2026 AISWA First Nations Education Conference

He is Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway at Charles Sturt University, leading national conversations. He is author of eight critically acclaimed books and has received numerous awards for his contributions to journalism and public discourse.

His powerful storytelling and articulate advocacy have positioned him as one of the country’s most influential voices on race, identity, and reconciliation.

A trained secondary teacher, Professor Hill brings both professional expertise and personal insight to conversations about educational access, pathways and opportunity. Having entered university through a non-ATAR pathway, he is a strong advocate for broadening participation and ensuring higher education remains accessible through diverse entry pathways.

Professor Hill is nationally recognised for his leadership in Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ research, and for his work advancing equity, inclusion and student success across higher education.

With over two decades of executive experience across educational, corporate, and community sectors, Tammy brings a fierce commitment to disrupting inequity and reimagining how we lead, learn, and live.

Tammy is internationally recognised for her leadership in Cultural Intelligence, Indigenous governance, and allyship, blending Western knowledge with Indigenous wisdom to create spaces of psychological safety, cultural truth-telling, and relational accountability.

She has co-designed Indigenous Leadership programs in various industries across Australia and Canada, supported hundreds of school leaders to embed truth and culture in curriculum and strategy, and continues to shape national conversations around reconciliation, identity, and inclusion.

Young Yarnz features Elders and knowledge holders. Marlanie’s educational journey includes graduating from WAAPA and working with renowned performing arts companies including Barking Gecko and Yirra Yaakin.

She combines storytelling, education, and cultural leadership to empower young Australians, ensuring they feel seen, respected, and inspired to learn about and appreciate First Nations culture.

Sue-Anne was instrumental in the passing of legislation through the Australian Parliament for the National Commissioner to be enshrined with powers to drive systemic change to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, in effect from 1 July 2026.

As a practised and qualified social worker, Sue-Anne is a recognised leader in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services sector.

Her previous roles include Deputy Chair and Commissioner in Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission; Co-Chair for the Family Matters campaign; Sector Development Manager for SNAICC – National Voice for our Children; and principal practitioner for the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA).

Sue-Anne holds a Master of Social Work and is currently undertaking her PhD at Monash University with a focus on cultural safety in education.

She is the Stan Perron Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Perth Children’s Hospital and The University of Western Australia, and Co-Director of Embrace at The Kids Research Institute Australia.

A respected leader in Indigenous mental health, Helen is also an award-winning author, illustrator, artist and advocate for children’s wellbeing.

Mechelle also works with Western Australia Police Force recruits, drawing on lived experience to promote empathy, care and understanding in responses to victims and their families.

His debut graphic novel, Ubby’s Underdogs, was published by Magabala Books in 2011.

Eszra has toured internationally, delivered youth workshops, created Ole Champ for The West Australian, and continues his storytelling through Hairy Holes.