Indigenous Leadership Summit Melbourne 2025

Pre-Conference Workshop | 17th June

09:00 First Nations Leadership Masterclass

This one-day masterclass is designed specifically for Indigenous staff and future leaders to rise to greater levels of influence, responsibility, and decision-making. It will challenge your assumptions, and expand and develop your mindset, skillset and toolsets to become a more effective leader whilst navigating some of the challenges Indigenous professionals can face in the workplace.

Throughout the day, you will explore frameworks and tools, emotional intelligence, develop your unique leadership style, navigate workplace cultural challenges, learn powerful verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and exert your personal influence and build a foundation for positive influence and success.

Key Course Takeaways:

• Understand the value and importance of leadership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Confidence you need to navigate your role and engage with multiple stakeholders
• Internalise leadership styles, qualities, and behaviours
• Develop strategic leadership skills that are effective & informed by both Indigenous culture & Western best practice
• Deepen cultural awareness & identity in the context of business leadership
• Take Away practical skills such as negotiating, problem-solving and above-the-line thinking
• Develop your unique, authentic leadership style
• Influence and engage with others with more impact and presence
• Deepen & broaden your worldview and ability to coordinate different perspectives
• Contribute to the development of Indigenous leaders and staff within your organisation

Conference Day 1 | 18th June

09:00 Opening Remarks from the Chair & Acknowledgment of Country

09:10 Traditional Welcome to Country

09:20 Welcome Dance and Smoking Ceremony

09:40 The Ongoing Fight for Indigenous Recognition and Equality

n a post-Voice world, the fight for Indigenous recognition and equality continues—and few have been as relentless in this pursuit as Marcia Langton.
In this session, she reflects on the lessons learned from decades of advocacy, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and how to keep pushing forward despite setbacks. With deep insight and unwavering commitment, Marcia shares what it takes to create lasting change and why the conversation about Indigenous rights is far from over.

10:40 NETWORKING SESSION

11:10 MORNING TEA

11:30 Excellence in sport, advocacy and Indigenous Pride

Patty Mills, an NBA champion renowned for his Indigenous advocacy, emphasizes the significance of Indigenous representation and advocacy in sports. His unique perspective is shaped by his experiences as the third Indigenous player for the Australian national team and a distinguished career across three NBA teams, where he set records for the most 3-point scores and the highest number of NBA games played by an Australian. Mills will underscore the pivotal role of sports in empowering Indigenous communities, building resilience, and enhancing cultural pride. Sharing his path to embracing Indigenous identity, Mills will explain the personal importance of his advocacy efforts and their impact on his community.

12:20 From Footy to Fan Favourite: The Rise and Rise of Tony Armstrong

From the footy field to the Gold Logies, Tony Armstrong has built a career that transcends sports, winning over audiences with his authenticity, humour, and unwavering sense of purpose. In this session, Tony shares how he turned the end of his AFL career into the start of something bigger, navigating the cutthroat world of Australian sports journalism and proving himself in an industry where opportunities are scarce. He also reflects on the projects closest to his heart, using his platform to champion Indigenous voices and make an impact beyond the screen.

13:20 Lunch

14:20 Changing the Game: The Power of Indigenous Talent and Leadership

Rachelle is on a mission to change the game for Indigenous professionals. As the founder of Pipeline Talent, Australia’s only 100% Indigenous-owned executive recruitment agency, she’s opening doors at the highest levels of business, government, and beyond.

With her recent launch of Dreamjobz, she’s creating new ways for First Nations talent to connect with the right opportunities—on their terms. In this keynote, Rachelle shares her journey, the barriers she’s breaking, and why organisations need to rethink how they attract and support Indigenous leaders. It’s time to stop talking about diversity and start driving real change.

15:10 The crucial role leadership place in Elevating Indigenous Potential

A great CEO understands the pivotal leadership plays in amplifying promotional avenues for Indigenous staff. This session illuminates a journey of fostering organic talent, integrating cultural insights, and instilling confidence within Indigenous professionals. By delving into real-world strategies and success stories, attendees will discover the transformative power of visionary leadership that goes beyond token gestures. Here, you’ll understand how genuine commitment and tailored strategies can truly make the difference, setting a gold standard for inclusivity and empowerment in the corporate sphere.

16:00 Afternoon Tea

16:20 Laughing Through Barriers: Steph Tisdell on Comedy, Identity, and Finding Humor in Dark Times

Breaking into comedy is tough—but breaking in as an Indigenous comedian comes with its own unique challenges. With her signature wit and unfiltered honesty, Steph Tisdell shares her journey into the industry, the barriers she’s faced, and how she’s turned adversity into comedy gold. From tackling stereotypes to finding humor in life’s darkest moments, Steph explores the power of laughter as a tool for resilience, connection, and truth-telling.

Conference Day 2 | 19th June

09:00 Opening remarks from the chair

09:05 Making Peace with the Past and Forging a Way Forward

Drawing from her rich life experiences and wisdom, Elder Edwards will guide attendees through the journey of reconciling with historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities. She will emphasize the power of healing, understanding, and mutual respect as foundations for building a brighter, more inclusive future. By sharing strategies for embracing our shared history and promoting dialogue, Elder Edwards aims to inspire a collective effort towards forging paths of unity and progress, showcasing how peace with the past paves the way for a harmonious and empowered future for all Indigenous peoples.

