Arthur Alla is a compassionate leader and reconciliation advocate. He founded Red Earth, an organisation that connects people with First Nations homelands and communities in Cape York, Central Australia, the Top End, Lake Mungo, Tasmania and the Hawkesbury.
Mr Alla was inspired to create Red Earth after a year spent volunteering and hearing the stories of Indigenous elders in Cape York. Red Earth has since facilitated over 9,000 student experiences and allowed First Nations communities to earn over $7m in joint-venture partnerships.
Mr Alla’s work fostering understanding between communities has earned him the 2017 NSW Young Australian of the Year award, Young Leader award in the Pride of Australia Awards, and recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. His commitment to positive change is also driven by his personal resilience, notably after a traumatic kidnapping experience in Nicaragua, which deepened his empathy and sense of purpose.
Do you have a favourite quote, motto or piece of advice to give to new graduates?
“Pay very close attention to what you enjoy doing. And I mean literally stay connected to what you feel in your chest. So many of us choose to do things because it might impress our parents and peers, but at the end of the day it pays to be authentic to yourself. The liberating and sometimes terrifying truth is that no one is keeping score.”
Reflecting on your journey to date, what has been your proudest moment?
“The letters we get from Traditional Owners who tell us how much hosting groups on their land has changed their lives.”
