Applications open until 1 May 2024 at 11:59pm

Online information session: Pathways to politics for First Nations women

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islands and Australian flags against a blue sky

Proudly presented by Politics in Colour and Pathways to Politics for Women

If you are a First Nations woman with a passion for political leadership, please join us for this free information session about the transformative opportunities offered by the Pathways to Politics for Women program in all Australian states and territories.

Learn more about what the program offers, how to apply, and hear firsthand insights from other First Nations women who have completed the program (full bios below):

Donisha Duff OAM

Photo of Donisha Duff outdoors wearing a red blazer

Lynda-June Coe

Photo of Lynda-June Coe smiling in front of a gum tree wearing red earrings and a red jumper

Sue-Anne Hunter

Photo of Sue-Anne Hunter wearing a cream blazer and large round earrings, speaking in Parliament

🗓️ Date: Tuesday 26 March 2024
Time: 7:30pm – 8:15pm AEDT
Location: Online (Zoom)
Cost: Free

You will be emailed a Zoom link for the session prior to the event. Please contact our team if you have any issues.

A recording will also be shared with registrants after the event.


About the Panellists

Donisha Duff OAM

Donisha Duff OAM is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman from Thursday Island, Torres Strait.  Her family are Aboriginal (Wuthathi) traditional owners of Eastern Cape York and she also has familial links to Badu, Moa & Mabuiag Islands in the Torres Strait.

Donisha is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN) an independent representative body created to provide a strong and unified voice for Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

She is the Chairperson of the Stars Foundation Limited, a national not-for-profit organisation delivering school-based education programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women. She is a member of the Metro South Hospital and Health Board, the Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board and the Jobs Queensland Board.

Donisha is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at Edith Cowan University, and a recipient of multiple awards and scholarships, including the 2014 National NAIDOC Scholar of the Year and an Order of Australia (OAM) medal in 2024.

In 2022, Donisha was the Federal Labor Candidate for the seat of Bowman in SEQLD. She achieved a swing of 4.7%.

Donisha is an alum of the QUT Pathways to Politics for Women program. Read Donisha’s “Recommendations on your pathway to politics” blog post on our Knowledge Hub here.

Lynda-June Coe

Lynda-June Coe (she/her) is a member of the Blacktown Greens and a proud sovereign Wiradjuri and Badu Island woman from Erambie, Cowra. She is a former secondary teacher and current Research Fellow at Macquarie University where she is undertaking a PhD exploring Indigenous resurgence in NSW.

Lynda-June is a passionate Indigenous Rights activist who has over the past two decades engaged in community-led activism, co-organising and supporting campaigns such as ‘Water is Life’ Climate Action, Black Lives Matter, Stop Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, stop the forced removal of Aboriginal children and Invasion Day rallies.  Lynda-June has been on the streets advocating for Indigenous rights and rights of the oppressed for most of her life. She is not only fighting for First Nations justice but all people who are not accorded the rights of the majority.

Lynda-June is standing as a member of the Greens because their policies hold the government to account. She is proud to stand with a party which principles people before profit and I will continue to grow the movement in NSW and take government to task on the rights of country and community.

Lynda-June is an alum of the UNSW Pathways to Politics for Women program.

Sue-Anne Hunter

Sue-Anne Hunter is a proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman and the Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. She is an Adjunct Professor of Global and Engagement at Federation University and a member of the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice Advisory Board.

A child and family services practitioner by trade, Sue-Anne has over twenty years’ clinical experience responding to developmental, transgenerational and community trauma. She is widely recognised for developing rights-based, transformative practice responses that empower Aboriginal people to heal from the continuing effects and processes of colonisation.

Sue-Anne has extensive experience in the governance and the leadership of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, and her expertise is regularly sought for government inquiries, parliamentary and ministerial advisory committees, academic research projects and media interviews.

Sue-Anne is an alum of the University of Melbourne Pathways to Politics for Women program.


About Pathways to Politics for Women

Applications for the 2024 Pathways to Politics programs are now open nationwide, closing 24 April 2024.

Pathways to Politics for Women is increasing the number of women in Australian politics by equipping diverse women to boldly embrace their political ambitions, thrive as leaders and make a profound contribution to society.

Pathways to Politics helps participants gain confidence and clarity about their future political careers through practical support and guidance provided in a respectful, supported and culturally safe environment.

Programs are open to women across Australia, fully funded through the generous support of philanthropic and university partners. Read more here.

About Politics in Colour

Politics in Colour aims to amplify diversity in politics. They provide workshops and training to assist diverse Australians considering a career in politics and address the challenges facing people from under-served communities. Read more here.

Founding Partners

University Partners