Agenda

Day One | Wednesday 3 September 2025

7:50

Registration and Morning Refreshments

8:30

Welcome to Country

8:40

Welcome Address from the Women Leaders Institute

8:50

Chairperson’s Opening Address

Kate Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Supply Nation

9:00

Grounding Exercise

Grounding Systemic Change in Legacy, Leadership and Reconciliation

9:10

Fireside Chat: Embedding Community-Led Policy and Accountability for Systemic Impact

Embedding Indigenous governance and cultural authority into policymaking to ensure community-led solutions and sustained impact
Unpacking the post-referendum landscape: What does meaningful reconciliation and structural change look like from here?
Strengthening policy accountability frameworks to ensure commitments translate into real outcomes for First Nations women

Moderator: Jessica Bulger, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Indigenous Governance Institute

Antoinette Braybrook AM, Chief Executive Officer, Djirra

Nattlie Smith, Branch Manager Strategic Insights, National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)

9:50

Elders Panel

Standing on the shoulders of Aunties, we look to the wisdom of Elders to understand matriarchal leadership and the cultural foundations that guide First Nations women. Hear their reflections on navigating systems, holding cultural strength, and leading with purpose—offering guidance for the next generations of women shaping change.

Moderator: Kate Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Supply Nation

Aunty Norma Ingram, Chairperson, Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care Program

Aunty Diane Riley-McNaboe, Cultural and Educational Language Leader

Aunty Glendra Stubbs OAM, Aunty in Residence, ID. Know Yourself; Knowmore; University of Technology Sydney

10:30

Building Connections Exercise: Get to know your fellow attendees

10:40

Morning Tea

Driving Systemic Change Through Collective Action

11:10

Panel: Driving Systemic Change Through Collective Action: Advancing Representation and Policy Influence for First Nations Women

Meaningful change requires more than symbolic gestures—it calls for structural reform, shared responsibility, and co-created accountability. This session spotlights how Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders are dismantling barriers through co-creating governance and policy frameworks that move organisations and systems forward.

What are organisations doing to shift token representation to meaningful recognition, influence, and authority at all levels?
How can proactive allyship, listening, and education drive workplace and policy transformation on systemic issues including lateral violence, racism, and microaggressions?
Addressing the cultural load: How are Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders becoming active partners in driving collective change?

Moderator: Kristy Masella, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Employment Strategy

Clare McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Aboriginal Land Council

Naomi Moran, NSW Treaty Commissioner, NSW Government

Kate Jordan, General Counsel & Executive General Manager Company Secretariat, Risk and Governance, Origin Energy

Building Economic Pathways and Intergenerational Wealth

11:50

Case Study: Reimagining Recruitment: Creating a Culturally Safe Platform for First Nations Job Seekers

Learn how Dreamjobz is reshaping recruitment by creating a culturally safe, inclusive platform that connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers to meaningful employment. With 4,000+ registrations in its first two months, this session explores how inclusive design, and collective action can eliminate bias and shift the landscape of Indigenous employment.

Rachelle Towart OAM, Managing Director, Pipeline Talent Pty Ltd and Dreamjobz

12:20

Networking Lunch

1:20

Mini Workshop: Redefining Supply Diversity: Embedding Social Procurement for Lasting Impact

Shifting the conversation from stand-alone supplier diversity to embedded social procurement that delivers strategic and commercial outcomes
Learn how to pitch initiatives or your business by articulating the full value you bring—beyond being First Nations—through impact, capability, and alignment with organisational priorities
Explore how social procurement drives innovation, ESG outcomes, and long-term community impact for organisations

Jenni Walke, Managing Director, Elephant in the Room Consulting

2:10

Panel: Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship: Creating Pathways for First Nations Women and Communities

Hear from women leading purpose-driven businesses, driving procurement reform, and using entrepreneurship as a tool for cultural and economic strength. This session will explore how First Nations women are building community and intergenerational wealth, increasing employment opportunities, and navigating business growth without compromising their values.

