Australia’s lead body for reconciliation today announced the appointment of two new board members: Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Belinda Duarte AM, and, Wakaid and Meuram woman from the Maluligal and Kemer Kemer Meriam Nations of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), Stacee Ketchell.

Reconciliation Australia co-chairs, Kirstie Parker and Michael Rose welcomed the appointments.

‘Belinda and Stacee will add to Reconciliation Australia’s governance capacity and bring a wealth of new experience to the board.

‘They are both accomplished leaders with histories of passionate advocacy for First Nations peoples and reconciliation.

‘Their experience working with young people and in culture, and sport will certainly add to the board’s deliberations in some challenging times.

“We look forward to working with them both.’

Belinda Duarte AM

Belinda was the inaugural director of the Korin Gamadji Institute and a key mover in establishing the AFL SportsReady’s National Indigenous Employment Program.

The first female executive at Richmond Football Club, in 2012, she was voted Football Woman of the Year. In 2020, she received the Parbin-ata Louisa Briggs Award, for making a significant contribution to reconciliation in the community and served as co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria.

Belinda informed the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group to assist the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and is currently an Honorary, Founding Advisory Member for the Koorie Youth Council.

Belinda is the current CEO of Culture is Life which supports and promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led solutions to affirm and strengthen culture and to prevent youth suicide.

She said that her appointment to the board will allow her to directly influence Australia’s reconciliation journey.

‘Australia is a country with the oldest living culture in the world, and while we are making some progress, we still have a way to go,’ she said.

“I look forward to playing a part in determining Reconciliation Australia’s role in a future where First Nations people are self-determining and respected as the First Peoples of this continent.’

Stacee Ketchell

Stacee was the co-founder and Chair of Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG), a youth-led movement working to amplify the voices of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.

She served as a campaign coordinator for the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice Referendum and recently joined Cape York Partnerships as Manager for Cape Operations and is a 2024-2025 Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader.

‘I am a passionate champion for young people, particularly for initiatives that enable young people to navigate and excel in “two worlds,” both honouring their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage while thriving within the Western system,’ she said.

‘Young First Nations people have so much to share and offer, and everyone has a responsibility to this country to make it better for the next generation.

‘As a young woman from Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) with knowledge of cultural practices and cultural governance I am determined to bring a voice for youth and remote communities to the board.’

Both directors commenced their terms at the Reconciliation Australia Board of Directors meeting held in Canberra late February.