Indigenous Leadership Summit Perth 2026
First In Rates Expire In
The details
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24 - 27 February, 2026 Perth
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Novotel Perth Langley 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000
We’re coming to Perth for the first time!
Voices Rising. Futures Changing.
The Indigenous Leadership Summit 2026 arrives in Perth for the first time. This is more than a summit — it is a call to action to amplify First Nations voices and accelerate real change across Australia’s workplaces and communities.
The reality is clear. Despite progress, the gaps in employment, representation, and leadership for First Nations Australians remain unacceptable. Recognition alone is not enough. It’s time to turn commitment into action.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The Indigenous Leadership Summit 2026 is a powerful platform for change. Bringing together leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers, it creates the space to confront systemic challenges, champion representation, and design solutions that deliver lasting impact.
For aspiring leaders, it’s an opportunity to learn directly from those who have carved a path forward — gaining the insights, tools, and strategies to drive progress in your career, your organisation, and your community.
Our vision is simple: if every attendee takes just one actionable insight from this summit and uses it to spark change, together we will transform the future of leadership in Australia.
Join us in Perth as we move from recognition to action, and from promise to progress.

Your Exclusive Keynote Sessions!

First Openly Lesbian Australian TV Newsreader


Australian National Living Treasure, Yamatji WA
Agenda
Pre-Conference Workshop | 24th February
Pre-conference Workshop 1.
First Nations Leadership Masterclass
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:
- 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 | 25th Fenruary
Conference Day 1
9:00 AM Opening Remarks from the Chair & Acknowledgment of Country
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SESSION 1: OPENING KEYTNOTE ADDRESS
9:40 AM: Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in Leadership and Education
10:30 AM: IT’S TIME….FOR NETWORKING!
10:50 AM MORNING TEA
ESSION 2: EXCLUSIVE KEYNOTE SESSION 11:20 AM: Creating Pathways for Indigenous Participation
This session explores how leaders can open doors and create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous communities. The speaker will highlight the importance of building respectful partnerships, ensuring cultural safety, and fostering environments where Indigenous businesses and jobseekers can thrive. With a focus on long-term outcomes and sustainable inclusion, attendees will learn how leadership can move beyond surface-level commitments to deliver real pathways that empower Indigenous participation and strengthen communities.
SESSION 3: EXCLUSIVE Q&A FIRESIDE CHAT 12:10 PM: The Power of Indigenous Talent and Leadership
This session explores the transformative impact of elevating Indigenous talent and creating pathways to leadership. The speaker will share insights on breaking down barriers, rethinking recruitment and advancement practices, and ensuring Indigenous professionals are supported to thrive at the highest levels of business, government, and community. Attendees will be challenged to move beyond talk of diversity and commit to actions that drive real change, opening doors for Indigenous leaders to shape the future on their own terms.
1:10 PM LUNCH
SESSION 4 2:10 PM: Changing the Game: The Power of Indigenous Talent and Leadership
SESSION 5 3:00 PM: Leadership in Corporate Reconciliation
This session explores how corporate leaders can embed Indigenous perspectives and commitments into meaningful action. Attendees will gain insights into strategies for creating culturally safe workplaces, building respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, and fostering long-term opportunities through inclusive employment and economic initiatives. By highlighting practical approaches and lessons learned, the session demonstrates how genuine leadership in reconciliation can move beyond policy to deliver measurable impact for both organisations and Indigenous peoples
3:50 PM AFTERNOON TEA
SESSION 6: KEYNOTE ADDRESS & Q&A 4:10 PM: Blazing Your Trail: How Being Female, Indigenous and LQBTIQ in Media Shaped My Career and Life
In this session, Narelda Jacobs, a trailblazer as the first gay Indigenous woman on Australian television, will share her unique experiences and insights into how her intersectional identity has shaped her career and life. Narelda will discuss the challenges and triumphs she has faced in breaking barriers in the media industry, and how her identity as a proud Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ woman has influenced her approach to storytelling and advocacy. She will explore the importance of representation in media and the powerful impact that diverse voices can have on society. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how embracing one’s full identity can enrich professional work, foster inclusivity, and drive meaningful change in the community.

5:10 PM END OF DAY ONE & NETWORKING DRINKS
Conference Day 2 | 26th February
Conference Day 2
09:00 Opening remarks from the chair

SESSION 1 9:05 AM: Leadership With Integrity and Impact
This session explores the power of leading with authenticity, cultural strength, and resilience. The speaker will share reflections on the barriers faced, the pivotal moments that shaped their path, and the triumphs achieved by staying true to their values and vision. Attendees will gain insights into how courage and integrity can drive lasting change in leadership and community. This is more than a story of personal achievement. It is a call to future leaders to step forward with purpose, courage, and a clear commitment to creating meaningful impact.

