ANZ Policy Series | First Nations Leaders in Place-Based Community Development

Join us on Thursday 16 April 6pm for a conversation with First Nations leaders in place-based community development, led by the Australia and New Zealand Caucus in partnership with the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP). Jo Kelly is a proud Dunghutti woman and Executive Director of Learning the Macleay, a backbone community organisation on Dunghutti Country, and Daniel Daylight is a proud Gamilaraay man and CEO of Mounty Aboriginal Youth & Community Services in Mount Druitt on Darug Land.

The discussion will cover: what is "Place-Based" from a First Nations perspective, how can governance structures enable communities to lead, balancing "hard data" with "community data" to inform justice reinvestment, the role of education and intergenerational knowledge transfer, and moving beyond consultation to real authority for First Nations communities.

This event will be catered by HUNAP at HKS. Optional RSVP here: https://forms.gle/xprPvCfg2FwcresM7 . Jo and Daniel will join us on Zoom from Australia, and so it will be a hybrid event - attendees can join on Zoom if they would like: https://harvard.zoom.us/j/98470863249?pwd=GaduHMvOpfuBsjqjdzbjweEhayjZGN.1&from=addon

Bios:

Jo Kelly, a proud First Nations woman from the Dunghutti peoples, brings over 30 years of experience working with government and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. Her career spans education, training, cultural heritage, governance, business planning, out-of-home care, family research, and community development. A qualified teacher, Jo holds a Master of Arts in Indigenous Social Policy, Diplomas in Project Management and Management, and Diploma in Leadership and Management. She is also exploring PhD opportunities to further her impact. Jo is dedicated to building a stronger community, inspired by the legacy of her parents and siblings. A passionate traveller, she draws insights from Indigenous cultures worldwide and has spent time in Canada, New Zealand and North America. Above all, Jo is a proud mother of two. Her daughter is a qualified physiotherapist, and her son is pursuing work and studies in Brisbane. Together, they embody her commitment to growth, learning, and community.

Daniel Daylight is a proud Gamilaraay man and the CEO of Mounty Aboriginal Youth & Community Services in Mount Druitt on Darug Land. His work is focused on backing Aboriginal young people, strengthening community, and pushing for practical change across systems that impact young people’s lives. Daniel has helped support young people to lead Mounty Yarns and the growth of a community-controlled organisation shaped by local young people, families and community. Mounty Aboriginal Youth & Community Services is affiliated with Just Reinvest NSW, an Aboriginal-led justice reinvestment organisation.