Adelaide International Women's Day Breakfast
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2025 Guest Speaker: Rachel Perkins    

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.

Senator the Hon Penny Wong



2025 Host: Senator the Hon Penny Wong
2025 MC: Sonya Feldhoff


Previous Speakers:

2024
Annabel Crabb​
Video recording
2023
Ambassador Caroline Kennedy
Video recording
2022
Grace Tame
​Video recording
2021
Natasha Stott Despoja AO
​Video recording
2020
Elizabeth Broderick AO
Video recording
2019
Jane Caro AC
​Video recording and Audio recording
2018
Tanya Hosch
Video recording
2017
​Julia Gillard AC
Video recording and Audio recording
2016
Fran Kelly
Audio recording
2015
Dr Susan Carland
 
2014
Dr Gill Hicks AM MBE FRSA
  
2013
​​Dr Anne Summers AO
 
2012
​Alice Pung OAM
 
2011
​Professor Tanya Monro AC
 
2010
​Sally Sara AM
 
2009
​Evonne Goolagong Cawley AC MBE 
 
2008
​Margaret Pomeranz AM
 
2007
​Prof Larissa Behrendt AO
 
2006
​Kirsty Sword-Gusmao AO
 
2005
Mary Gaudron QC
 
2004
​​Marjorie Jackson-Nelson AC, CVO, MBE
 
2003
Carmel Travers
 
2002
​​Christine Nixon AO APM
 
2001
​Jocelynne Scutt AO
 
2000
​Camilla Cowley
 
1999
Sister Patricia Pak-Poy RSM
 
1998
​Robyn Archer AO, CdOAL
 
1997
Phoebe Fraser
 
1996
Hazel Hawke AO
  ​
1995
Mem Fox AM
  
1994
Dorinda Haffner
  ​
1993
Julia Lester
 
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