• Pro Vice-Chancellor First Nations Engagement Professor Tony Dreise will deliver a public, online lecture during National Reconciliation Week
• National Reconciliation Week runs from Monday 27 May until Monday 3 June 2024
• The lecture will focus on the shortfalls of government First Nations policy and other models to consider for improvements to First Nations life outcomes

A Charles Sturt University senior executive leader will deliver a public lecture during this year’s National Reconciliation Week, which runs from Monday 27 May until Monday 3 June.

Charles Sturt Pro Vice-Chancellor First Nations Engagement, Professor Tony Dreise will deliver the public lecture online, titled: Now more than ever, it is high time for greater investment in people, in pipelines of First Nations professionals, and in ‘place’.

The event will take place on Tuesday 28 May from 2pm until 3.30pm. It is open to the public, free to attend and there will be opportunities for audience interaction, including a Q&A session. 

Professor Tony Dreise is a proud member of the Guumilaroi and Euahlayi First Nations of north-west New South Wales and south-west Queensland.

The lecture will explore the policy shortfalls that contribute to Closing the Gaps targets not being met.

According to Professor Dreise, some Australians are supported more than others.

“The so-called ‘Lucky Country’ allows some boats to float and others to sink,” Professor Dreise said.

 “If you are a young person residing in regional or remote Australia, then you are far more likely to experience locational, intergenerational, cumulative and multidimensional disadvantage.”

Professor Dreise will share numerous national and international models on First Nations policy that tackle seemingly intractable or so-called ‘wicked policy problems’. He will discuss holistic place-based frameworks and examine the strong potential that regional NSW and Charles Sturt can bring to this pressing national challenge.

The lecture is an opportunity for all interested in hearing insights on First Nations policy and to deepen their awareness on First Nations culture and history.

Professor Dreise said it is a chance to hear how this context translates into the lived experience of today’s First Nations people. 

“The lecture will ask participants to consider what ‘Now more than ever’ means to them, in the wake of the Voice Referendum defeat last year, and how can they help foster reconciliation,” Professor Dreise said. 

“By fostering a deeper understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge and rights we will build respect and further reconciliation.”

Professor Tony Dreise is an advocate of lifelong learning and a leader in First Nations policy. His career spans thirty years across education, community and government settings. 

The theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week, 'Now More Than Ever', is a reminder to all Australians to continue in the pursuit of justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Sorry Day is recognised on Sunday 26 May. It is a day for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

To attend the Charles Sturt University online, public lecture delivered by Charles Sturt Pro Vice-Chancellor First Nations Engagement, Professor Tony Dreise on Tuesday, 28 May at 2pm, register here.

ENDS