First Nations Advisory Group meets for the first time
Page last updated:24 September 2026
Members of Geoscience Australia’s First Nations Advisory Group and Geoscience Australia representatives with Uncle Bradley Bell, Ngunnwal Elder and Traditional Owner, gathered in Canberra for the group’s inaugural meeting on 23 September 2026.
Geoscience Australia has welcomed members of its First Nations Advisory Group to Canberra for the group's inaugural meeting.
Established with support from Resourcing Australia's Prosperity initiative, the First Nations Advisory Group provides culturally informed perspectives and strategic advice to support Geoscience Australia's work and strengthen engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.
The Advisory Group brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders with expertise across science, governance, policy, business, cartography, community leadership and STEM engagement. Members bring diverse perspectives and experience that will help inform how Geoscience Australia delivers programs, shares information and builds relationships with communities across Australia.
Geoscience Australia CEO Melissa Harris, said the inaugural meeting marked an important step in Geoscience Australia's commitment to respectful, long-term engagement and meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
‘The establishment of the First Nations Advisory Group marks a significant step forward in our organisational transformation and commitment to respectful and sustained relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’
‘We look forward to listening, learning and working together with Advisory Group members to ensure our work continues to be informed by the voices, knowledge and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’
The Advisory Group supports implementation of Geoscience Australia's strategy, Shaping Our Future: Geoscience Australia Strategy 2026–2036, and contributes to the organisation's broader work to strengthen partnerships, improve accessibility of geoscience information and support informed decision-making.
The Group will meet regularly to provide advice on a range of matters across Geoscience Australia’s priority programs and initiatives, helping to ensure the organisation's work is informed by First Nations perspectives and knowledge.
Learn more about the First Nations Advisory Group and its work.