UQ Talks: building bright futures through cultural strength

Join us for a special UQ Talks panel discussion on the vital role family, community and culture plays in supporting the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Hear from our panel of experts in education, community development and advocacy on how we can provide culturally strong foundations to help the next generation thrive.

Held on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, this event will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of UQ's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Event details

Date: Monday 4 August 2025
Time: 4–6pm (talk 4:30–5:30pm, refreshments served before and after)
Venue: Room 1M16, UQ Brisbane City, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane, 4000
Cost: $35 per person which includes talk and refreshments (grazing table and beverages)

Panellists

Antoinette Cole
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in UQ School of Education
Cole has maternal bloodlines to the Torres Strait with connections to Boigu Island and Erub (Darnley Island). Cole's research focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, and exploring the role of culturally responsive pedagogical practices in school leadership.

Keiron Lander
Master of Business Administration '21; Graduate Diploma in Business Administration '20; Graduate Certificate in Business Administration '16
Lander is a proud Mithaka and Dieri Karna from South West Queensland. Lander's career has been dedicated to community advocacy, leadership and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Rhiannon Moreton
Master of Philosophy candidate at UQ Centre for Indigenous Futures
Moreton is Gorenpul joondal from Terangeri (North Stradbroke Island). Moreton's research investigates the current education systems to determine if it can provide safe and empowering education for Indigenous children.

Moderator

Cassandra Diamond
Director of UQ's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
Diamond is a Torres Strait Islander woman who grew up in Millmerran on the Darling Downs in Southern Queensland. Diamond's expertise is in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, education, child protection and community development.