2024 National Indigenous Sport Summit Reveals Exciting Line-up of Guest Speakers

The National Indigenous Sports Foundation will host the 2nd National Indigenous Sport Summit (NISS) on Friday 15 November 2024, at Pullman Melbourne on the Park.

Led by Olympian and Australian sprint legend Patrick Johnson the list of speakers and presenters at the 2024 National Indigenous Sports Summit is truly impressive. Patrick will be joined NRL Hall of Famer Katrina Fanning, former professional sports stars Leon Davis, Dean Widders, Paul Vandenbergh with tireless workers for First Nations sport Belinda Duarte, Linda Bamblett, Paul Briggs, Uncle Benny Mills, Gary Murray, Rob Hyatt and more. Join the conversation by purchasing tickets here.

Get to know the full list of speakers and presenters below:

Jaki Adams is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, born and raised in Garamilla, Larrakia Nation (Darwin). She brings nearly 30 years of experience in government and non-government sectors, currently serving as the Director of Social Justice and Regional Engagement at The Fred Hollows Foundation. A Global Atlantic Fellow, Jaki was awarded the ACFID’s Outstanding Contribution to the Sector Award in 2023 for her efforts in promoting health equity and elevating the voices of First Nations people both in Australia and internationally.

Aunty Linda Bamblett, a proud Bangerang/Wiradjuri woman, is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal rights in Victoria, with a focus on youth work and sports. She played a key role in founding the Black Eagles and Victorian Eagles Basketball Clubs, creating elite pathways for Aboriginal athletes, and has been instrumental in organizing major sporting events like the VACSAL Junior and Senior Football/Netball carnivals and the NAIDOC Week Basketball Tournament.

Tracy Barrell, a 2x Paralympic Gold Medallist, has dedicated her life to promoting acceptance and celebrating differences. Tracy is a strong advocate for people with disabilities having led various projects aimed at providing qualifications and job opportunities that leverage their lived experience. 

Rob Bradley is the Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS), a major sponor of the NISF. With over 35 years of experience in sports management, he was the main organiser of NISS in 2017 and 2024 and played a key role in establishing the National Indigenous Sport Foundation in 2020, focusing on increasing support for Indigenous sport and wellbeing.

Paul Briggs, a Yorta Yorta man based in Shepparton, has been a leading advocate for Aboriginal community development since the 1970s. He is the founding president of the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, established in 1988 to promote the vital role of sport in Indigenous communities while supporting the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of its players.

Adam Cassidy is an ally and champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion, with 20 years of experience in local, national, and international sporting organizations. He is the Senior Advisor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Australian Sports Commission, leading initiatives like the Intersectionality Roadmap and the anti-racism education project, "Dealing with the Moment: Anti-Racism in Community Sport." Adam is also the co-host of the Reflect Forward Podcast, which discusses racism through the lens of sport.

Jax Compton is the Senior Advisor of First Nations Capability at the Australian Sports Commission. Jax has held various roles, including Co-founder of Muggera Cultural Enterprise and Cultural Manager for the Team Mills Foundation. With a Master's in Cultural Leadership, she focuses on designing programs and policies that center First Peoples, honoring her elders and impacting the next generation.

Wayne Coolwell, a proud Munanjali man, has been involved in sport for the last 50 years as a competitor, supporter, journalist, and advocate. In 2007, Wayne formed Indigenous Sport Queensland and chaired the inaugural National Indigenous Sport Summit. He is also the inaugural chair and president of the National Indigenous Sports Foundation (NISF). 

Leon Davis is a Whadjuk, Ballardong, Yamatji, Yuat man from Western Australia. In his professional career, Leon earned over 200 caps over 11 seasons at Collingwood Football Club. Off the football field, Leon does not shy away from his commitment to change, taking on the role of Cultural Development Manager at Collingwood FC.

Bo de la Cruz, a proud Gudjula & Erub woman from Darwin, is a trailblazer in touch rugby, becoming the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia at the senior level. She won two World Championships and was named 'Player of the Tournament' at her first World Cup. Bo later switched to Rugby Sevens, helping her team win the 2009 Rugby Sevens World Cup. As a Deadly Choices Ambassador and mother of three, Bo is dedicated to inspiring young Indigenous people to pursue their goals in sport, health, and beyond.

Belinda Duarte is a Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung descendant with Polish and Celtic heritage. As an accomplished leader in elite sport, social equity and First Nations communities, Belinda is CEO of Culture is Life, an organisation which is dedicated to Aboriginal-led solutions for the prevention of First peoples youth suicide.

Katrina Fanning AO, a proud Wiradjuri woman and 2020 Australian of the Year, has dedicated over 25 years to rugby league, playing 26 Tests for Australia and serving as captain of NSW. She is the Chairperson of the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council and President of the Canberra and Australian Women's Rugby League Associations, as well as director at Coolamon Advisors and a strong advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander empowerment.

Rob Hyatt, a proud Wotjobaluk/ Gunai Kurnai man, has over 25 years of experience in government, sport, and community advocacy. In his current role as Manager of Cultural Experiences at the Koorie Heritage Trust, Rob delivers cultural competency and safety training to Governments, private sectors, community organisations, and the general public.

Patrick Johnson, a proud Kaanju man, is a 2x Olympian and the current Oceanian and Australian 100 metres record holder. As the Culture and Safety Advisor to Sport Integrity Australia, he brings extensive experience in advocacy for equal rights and health, along with leadership roles on various boards, including the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee Indigenous Advisory Council.

Uncle Benny Mills is a proud Naghiralgal, Meriam, and Daureb man and the director of Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA), a not-for-profit organization he founded with Aunty Yvonne Mills and son Patty Mills. IBA delivers grassroots basketball programs that empower the community and recently partnered with the University of Queensland to enhance sporting, education, and cultural pathways for First Nations children, focusing on programs rooted in cultural values.

Pauly Vandenbergh, a proud Wirangu and Kokatha man, is the National Indigenous and Multicultural Engagement Manager at the AFL, where he champions diversity in sports. With a successful career in the National Basketball League and extensive experience in various roles at the Port Adelaide Football Club, he is dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through sport and engagement.

This year's Summit, themed "Enough is Enough!", aims to tackle pressing issues facing First Nations people in the realm of sport. Despite their significant contributions at all levels, Indigenous Australians often face barriers and a lack of recognition in the sporting landscape.

Join in the conversation with out panel of star-studded speakers by purchasing tickets here.