples Advisory Committee.
Gavin has also presented and performed at various international platforms including the United Nations Oceans Decade Conference in Barcelona, United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poland, TEDx JCU Cairns, United Nations Oceans Conference in New York, and World Indigenous Network Conference in Darwin.
Cissy Gore-Birch
Owner of Kimberley Cultural Connections
Cissy Gore-Birch is a Jaru/Kija woman with connections to Balanggarra, Nyikina and Bunuba country. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Natural Resource Management and has worked in the Aboriginal land management and community development sectors for the past twenty years.
With a strong leadership background in the Kimberley and Australia, Ms Gore Birch’s current appointments include:
- Owner/Operation of Kimberley Cultural Connections Pty Ltd, Interim CEO of Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation
- Co-Chairperson of Indigenous Carbon Industry Network
- Director of Centre for Appropriate Technology
- Director of New Harvest, and Director of Rock Art Australia.
Her former appointments include Chairperson, Aarnja Pty Ltd, Chairperson of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management (NAILSMA), Chairperson, Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, Director, Kimberley Land Council and Councillor, Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.
Ms Gore-Birch continues to advocate for the social, cultural, environmental and economic advancement and for the wellbeing of Aboriginal people through a fair and equitable process.