10:00 Pioneering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Fortescue’s Strategic Approach

This session will spotlight Fortescue’s dedicated efforts to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion within the company, with a significant emphasis on the empowerment and progression of Aboriginal employees. Rosli will delve into the triumphs of pivotal programs such as the Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) and Leadership & Excellence in Aboriginal People (LEAP), highlighting their roles in driving the success of Aboriginal employment and development initiatives.

Additionally, he will explore the critical contributions of senior leaders and executives at Fortescue, whose active engagement and leadership have been crucial in realizing the company’s goals for Aboriginal employment rates and the overall success of their development programs, underscoring a comprehensive and committed approach to inclusivity and advancement in the workforce.

10:50 Morning Tea

11:10 Driving cultural maturity levels for systemic change within your organisation

Deanella is a woman on a mission. That mission is to rollout cutting edge cultural intelligence across EY to create systemic change. She’s been at it for 6 years and is still on the learning journey. In this session, Dee will discuss how she has gone about creating an internal, systematic approach to ensuring inclusive harmony between First Nations staff and the wider organisation. This is a practical session – the journey is far from over. Dee will discuss what has worked so far, what hasn’t and what is left to be done, including the balancing of priorities, managing expectations, theoretical Vs experiential approaches. Approaches to overcoming gaps and consultation and doing the work to create truly safe spaces.

12:00 From the Footy Field to Leadership: Strength, Integrity, and Building a Winning Culture

Few figures in Australian sport command the same level of respect and admiration as Mal Meninga. A rugby league great turned leadership mentor, Mal has spent his career proving that true leadership isn’t just about skill on the field—it’s about vision, resilience, and guiding others to greatness.
As both a player and a coach, Mal has built a legacy of excellence by fostering teamwork, accountability, and a strong leadership culture. He knows that success isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about building people up, instilling confidence, and creating a sense of purpose that extends beyond the game.
In this exclusive keynote, Mal will share his personal leadership philosophy, the lessons sport has taught him about resilience and accountability, and how these values translate to leadership in any sector. Whether you’re leading a team, an organisation, or a community, Mal’s insights will inspire you to lead with integrity, build a winning mindset, and create opportunities for Indigenous leadership at every level.

13:00 Lunch

13:40 Empowering First Nations Employees: A Collaborative Perspective

This session explores transformative strategies for uplifting First Nations employees in MercyCare from the viewpoints of both the CEO and the Head of Aboriginal Pathways. Attendees will gain insights into actionable strategies that emphasise a holistic approach, honouring traditional knowledge and values.

Recognising the pivotal role of the corporate sector in advancing recognition and equality for First Nations communities, the discussion aims to foster inclusive workplaces, recognise Aboriginal talent, and create symbiotic relationships driving business innovation and social progress.

14:30 Empowering First Nations Social, Cultural and Economic Development Through Social Enterprise

As a proud Kaurareg Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Thomas personifies the ethos of advocacy and empowerment, dedicated to navigating Indigenous leadership beyond the challenge of losing the Voice to Parliament. Thomas invites you to join him in this pivotal conversation, where he will articulate his vision for unity, strategic planning, and grassroots empowerment.
In this illuminative discussion Thomas will share his vision towards a future where Indigenous leadership not only commands respect but also plays a pivotal role in shaping our shared destiny.

15:20 AFTERNOON TEA

15:40 Empowering First Nations Social, Cultural and Economic Development Through Social Enterprise

In this key session, Assoc. Professor Rick Macourt addresses the need for a paradigm shift towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determined economic development and the Indigenisation and decolonisation of systems of enterprise and government. Using a case study and story-telling methodology, Assoc. Professor Macourt will advocate for a prioritisation of First Nations-led governance in education, business and government, leveraging First Nations knowledges, protocols and ways of conducting business to drive sustainable growth and economic prosperity. Through collective action and empowerment, he envisions a future where First Nations communities thrive, driving positive change and impact for generations to come.

16:30 Leading While Black: Overcoming Hurdles to establishing Aboriginal-owned profit-for-purpose company

Michael shares his inspirational journey overcoming prejudice to establish an Aboriginal-owned profit- for-purpose company. From navigating systemic hurdles to championing Indigenous entrepreneurship,

Michael offers valuable insights on resilience and leadership. Attendees will gain strategies for breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and driving social impact in Indigenous communities. Don’t miss this transformative discussion on overcoming adversity and reclaiming leadership in the face of prejudice.

17:00 END OF CONFERENCE

Post-Conference Workshop | 20th June

09:00 Achieving cultural capability & competency throughout your organisation

The economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples provides a real path to reconciliation – and also allows the strengthening of ethical behaviour whilst working more effectively with Indigenous communities.

This half-day workshop will give organisations and individuals the skills to strengthen ethical behaviour by developing an understanding of obligations and responsibilities to Land and to each other - as Aboriginal people have practised for thousands of years. You will build your cultural capability to work effectively with members of the Aboriginal community and lead Aboriginal staff with greater impact and empathy. Most importantly,you will improve retention of Aboriginal staff, make sure your employers, supervisors, and workplaces understand Aboriginal experience and what they can do to make Aboriginal employment work.

Key Benefits of Attending:

• Gain knowledge and awareness of cultural identity in relation to colleagues, clients, customers, suppliers and the wider community
• Appreciate the different behavioural styles of people from different cultures
• Understand the type of languages (written and spoken) that is generated in a particular field and the cultural assumptions and underpinning language
• Gain a greater attitude of tolerance towards differences
• Upskill your ability to work more harmoniously
• Appreciate Aboriginal approaches to teaching and more effectively with others learning
• Put advice and information into appropriate language for the receiver