Minister for Indigenous Australians
Four new members have been formally appointed to the Council of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
The appointees bring highly valued cultural, financial, legal and research expertise to the AIATSIS Council and will contribute to the Institute's work promoting knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, languages and stories.
The Council members are:
- Mr Rodney Dillon: Elder of the Palawa Nation, Mr Dillon is an Indigenous Rights Advisor for Amnesty International, member of various not-for-profit boards, and 2024 Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year nominee.
- Ms Jayde Geia: An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyer whose family are Bwgcolman, Gunggandji and Mualgal, Ms Geia is currently Project Manager of the Aurora Education Foundation.
- Professor Lynette Riley AO: A Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi woman and Chair of Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Studies at the University of Sydney and Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee. Professor Riley was a recipient of the Officer of the Order of Australia in 2023 for her distinguished service to education.
- Mr Mark Yettica-Paulson: A Birrah, Gamilaroi and Bundjalung man, Mr Yettica-Paulson specialises in creative and cultural leadership development through his company, Super Native Unlimited, and through his work for Collaboration for Impact.
- Professor Clint Bracknell (Chairperson): A Noongar song-maker, composer and Professor of Music at the University of Western Australia, Professor Bracknell was recently appointed as a member of the First Nations Board for the Arts.
- Michelle Deshong (Deputy Chairperson): A Kuku Yalanji woman, Ms Deshong was appointed by the Queensland Minister for Treaty to the First Nations Treaty Institute Council in April 2024 and was previously CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.
The AIATSIS Council members will each serve terms of up to four years.
Along with the new Councillors, a new Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson have also been appointed:
AIATSIS is Australia's only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led national cultural institution
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:
"AIATSIS is an incredibly valued resource that celebrates and educates Australians about First Nations culture and heritage.
"This accomplished and committed group of First Nations Australians will help lead AIATSIS to tell the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"I congratulate each of the new appointees and look forward to working with them."
