Indigenous Ambassadors Programme

The aim of the Indigenous Ambassadors Programme is to promote the importance of education, literacy and numeracy to Indigenous students and their parents

Ambassadors are selected for their high profile roles in the areas of education, community leadership, sporting endeavours, health and entertainment.

27 Ambassadors have been selected. It is planned to expand the list to include local and regional leaders.

The Ambassadors have in common experience, leadership skills, commitment to education and recognition in Indigenous communities.

The roles of the Ambassadors may be tailored to suit individual skills, schedules and aspirations. They may include the following:

Utilising their current networks and community links to emphasise the important roles that Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, schools and parents can play in supporting Indigenous children and in encouraging them to achieve their full potential at school. The Ambassadors do this by visiting schools and talking to children, parents and school communities.
Reaching out, with the support of DEST, to an extended network of associations to create opportunities to promote the importance of education, literacy and numeracy to Indigenous students.
Participating in key State and National events involving professional associations, education decision-makers, government policy-making fora, business and community associations and education conferences to improve the understanding of these key decision-makers about the importance of the education of Indigenous students. This involves assisting participants to understand Indigenous perspectives on education and in helping these children overcome barriers to fulfil their educational aspirations. The National Strategy identifies these barriers and outlines what needs to be done to achieve better outcomes for Indigenous students. Ambassadors play a key role in this process by relating their own experiences of overcoming barriers to success.
Accompanying the Australian Government Minister for Education, Science and Training on national, State or Territory events such as visiting schools and communities, launching projects or addressing communities. The Ambassadors provide an Indigenous perspective on education, literacy and numeracy at these events. They also provide a supporting role by attending related events on behalf of the Minister.

The Ambassadors:

ACT
Brendan Church
Tim Goodwin

NSW
Dr Shane Fernando
Jimmy Little
Troy McGrath
Dr Roy Whittaker
Michael O’Loughlin

QLD
Cassandra Adidi
Shayne Blackman
Tiga Bayles
Nancy Mosby
Gary Richardson
Narella Simpson
Tat Whaleboat
Tammy Williams

SA
Dr Alice Rigney
Khatija Thomas

VIC
Kevin Coombs
Corey Murray

WA
Aaron Carle
Dr Jodie Eatts
May O'Brien
Roberta Tacey
Eric Wynne
Dr Jodie Eatts

NT
Naomi Anstess
Ngaire Brown

Contact:

If you have any queries regarding the Ambassadors Programme, please contact:

Ambassadors Programme

Indigenous and Transitions Group