Keynote Speakers

Kelly Humphrey

Kelly Humphrey is a proud Gomeroi woman and the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at Australian Catholic University (ACU). With degrees in Education and Theology, she brings extensive experience in teaching, Aboriginal education, educational policy, and leadership within both Catholic and public school systems. Her prior roles include senior positions in the NSW Department of Education, where she contributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Early Education and Care and K–12 Aboriginal Education strategy, including Closing the Gap initiatives.

 

Kelly is currently pursuing a PhD focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leadership, underscoring her commitment to advancing Indigenous educational leadership. With extensive experience in rural and regional communities, she is dedicated to strengthening connections and addressing diverse community needs. In her role at ACU, Kelly leads initiatives supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, and communities, furthering the university's commitment to Indigenous education and research.

 

Toby Whaleboat

Toby Whaleboat is a senior land service officer (Aboriginal communities) for Hunter Local Land Services in Newcastle, NSW, where he is a member of the eastern Torres Strait Islander community. He is a knowledge-holder, a singer-songwriter and a driving force in Torres Strait Islander sacred music in Newcastle, including a director of music workshops for composers from Indigenous communities in the Hunter Region. As a young boy growing up in Townsville, Toby Whaleboat learned Christian songs with texts in Meriam Mir, Torres Strait Creole and English. Whilst embracing his Christian values and beliefs, Toby instigates cultural maintenance programs with an emphasis on language and song revitalisation. In his role as the land service officer, he assists and supports Aboriginal communities to build and develop their capacity in land management relating to natural resource management, emergency management, biosecurity and agricultural extension.