Moderator: Deb Barwick, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce

Kristy Masella, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Employment Strategy

Jasmine Newman, Managing Director and Co-Founder, KILLARA Services

Chelsea Brand, Chief Relationships and Experience Officer, Indigital

2:50

Afternoon Tea

Leading with Cultural Integrity, Strength and Self-Determination

3:20

Yarning Circle

Attendees will be able to join one session which offers a safe space to explore lived experiences and leave with renewed clarity, confidence and direction for their leadership journey.

A: Leading with Integrity: How do you put self-determination into practice as a leader?

Phillipa McDermott, Executive Manager Centre of Excellence Indigenous Experience CBA, Commonwealth Bank; Chair, Bangarra Dance Theatre

B: Understanding Financial Literacy: How to build foundational knowledge, talk about money confidently, and make informed financial decisions?

Rina Abbott-Jard, Director Business Services, Modal Planning

C: Fearless and Frank Conversations: How do you speak your truth in corporate Australia as a First Nations woman?

Claire Beattie, Executive Business Management, NAB

4:05

Closing Keynote: Navigating Mainstream Leadership: Walking with Culture, Purpose and Power

Carving a path in systems not built for us: Reflections on navigating power structures while holding firm to cultural values and identity
Standing in truth: How to lead with purpose, navigate public scrutiny, and speak for community while under pressure
Creating space for the next generation: Lessons in visibility, legacy, and using your platform to shift narratives and open doors

Hon. Linda Burney, Former Australian Minister for Indigenous Australians

4:35

Chairperson’s Closing Address

4:40

End of Summit Day One and Community Social Event

Day Two | Thursday 4 September 2025

8:30

Registration and Morning Refreshments

8:50

Welcome Address from the Women Leaders Institute

9:00

Chairperson’s Opening Address

Belinda Cashman PSM, Director Aboriginal Health Strategy, Western Sydney Local Health District

9:10

Grounding Exercise

Creating Culturally Safe Workplaces

9:20

Case Study: Driving Cultural Safety Through Organisational Commitment

Learn how cultural responsibility was embedded at all leadership levels
Explore how procurement, partnerships, and employment pathways were used to deliver tangible community and business outcomes
Hear lessons learned from a RAP committee or initiative that is driven by truth-telling, shared ownership, and visible leadership commitment

Tenielle Rolfe, Inclusion Program Manager | Lead of ANZ’s First Nations employee reference group, Ngarga Wangaddja, ANZ

9:50

Panel: Unpacking What it Means to be a Culturally Responsive and Safe Workplace

Explore how to embed cultural safety into policies, behaviours and systems where First Nations women’s voices are heard and respected
Unpacking what will make the biggest differences for First Nations women to feel culturally safe and empowered to thrive in workplaces
Lessons learned from implementing RAPs: How to develop these as strategic imperatives, and how accountability is embedded across leadership and operations

Moderator: Belinda Cashman PSM, Director Aboriginal Health Strategy, Western Sydney Local Health District

Amanda Maitland-Smith, Director Campus Establishment Projects & First Nations Co-Chair, Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, Bendigo Kangan Institute

Belinda Murdoch, Group Manager First Nations Engagement, Qantas

Tanja Hirvonen, Chief Executive Officer, Thirrili; Board Member, Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association

10:30

Morning Tea

11:00

DAIWS’ Mission to Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women Escaping Violence in Regional Communities

Regional and remote communities face unique barriers when it comes to family and domestic violence. DAIWS shares its frontline experience delivering culturally safe crisis support, safe accommodation, and outreach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across the Top End. Learn how DAIWS is breaking the cycle – offering not just immediate safety, but pathways to independence, healing, and leadership. Discover the ongoing need for support and how your involvement can help expand vital services to reach even more women and families.

