NSW Treaty Commissioner, Naomi Moran is a proud Bundjlaung and Dunghutti woman and one of three independent Commissioners leading the NSW Treaty Commission. Prior to her role as Commissioner, she served as the CEO of the Koori Mail, Australia’s only fully Aboriginal-owned and operated national newspaper, and has led communities through major moments of community care and national significance.
Naomi brings over 25 years of experience across Indigenous media, governance, and community development. She is a member of the National NAIDOC Committee and the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, and is widely respected for her leadership in cultural facilitation, program design, and systems change.
A powerful advocate, speaker and presenter, Naomi is known for centering truth-telling, cultural integrity, and collective responsibility through deep listening with First Nations people and communities.
Karen Diver is currently serving as the inaugural Senior Advisor to the President for Native American Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
Her previous roles in higher education included serving as a Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Excellence at the College of St. Scholastica and as business development with the Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona.
Karen was also an appointee of President Obama as the Special Assistant to the President for Native American Affairs. As part of the Domestic Policy Council from November 2015 until the end of the Administration.
Karen served as Chairwoman of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa from 2007 -2015, managing the second largest workforce in northern Minnesota and a high capacity Tribal government.
Her current service includes the Great Lakes Fishery Commission as a US Commissioner and US Section Chair, member of the Board of Directors for the Bush Foundation, and Board of Governors for the Honoring Nations Program with the Harvard Kennedy School Project for Indigenous Governance and Development.
She has a Bachelors in Economics from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and a Masters in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
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Katie Kiss commenced as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner on 3 April 2024.
Commissioner Kiss is a proud Kaanju and Birri/Widi woman who grew up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland on the lands of the Darumbal People.
She was previously the Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland’s Path to Treaty, and held senior positions in the Queensland Government, including Chief of Staff to the Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Premier.
Commissioner Kiss also worked for eight years at the Australian Human Rights Commission, where she was the Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Team.
Francis Nona is a proud descendant of the Dhoebaw clan of Saibai Island with strong cultural ties to Badu Island in the Torres Strait. He is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience across clinical practice, community health, and academia.
Francis has previously served as the Director of an Indigenous community-controlled health service and worked as a lecturer and researcher with the QUT Carumba Institute before joining QUT’s School of Medicine. He holds a Nursing degree and a Master of Public Health and is currently completing his PhD with the Faculty of Medicine at UQ.
Grounded in a strong cultural upbringing, Francis brings deep knowledge of cultural engagement and protocol, combined with a broad understanding of the health system as it applies to both First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians. His work is shaped by a commitment to improving health equity, strengthening community partnerships, and embedding cultural perspectives in healthcare and education.
Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner – Andrea Kelly is a proud Warumungu and Larrakia woman with over 30 years of dedicated service in the Australia Public Service. Her career has been distinguished by her commitment to advancing the rights of First Nations peoples through influential roles, including her position as Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Reconciliation Australia. Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, a landmark initiative addressing historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities.
Currently serving as the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, Andrea Kelly leads efforts to advocate for culturally safe aged care services for First Nations communities across Australia. Andrea’s extensive experience and deep cultural insights drive her ongoing work to influence public policy and achieve meaningful change for First Nations peoples.
Preston Campbell OAM is much more than a rugby league legend; he is a beacon of resilience, advocacy, and cultural connection. Known for his electrifying speed, skill, and humble demeanour, Campbell’s illustrious NRL career saw him play 267 first-grade games across four clubs: the Gold Coast Chargers, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Penrith Panthers, and Gold Coast Titans. Among his many accolades, he was awarded the prestigious Dally M Player of the Year in 2001, helped the Panthers secure the 2003 NRL Premiership, and was named NAIDOC’s Aboriginal Sports Star of the Year in 2011.
Campbell’s rugby league journey began with the Inverell Hawks in New South Wales, and his debut season with the Gold Coast Chargers in 1998 marked the start of an extraordinary career. His versatility on the field saw him thrive as a five-eighth, fullback, and halfback, with his performances leaving a lasting impact on the sport. He became the inaugural signing for the Gold Coast Titans in 2005 and later their first life member in 2019.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Campbell’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to the community. Following his retirement in 2011, Campbell dedicated his life to promoting mental health, Indigenous wellbeing, and cultural empowerment. His own experiences with depression inspired him to become an ambassador for those facing similar struggles, providing a voice for the often unheard.
In 2015, Campbell founded the Preston Campbell Foundation, a testament to his passion for creating opportunities and inspiring others. The foundation focuses on reconnecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their culture, fostering a sense of place and wellbeing, and mentoring individuals to achieve their dreams. Through his foundation, Campbell encourages all Australians to “live above the line”, sharing his journey to motivate individuals and communities alike.
Recognised for his tireless efforts both on and off the field, Campbell was awarded the Ken Stephen Medal in 2008 for his contributions to Indigenous communities and, in 2023, the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to rugby league.
Preston Campbell’s story is one of courage, leadership, and the power of using personal triumphs to uplift others. Whether inspiring crowds with his on-field brilliance or fostering hope and connection off the field, Campbell remains a true champion in every sense of the word.
Watch this space for more exciting speakers to be announced!