Kelly Humphrey is the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at Australian Catholic University (ACU). Kelly is a proud Gomeroi woman who is deeply committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in achieving their chosen futures. With degrees in education and theology, Kelly has developed a strong foundation in teaching, Aboriginal education, educational policy and leadership within Catholic and public school systems. Her research, which focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leaders and leadership, reflects her dedication to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and leadership.

KEYNOTE Adjunct Professor Donna Murray IAHA | CEO

Ms Donna Murray is a proud Wiradyuri and Wonnarua nation citizen with strong kinship ties to South West NSW on the Murrumbidgee river and the Hunter Valley, NSW. Donna is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and was a recipient of the National 2021 Pro Bono Impact Awards in recognition of her contributions to social change.
Donna has formal qualifications in community development, management and Indigenous governance and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors bringing over 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs across various sectors. Donna is actively involved in the education sector as an Adjunct Professor with Charles Darwin University and Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney. She is the Chairperson of Thirrili Ltd a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide postvention service and the Independant Chair of an Indigenous corporate business. Donna works closely with key stakeholders and community participating on several national and state committees focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and education, aged care, disability, workforce development, cultural safety, health policy and system reform.
She has a genuine commitment to community development and Indigenous nation building working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples supporting cultural priorities, practices and aspirations of families, communities and nation groups.

Associate Professor Jessica Russ-Smith
ACU | Deputy Head School, School of Allied Health (ACT) 

Associate Professor Jessica Russ-Smith (she/her) is a sovereign Wiradyuri Wambuul woman. She is an Associate Professor if Social Work, Assistant Deputy Head of the School of Allied Health, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum and Pedagogy Co-ordinator of Social Work, and Chair of the Indigenous Research Ethics Advisory Panel at ACU. She is also an elected non-executive Director for the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). Throughout her career, she has been committed to creating decolonising, critical learning and practice spaces for students, staff and practitioners which honour and are guided by First Nations sovereign knowledges. Jess’s research and teaching relates to Indigenous sovereignty, decolonising higher education and social work, critical disability justice, ethics and AI. Jess is a member of IAHA Research Advisory Committee, the Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) First Nations Advisory Committee, and is a two-time University Medallist.

Associate Professor Michael Reynolds 
ACU | Deputy Head of School, School of Allied Health (NSW) 

Associate Professor Michael Reynolds is based at ACU’s North Sydney Campus on Cammeraygal Country. He holds positions as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curriculum and Pedagogy Coordinator (Physiotherapy) and Deputy Head of the School of Allied Health (NSW). He is also Chair Elect of the Australian Physiotherapy Council, the accreditation and assessment body for physiotherapy in Australia. Michael is completing his PhD at ACU with the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education (IPPE), focusing on enablers of success for Indigenous Australians’ university completion, and how universities can create environments to ensure this success. Michael, a Wiradjuri man, is a strong advocate for First Nations Peoples within the physiotherapy profession in Australia. He was awarded the Indigenous Allied Health Australia Local Champion Award (2023) and Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) NSW Branch Award (2018) in recognition of his contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.