Join us for a FREE Conference Warm-up Session with Barbara Warren
Thursday 10th November 3pm – 5pm
On-Country Experience
2.30pm Meet Reception of West Park Campus
Local Burnie (pataway) man Brendan Murray will take participants on a walk around the local shoreline and bring to light the many First Nations stories that he sees as 'hidden In plain sight', including some unsung 'Fishtraps'.
Brendan is an Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer with The Riawunna Centre for Aboriginal Education at University of Tasmania, Cradle Coast campus.
Brendan is also studying for his Bachelor of History with a view and a passion to further develop his capacity as a First Nations communicator and storyteller.
During the walking tour you will hear of Brendan's connections to the town, his involvement in campaigns to protect Aboriginal heritage and his family's ongoing commitment to celebrating Tasmanian Aboriginal history and culture and supporting contemporary reconciliation initiatives.
Keynote Speaker: Hon Fiona Nash - Regional Education Commissioner
Having grown up in Sydney, Fiona has spent the last couple of decades living and working in regional Australia. For many years she was involved in a farming enterprise in the central west of NSW, which her sons Will and Henry are now running.
She spent twelve years in the federal parliament as a Senator for NSW and also held ministerial positions including Rural Health, and in Cabinet the positions of Regional Development, Regional Communications and Local Government and Territories. She also held the position of Deputy Leader of the Nationals.
From 2018 - 2021 Fiona was the Strategic Adviser, Regional Engagement and Government Relations for Charles Sturt University. Fiona was appointed by the Australian Government as the Regional Education Commissioner in December 2021.