Regina Bennett, General Manager, Darwin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Womens Shelter (DAIWS)

Leeanne Caton, Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Housing NT

Healing While Leading

11:20

Fireside Chat : Making Space for Healing and Redefining Resilience

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women continue to lead through generational trauma shaped by colonisation, historical racism, and systemic violence—including the ongoing impact of domestic and family violence. This session explores how self-determination and autonomy for First Nations women are essential to healing and driving change—by investing in culturally safe, community-led solutions shaped by their voices and leadership.

The power of recognising healing as an ongoing part of the leadership journey
Explore how to lead effectively while creating space for rest, reflection, and healing as part of your leadership practice
The importance of community-led, culturally safe solutions to support safety, autonomy, and generational healing
Finding strength in support networks and culture to sustain your leadership and protect your wellbeing

Moderator: Dr Karen Demmery, Chief Executive Officer, Burbirra

Aunty Professor Lynette Riley, Professor and Chair, Aboriginal Education and

Indigenous Studies, University of Sydney; Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee

Donna Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Allied Health Australia

Creating a Legacy and Paving a Way for The Future

12:00

In Conversation: Building Legacy through Leadership, Lived Experience, and Community

How have lived experiences in male-dominated and systemically racist structures shaped pathways and perspectives on leadership?
Exploring self-determination: how can economic empowerment and support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations build a legacy for future generations

Moderator: Belinda Cashman PSM, Director Aboriginal Health Strategy, Western Sydney Local Health District

Jarin Baigent, Chief Executive Officer, Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care Program; Chairperson, Redfern Aboriginal Alliance

12:30

Networking Lunch

1:20

Mentorships and Pathways Showcase: Empowering the Next Generation

Discover how programs, networks, and mentoring opportunities are helping to nurture the next generation of First Nations women leaders. This session will explore practical strategies to build leadership pathways that are culturally safe, visible, and designed to empower women to step into their full potential.

Moderator: Claire Beattie, Executive Business Management, NAB

Georgina Bruinsma, Senior Manager - Aboriginal Leadership and Engagement, Social Futures

2:00

Emerging Leaders Spotlight : Leading with Vision, Voice, and Shaping the Road Ahead

Hear from emerging First Nations women leaders who are challenging systems, navigating cultural responsibility, and stepping into their power. As they share their leadership journeys, you’ll gain insights into how they’re creating impact in their communities, the support needed to help them thrive, and their hopes for the future —for themselves and the next seven generations.

Moderator: Belinda Cashman PSM, Director Aboriginal Health Strategy, Western Sydney Local Health District

Chloe Gunning, Consultant, Cox Inall Ridgeway

Kaylee Hipwell, First Nations Employee Journey Expert, ANZ

2:40

Yarning Circles

Attendees will be able to join one session which offers a safe space to explore lived experiences and leave with renewed clarity, confidence and direction for their leadership journey.

A: Creating Intergenerational Impact: How do we lead in ways that build legacy and shift systems for the next seven generations?

Amanda Maitland-Smith, Director Campus Establishment Projects & First Nations Co-Chair, Reconciliation Action Plan Committee, Bendigo Kangan Institute

B: Intergenerational Mentoring: How do we honour wisdom, share knowledge, and grow together across generations?

Jarin Baigent, Chief Executive Officer, Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care Program

C: Shaping Our Own Path: How do we lead with intention and drive change from where we are on our leadership journey?

Tanja Hirvonen, Chief Executive Officer, Thirrili; Board Member, Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association

3:25

Sharing Session : What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

3:35

Chairperson’s Closing Address

3:40

End of Summit and Afternoon Refreshments

Agenda

Day One | Wednesday 3 September 2025

​

​

​

​

​

Grounding Systemic Change in Legacy, Leadership and Reconciliation

​

​

​

​

Driving Systemic Change Through Collective Action

​

Building Economic Pathways and Intergenerational Wealth

​

​

​

​

​

Leading with Cultural Integrity, Strength and Self-Determination

​

​

​

​

Contact Us