Commissioner Hunter is Australia’s inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, a groundbreaking role focused on promoting and protecting the rights, interests and wellbeing of First Nations children and young people.
A proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, Commissioner Hunter is a graduate of La Trobe’s Master of Social Work and has more than two decades of experience across social services, mental health, and child and family services.
She previously served as Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia’s first formal First Peoples truth-telling inquiry.
Throughout her career, Commissioner Hunter has championed rights-based, culturally safe approaches that support healing, self-determination and better outcomes for children, young people, families and communities.
In her keynote address, Commissioner Hunter will reflect on her experiences advocating for First Nations children and young people, and explore the importance of truth-telling, healing and community-led solutions in driving meaningful systemic change.
“Our children, young people and communities hold extraordinary strength, knowledge and cultural wisdom. When we listen to their voices, honour their experiences and support community-led solutions, we create the conditions for First Nations children and young people to thrive.”
Her connection to La Trobe has also played an important role in her professional journey.
“Completing my Masters was about equipping myself with the tools to be effective. I wanted the qualifications and the knowledge so that I could hold my own in rooms where decisions were being made about our kids and families,” Commissioner Hunter said.
“But I also had to hold on to who I am. My culture, my community, my ways of knowing. La Trobe gave me the space to do both.”
Commissioner Hunter continues to advocate for the voices of children and young people to be central to decisions affecting their lives.
Commissioner Hunter’s keynote will provide an opportunity for students, academics, health professionals and the wider La Trobe community to hear from a leading First Nations voice on the challenges of systemic change, and the possibilities that come with belief, hope and collective action.
Billabongs not Silos Keynote Address: Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter
Thursday 29 October, 5.00pm-7.00pm, Larnangurrak, the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre, Bendigo VIC, Australia
Commissioner Hunter’s address is part of La Trobe Rural Health School, the School of Education and the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Education's, commitment to strengthening understanding, collaboration and culturally safe approaches across rural and regional health and social care.
