Indigenous Leadership Summit Sydney 2025

Pre-Conference Workshop

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

08:45 Opening Remarks from the Chair & Acknowledgment of Country

08:50 Traditional Welcome Dance and Smoking Ceremony

09:20 The Next Chapter: Indigenous Leadership in a Changing Nation

As the conversation around Indigenous representation continues to evolve, so too does the need for bolder, louder, and more visible leadership. This opening keynote will set the tone for the summit by examining how today’s aspiring and established Indigenous leaders can help shape a stronger, more inclusive Australia — not just through visibility, but through influence, strategy, and legacy.

10:10 AM The Role of Leadership in Turning Recognition Into Action

For too long, recognition has been where the story ends. In this session, we explore how leaders can take the next step; transforming recognition into responsibility, and commitment into long-term change. With a deep personal and professional connection to this work, Peter shares insights shaped by over 15 years advising the owner of Pindari WA, as well as leadership roles with Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation, Yamatji Enterprises, Zinfra, and Jemena.
This session will reflect on the power of strong leadership to create tangible pathways, embed accountability into systems, and ensure First Nations voices are not only heard but elevated. It’s a
rallying call for those ready to lead the work and not just talk about it.

11:00 AM It’s Time.....for Networking!

10:20 AM MORNING TEA

11:50 AM The Raging Bull Rises: Leadership, Identity and the Power of Standing Your Ground

Gorden Tallis didn’t earn the nickname “the Raging Bull” by accident. As a State of Origin hero and NRL legend, he led with heart, ferocity, and unshakable belief. In this candid session, Gorden reflects on the lessons he’s learned from the highs and lows of elite sport — from embracing cultural identity, to facing criticism head-on, and learning when to fight and when to lead. He shares why being proud, strong and vocal still matters, and how sport can spark something much greater: lasting change.

12:40 PM Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Senior Leadership for Indigenous Talent 

The leadership gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians remains wide — especially at the C-suite level. This session unpacks the barriers holding back career advancement and shares practical strategies to build talent pipelines, support promotion readiness, and ensure Indigenous professionals aren’t just hired — but are heard, seen, and leading at the highest levels 

1:40 Lunch

2:40 PM Leading with Purpose: Elevating Indigenous Tourism in Australia

Matt shares his journey leading one of the country’s most culturally significant tourism organisations.  With a strong focus on authentic engagement and respectful collaboration, Matthew has championed initiatives like the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow—developed in partnership with the Anangu community—to
bring Indigenous stories to life in powerful new ways. In this session, he reflects on the responsibility of non-Indigenous leaders in Indigenous spaces, the
importance of economic empowerment through tourism, and how culturally respectful leadership can create meaningful impact for communities and travellers alike.

3:30 PM Afternoon Tea

3:50 PM Amplifying Indigenous Voices Through Film and Theatre

Leah Purcell’s has shaped her exceptional career by pushing for the representation of Indigenous stories on screen. Finding the material lacking, Leah will discuss her quest for complex characters led her to write and breathe life into “The Drover’s Wife.” Leah will explore the significance of Indigenous storytelling, its impact on mainstream media, and the personal motivations behind her work. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of conveying authentic Indigenous narratives, highlighting Purcell’s pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of Australian cinema and theatre with her innovative and culturally profound contributions.

4:50 PM END OF DAY ONE & NETWORKING DRINKS

Conference Day 2

09:00 Opening remarks from the chair

09:05  Beyond the Voice: What Leadership Looks Like Now 

In a post-referendum landscape, the path forward requires clarity, resilience, and action. This opening keynote explores what Indigenous leadership looks like in a time of uncertainty — how to keep momentum, rebuild hope, and step into influence regardless of the political climate. It’s about rising strong even when the ground shifts beneath us.

10:00 AM 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.

10:50 Morning Tea

11:10 AM: Educate, Elevate, Empower: The Role of Education in Future Leadership

From early learning to higher education, the path to leadership starts with access and encouragement. This session looks at how we can better support Indigenous students and professionals through every step of their journey, and how education systems — formal and cultural — can be used to lift future leaders into their power.

12:00 PM Representation, Resilience and Rising Above

As one of Australia’s most recognisable faces in fashion, Samantha Harris has broken barriers and redefined beauty standards on her own terms. But beyond the runway, her presence has become a
powerful symbol of Indigenous pride, resilience, and representation. In this inspiring session, Samantha shares her personal journey — from growing up in regional NSW to gracing the covers of national magazines — and the responsibility she carries as a role model for young Indigenous women. Join her for an honest conversation about identity, visibility, and using your platform to lead with strength, purpose and authenticity.

12:50 LUNCH

1:40 PM: The Strength of Allyship and Advocacy from the Top

True inclusion begins with leadership that is visible, committed, and accountable. In this session, James shares how embracing diversity has shaped their leadership approach and created real cultural impact across a large organisation. Diversity strengthens teams, builds trust, and fuels innovation. But
making space for LGBTIQA+ voices requires more than support behind closed doors. It calls for public advocacy, honest reflection, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This session will offer practical guidance on leading inclusively, building psychologically safe environments, and becoming the kind of ally who lifts others as they lead.

2:20 PM The Legacy You Leave: Leading for the Next Generation

As we close out the summit, this final keynote challenges attendees to think long-term. What legacy are you building? Who are you lifting as you climb? What would it look like if we led with the next generation in mind — not just as role models, but as changemakers paving the road ahead? This is your call to action: rise strong, lead deadly, and leave something that lasts.

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