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Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead Speaker Series
How we can make change for the benefit of all Australians
Join us for our Looking Ahead Towards Reconciliation panel as our speakers discuss how we all have a role to play in reconciliation to make change for the benefit of our communities.
Before Reconciliation Week begins on 27 May, our MC and Jerrinja and Wandi Wandian woman, Shahni Wellington, will lead our panel to discuss the importance of reconciliation and explore meaningful ways to contribute to reconciliation at an individual, community, organisational and government level.
The panel will explore how we can make meaningful change, in our workplaces and our communities with a particular focus on the role of Non-Aboriginal people in the reconciliation process. Panelists will share their experiences and efforts in celebrating Indigenous culture and their role in building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
This event aims to continue the important discussion on reconciliation, linking closely with National Reconciliation Week and the launch of the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan in the coming months.
Our University is committed to building on our proud record in Indigenous higher education, innovation and engagement and to growing genuine relationships through collaboration and partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our regions and beyond.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to our Elders past and present.
- Date: Tuesday 24 May 2022
- Time: 5pm for a 5.30pm start
- Location: The Conservatorium of Music, University of Newcastle, City campus and online
Watch the panel discussion here
MC and Panel Convenor
Shahni Wellington
Communications Specialist, University of Newcastle
Shahni Wellington is a proud Jerrinja and Wandi Wandian woman. She is a media professional, news presenter and journalist, having worked as the ABC’s National Indigenous Affairs Correspondent, host of NITV’s The Point and the inaugural First Nations morning show - Big Mob Brekky. She is currently working as a Communications Specialist with the University of Newcastle.
Panelists
Professor Alex Zelinsky
Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Newcastle
Professor Zelinsky is the Vice-Chancellor and President is the principal executive officer of the University and is responsible for the educational and administrative affairs of the University. Prior to joining the University, Professor Zelinsky was Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist and leader of Defence Science and Technology within the Department of Defence. Professor Zelinsky’s scientific career includes working as a computer scientist, systems engineer and roboticist and spans innovation, science and technology, research, commercial start-ups and education.
Professor SueAnne Ware
Head of School and Dean of Built Environment
Professor Ware is an internationally recognised academic in design practice research. Using her expertise, Professor Ware aims to create physical spaces that challenge public apathy and disengagement and inspire the adoption of a more humanitarian approach to some of society’s most controversial and pervasive issues. Recognising that we all want to have better public places - cities, streets and country towns - Professor Ware wants to understand the needs and wishes of disadvantaged communities and help them regain their voices and create change.
Ross Smart
Chief Commercial Officer, Newcastle Knights
Ross Smart has spent a lifetime in and around sport, as a participant, fan, and administrator. Raised in a rugby league family he first laced on a boot at the age of six, however by his early teens it was apparent that he would never make a living from his on-field endeavours. Turning his attention to his career, Ross studied Communications at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst and in 2005 realised his dream of working in sport as a media assistant at the New South Wales Waratahs. Fast forward to 2022, he has spent 17 of the last 18 years working within professional sporting environments, in either a full or part-time capacity, and since 2018 has held the role of Chief Commercial Officer of the Newcastle Knights.
At the Knights, Ross shares responsibility for the Club’s First Nations engagement including working with community stakeholders on the Knights Draft Reconciliation Action Plan and facilitation of the Club’s Indigenous Advisory Group. A father of teenagers himself, Ross is committed to his family and his region and is focused on doing his bit to make the Hunter a great place to call home.
Karen Iles
Director and Principal Solicitor, Violet Co
Karen Iles is the Founder and Principal Solicitor of Violet Co Legal & Consulting. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity. Her focus on women and Indigenous people reflect two parts of her identity; a woman of Dharug Aboriginal descent.
Violet Co works with businesses and for-purpose organisations to assist them to leverage their core business to positively impact women and Indigeous peoples. This includes looking at a business holistically - how core business offerings, corporate social responsibility initiatives, human resources, supply chain, governance, policy and strategy interrelate. How to enable everyone in the business to connect with a social purpose in their day to day. How small tweaks, connections and relationships can make a difference.
Karen is a Solicitor and Nationally Accredited Mediator. She has completed a Grad Cert Applied Law (Dispute Resolution), Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Women’s Studies). Karen is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has held roles on a number of NSW Law Society Committees. Karen holds a number of Non-Executive Directorships.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.