2025 Guest Speaker: Rachel Perkins
Rachel Perkins, a proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman, is one of Australia’s most significant storytellers, with a career spanning over 30 years. As a writer, director, and producer, she has created acclaimed works such as The Australian Wars, Total Control, Redfern Now, Bran Nue Dae, and First Australians. Her storytelling often focuses on truth-telling, exploring Australia’s shared history and the impact of colonisation through Indigenous perspectives.
In 1992, Rachel founded Blackfella Films, Australia’s premier Indigenous production company. Through this platform, she has brought First Nations stories to the forefront of Australian media. Her landmark documentary series, First Australians, is the highest-selling educational title in Australia, earning prestigious accolades, including the UN Media Peace Prize. She has also directed major television series and films, including Mystery Road and Mabo, both of which have received critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
Rachel’s influence extends beyond the screen. She has served on major industry boards, including Screen Australia and NITV, and has been an advocate for Indigenous language and cultural preservation, supporting projects like the Eastern and Central Arrernte Dictionary. She is also the Chair of the Charles Perkins Trust and Executive Director of Cultural Heritage at the National Native Title Council.
Through her work, Rachel not only inspires the next generation of creators but also champions gender equity and reconciliation. Her dedication to storytelling, education, and advocacy ensures that Indigenous voices and histories remain integral to Australia’s cultural narrative.
In 1992, Rachel founded Blackfella Films, Australia’s premier Indigenous production company. Through this platform, she has brought First Nations stories to the forefront of Australian media. Her landmark documentary series, First Australians, is the highest-selling educational title in Australia, earning prestigious accolades, including the UN Media Peace Prize. She has also directed major television series and films, including Mystery Road and Mabo, both of which have received critical acclaim and widespread recognition.
Rachel’s influence extends beyond the screen. She has served on major industry boards, including Screen Australia and NITV, and has been an advocate for Indigenous language and cultural preservation, supporting projects like the Eastern and Central Arrernte Dictionary. She is also the Chair of the Charles Perkins Trust and Executive Director of Cultural Heritage at the National Native Title Council.
Through her work, Rachel not only inspires the next generation of creators but also champions gender equity and reconciliation. Her dedication to storytelling, education, and advocacy ensures that Indigenous voices and histories remain integral to Australia’s cultural narrative.
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Previous Speakers:
2024 |
Annabel Crabb |
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2023 |
Ambassador Caroline Kennedy |
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2022 |
Grace Tame |
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2021 |
Natasha Stott Despoja AO |
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2020 |
Elizabeth Broderick AO |
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2019 |
Jane Caro AC |
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2018 |
Tanya Hosch |
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2017 |
Julia Gillard AC |
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2016 |
Fran Kelly |
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2015 |
Dr Susan Carland |
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2014 |
Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE FRSA |
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2013 |
Dr Anne Summers AO |
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2012 |
Alice Pung OAM |
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2011 |
Professor Tanya Monro AC |
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2010 |
Sally Sara AM |
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2009 |
Evonne Goolagong Cawley AC MBE |
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2008 |
Margaret Pomeranz AM |
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2007 |
Prof Larissa Behrendt AO |
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2006 |
Kirsty Sword-Gusmao AO |
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2005 |
Mary Gaudron QC |
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2004 |
Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC, CVO, MBE |
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2003 |
Carmel Travers |
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2002 |
Christine Nixon AO APM |
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2001 |
Jocelynne Scutt AO |
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2000 |
Camilla Cowley |
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1999 |
Sister Patricia Pak-Poy RSM |
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1998 |
Robyn Archer AO, CdOAL |
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1997 |
Phoebe Fraser |
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1996 |
Hazel Hawke AO |
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1995 |
Mem Fox AM |
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1994 |
Dorinda Haffner |
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1993 |
Julia Lester |