SESSION 2 10:00 AM: Learning, Listening and Leading with Purpose
This session reflects on how leadership often emerges from a deep desire to create change rather than a planned path. The speaker will share insights gained from navigating complex institutions, advocating for accountability, and championing inclusion. Attendees will hear lessons on resilience, humility, and the importance of listening as a foundation for leadership. This is a candid and purposeful reflection on how learning from others, staying true to values, and leading with integrity can inspire future leaders to make their own impact.
10:50 AM MORNING TEA
SESSION 3 11:20 AM: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
This session explores the challenges Indigenous leaders face in navigating systems that were not built for them and the strategies they use to overcome those barriers. Attendees will hear how resilience, advocacy, and cultural strength can transform obstacles into opportunities that pave the way for future generations.
SESSION 4: KEYNOTE ADDRESS 12:10 PM: Finding Your Path and Helping Your Community to Find Theirs: A Story of One of Australia’s Most Loved Film and Television Personalities
Ernie is a passionate advocate for his people and is vigilant about the portrayal of Aboriginals in f ilm and television. He has won numerous awards and accolades and in 1997 was declared one of Australia’s Top 100 national living treasures. His talents as an actor, television host, reporter and comedian have made him one of Australia’s best known and most loved performers. In this exclusive session, Ernie will discuss how he found his own path to success to become one of Australia’s most recognised performers, what he does now to give back to his community and how others can learn from life lessons to find their own path.

1:00 PM LUNCH
3:20 PM END OF CONFERENCE
SESSION 5 1:50 PM: Resilience Through Representation
Representation matters, but it is not without struggle. This session highlights the importance of Indigenous voices at the decision-making table and the personal and professional challenges that come with pushing for change. Attendees will learn how authentic representation can inspire communities and reshape system
SESSION 6: EXCLUSIVE FIRESIDE CHAT Q&A 2:40 PM: Building Pathways for Indigenous Leadership in Construction
Georgiou Group is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through employment, training and business partnerships. In this session, a senior leader will share how the company integrates Indigenous engagement into major projects, supports career development both on site and in professional roles, and builds strong, respectful relationships with communities. Attendees will hear practical insights on fostering inclusion, growing Indigenous leadership and creating lasting impact beyond project delivery.

3:40 PM AFTERNOON TEA
SESSION 7 3:50 PM: Accidental Leadership: Learning, Listening and Leading with Purpose
4:30 PM END OF CONFERENCE
Post-Conference Workshop | 27th February
Post-Conference Workshop
09:00 Post-conference Workshop 1. 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

13:30 Post-conference Workshop 2. Writing and developing an effective Reconciliation Action Plan
Reconciliation Action Plans make a massive difference across all sectors in Australian workplaces. RAPs are a powerful tool for advancing reconciliation in Australia. RAP frameworks assist organisations to foster relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations, and the broader Australian community, all the while embedding respect for the world’s longest surviving culture. By developing a nationally recognised, tried and tested model for workplaces to formalisecommitments to reconciliation, RAPs help to foster a community of shared value, goals and a common language when it comes to reconciliation. This half day workshop is for organisations at any stage of RAP development, implementation or refinement. It will cover initial development of ideas, activities or programs which align with your particular business or brand and work to support Indigenous communities and people. It will provide advice on all aspects of RAP development around the three pillars of Respect, Relationships and Opportunities including Indigenous employment, recruitment and retention, cultural protocols, developing partnerships and sponsorships, establishing networks and engaging with Indigenous communities in your organisation’s region and more broadly.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Implement a tried and tested framework that is proven to drive reconciliation through practical actions
- Turn your organisation’s good intentions into action by formalising your organisation’s commitment to reconciliation
- Reaffirm institutional integrity by embedding an engaging framework contributingtowards good governance practices
- Join a dynamic, supportive and fast growing network of RAP organisations
- Gain greater esteem as an employer of choice and build a more dynamic and diverse workforce
- Enable your staff to develop greater cultural awareness and professional development practices that will strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders
- Ensure more effective and relevant service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander peoples and communities
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Key Benefits of attending
- How to rise into leadership roles without leaving culture behind
- Strategies to create real career progression for Indigenous staff — not just entry-level roles
- What culturally safe leadership looks like in practice, from boardrooms to community spaces
- How to embed Indigenous perspectives into decision-making and governance
- The skills and mindset needed to lead deadly in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous settings
- What the next generation of Indigenous leaders need — and how to support them
Who Should Attend
- Current and Future Indigenous Leaders
- Senior Management to CEO
- HR, Diversity and Indigenous Development
- Procurement and Supply Chain
- Education
- Up & coming indigenous staff and leaders
- Local, State and Federal Government
- Community Engagement Roles
Highlights from our past events
Fuel the Momentum!
“Join us at the Women in Leadership Summit 2024, a dynamic platform for connection, inspiration, and empowerment.
This summit is not just about discussing change; it’s an active force in creating it. Tailored for both emerging leaders and established executives, the summit features a range of exclusive keynote sessions, engaging panel discussions, and interactive Q&A segments, all designed to provide actionable insights for your leadership journey.
With a lineup of distinguished speakers from Australia and around the globe, each session is a fountain of knowledge and inspiration. Immerse yourself in the wisdom of trailblazing women from diverse backgrounds who have overcome challenges, shattered barriers, and crafted legacies. Gain invaluable insights from these pioneers who share not only their successes but also the obstacles and lessons learned along the way.
Seize this unique opportunity to network with professionals and be part of a community driving the future of leadership. Whether you are advancing in your career or steering organisational change, this summit serves as the catalyst for your personal and professional development.”
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Dana Lightbody
Director, The Leadership Institute
Your Keynote Speakers
Leadership potential is within everyone, let us unlock the leader in you.
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
Your Keynote Speakers
Leadership potential is within everyone, let us unlock the leader in you.
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
.png?width=212&height=212&name=Frame%2023%20(4).png)
Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
.png?width=212&height=212&name=Frame%2023%20(4).png)
Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
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Tennis Commentator & Former World #4 Tennis Champion
Value Event Partners

F-magazine
F-magazine celebrates Australian female success across ages, industries, and lifestyles.
Launched on International Women’s Day 2018, the online magazine – www.f-magazine.online – is supported by a weekly e-newsletter, emailed to 26,000 plus readers each Monday. F-magazine is published by Queensland Magazines, which has three print plus online publications, INDULGE eat. live. play, The West End Magazine, HIGHLIFE Downs Living and The Prestige Property Magazine online.

F-magazine
F-magazine celebrates Australian female success across ages, industries, and lifestyles.
Launched on International Women’s Day 2018, the online magazine – www.f-magazine.online – is supported by a weekly e-newsletter, emailed to 26,000 plus readers each Monday. F-magazine is published by Queensland Magazines, which has three print plus online publications, INDULGE eat. live. play, The West End Magazine, HIGHLIFE Downs Living and The Prestige Property Magazine online.

F-magazine
F-magazine celebrates Australian female success across ages, industries, and lifestyles.
Launched on International Women’s Day 2018, the online magazine – www.f-magazine.online – is supported by a weekly e-newsletter, emailed to 26,000 plus readers each Monday. F-magazine is published by Queensland Magazines, which has three print plus online publications, INDULGE eat. live. play, The West End Magazine, HIGHLIFE Downs Living and The Prestige Property Magazine online.

F-magazine
F-magazine celebrates Australian female success across ages, industries, and lifestyles.
Launched on International Women’s Day 2018, the online magazine – www.f-magazine.online – is supported by a weekly e-newsletter, emailed to 26,000 plus readers each Monday. F-magazine is published by Queensland Magazines, which has three print plus online publications, INDULGE eat. live. play, The West End Magazine, HIGHLIFE Downs Living and The Prestige Property Magazine online.

F-magazine
F-magazine celebrates Australian female success across ages, industries, and lifestyles.
Launched on International Women’s Day 2018, the online magazine – www.f-magazine.online – is supported by a weekly e-newsletter, emailed to 26,000 plus readers each Monday. F-magazine is published by Queensland Magazines, which has three print plus online publications, INDULGE eat. live. play, The West End Magazine, HIGHLIFE Downs Living and The Prestige Property Magazine online.
Your Incredible Speaker Line-Up
Event Partners

Monash Business School and the William Cooper Institute are renowned for their dedication to pioneering research, transformative teaching, and innovative endeavors. With a commitment to global engagement and community involvement, they champion Indigenous leadership and cultural understanding, empowering future leaders and catalysing change.The Master of Indigenous Business Leadership course exemplifies their commitment to educational advancement within Indigenous communities.

At Charles Sturt University, inclusion is one of our values. Guided by the ethos ‘yindyamarra winhanganha’ – a Wiradjuri phrase meaning ‘the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in’ – we’re dedicated to fostering a respectful community where everyone is empowered. We also believe that inclusion is a collective endeavour. That’s why we embed cultural competence and Indigenous knowledge into all undergraduate degrees. Learn to foster inclusivity through our tailored programs. Enhance your leadership skills and immerse yourself in a course specifically designed to deepen your understanding of First Nations culture. Together, we can create a world worth living in.

Reading Opens Doors – that is, doors to future opportunities and choices. Our purpose is to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote communities to provide the tools and resources they request to shape the direction of their children’s literacy future. ILF supports remote Communities across Australia.
You can see where we work and what programs are running on our interactive Community Map.
Testimonials
IPEA
Very practical and applicable to my work.
September 2023
Department of Defence
Absolutely outstanding event. The concepts about Leadership and what organisations are doing gives me hope for my grand-children that the support is out there
September 2023
Training Services NSW Aboriginal Initiatives
These deadly women inspired me yesterday to have more confidence to take a leap in my career and ensure that I follow what I love.These deadly women inspired me yesterday to have more confidence to take a leap in my career and ensure that I follow what I love.
September 2023
ACT Govt - CMTEDD
IT was great to hear practical information about RAPs
September 2023
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Fantastic presentations, I love their approach to creating employment initiatives moving forward.
September 2023
Australian Electoral Commission
You all did amazing!!
September 2023
NAB
Wow! Took it all in, and has given me lots to think about. Inspirational!
September 2023
Universal Music Australia
Being from the Music Industry - I was very surprised to find out such a incredible Foundation was linked to Yothu Yindi. I will definitely be looking into this Foundation much more from today.
September 2023
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
It was so nice to hear from Indigenous voices and leaders throughout the event. Loved the important message of getting & staying “EDUCATED” whilst strengthening Culture and Leadership is important to me as we compete in two worlds
September 2023
IPEA
Very practical and applicable to my work.
September 2023
Department of Defence
Absolutely outstanding event. The concepts about Leadership and what organisations are doing gives me hope for my grand-children that the support is out there
September 2023
Training Services NSW Aboriginal Initiatives
These deadly women inspired me yesterday to have more confidence to take a leap in my career and ensure that I follow what I love.These deadly women inspired me yesterday to have more confidence to take a leap in my career and ensure that I follow what I love.
September 2023
ACT Govt - CMTEDD
IT was great to hear practical information about RAPs
September 2023
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Fantastic presentations, I love their approach to creating employment initiatives moving forward.
September 2023
Australian Electoral Commission
You all did amazing!!
September 2023
NAB
Wow! Took it all in, and has given me lots to think about. Inspirational!
September 2023
Universal Music Australia
Being from the Music Industry - I was very surprised to find out such a incredible Foundation was linked to Yothu Yindi. I will definitely be looking into this Foundation much more from today.
September 2023
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
It was so nice to hear from Indigenous voices and leaders throughout the event. Loved the important message of getting & staying “EDUCATED” whilst strengthening Culture and Leadership is important to me as we compete in two worlds
September 2023
IPEA
Very practical and applicable to my work.
September 2023
Department of Defence
Absolutely outstanding event. The concepts about Leadership and what organisations are doing gives me hope for my grand-children that the support is out there
September 2023
Training Services NSW Aboriginal Initiatives
These deadly women inspired me yesterday to have more confidence to take a leap in my career and ensure that I follow what I love.These deadly women inspired me yesterday to have more confidence to take a leap in my career and ensure that I follow what I love.
September 2023
ACT Govt - CMTEDD
IT was great to hear practical information about RAPs
September 2023
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Fantastic presentations, I love their approach to creating employment initiatives moving forward.
September 2023
Australian Electoral Commission
You all did amazing!!
September 2023
NAB
Wow! Took it all in, and has given me lots to think about. Inspirational!
September 2023
Universal Music Australia
Being from the Music Industry - I was very surprised to find out such a incredible Foundation was linked to Yothu Yindi. I will definitely be looking into this Foundation much more from today.
September 2023
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
It was so nice to hear from Indigenous voices and leaders throughout the event. Loved the important message of getting & staying “EDUCATED” whilst strengthening Culture and Leadership is important to me as we compete in two worlds
September 2023
BLOGS
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2025 MELBOURNE
-
28 - 31 May, 2025
-
Marvel Stadium, 740 Bourke St, Docklands VIC, 3008